Mom and Mind

• 461: Behind the Sessions: Perinatal Mental Health During the Holidays, Part 3, Pregnancy Loss

  This is the 3rd in a four-part Behind the Sessions series about coping during the holidays with various perinatal mental health challenges. Today’s episode focuses on pregnancy loss. If you’re in a time of grief over the loss of a child, you are not alone. Many people are carrying deep feelings of grief and loss during a time when celebrating with sparkles of joy and peace feels painfully out of sync with their reality. You certainly didn’t ask for this, and now you have new, raw feelings to process. All of your feelings are real and valid. Everywhere you look, families are celebrating new babies and expected babies, and you may feel as if there is no safe space for your grief. You are probably experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions and waves of sadness and heartbreak. Let’s talk about how you can cope during this time of extreme pressure to “put on a happy face.” Show Highlights: This holiday season is NOT what you anticipated or prepared for. Most people are unsure of what to say, and many of them will say the wrong things. The love you have (for someone you never got to meet) deserves to be honored. Honor it in whatever ways you feel are best for you. Your body is impacted by pregnancy loss, along with the emotional toll. Don’t feel pressured to “show up” for others.  Two partners can experience and process grief in different ways; this can cause tension in your relationship. There is no right or wrong way to grieve. Don’t feel like you should feel “a certain way.”  Reframe with self-compassion and understanding.  Find meaningful ways to remember your baby and give your grief a place to rest.  Plan ahead for family gatherings by setting boundaries/expectations. Don’t apologize for your grief and deep feelings of sadness. Support groups can be helpful when you’re ready for them. Grief is not linear with nicely packaged stages. Allow yourself to feel your emotions in whatever way works for you.  My hope for you: “Be easy on yourself, approach your grief with compassion, give yourself time to process your feelings, and don’t put pressure or timelines on your healing.” Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• 460: Apoyo Esencial en Español Para el Bienestar Mental Materno

  En este episodio especial en español de Mom in Mind, la Dra. Kat recibe a Karla Cardoza, LMFT, PMFC, RYT200, y a Luisa Shamas de Postpartum Support International. Conversan sobre la importancia de ofrecer recursos de salud mental perinatal cultural y lingüísticamente adaptados para familias hispanohablantes. Karla y Luisa destacan el crecimiento de los grupos de apoyo en español de PSI, comparten experiencias personales y testimonios y explican cómo las familias pueden acceder a ayuda confidencial y compasiva. También enfatizan el valor del apoyo entre pares, la inclusión de parejas y el compromiso de las voluntarias, y destacan la dedicación de PSI a apoyar a familias latinas en todo el mundo mediante una atención accesible y empática. Aspectos Destacados del Episodio:Recursos: Recursos para familias hispanohablantes que enfrentan problemas de salud mental perinatal Importancia de apoyo cultural y lingüísticamente apropiado Rol de las voluntarias y grupos de apoyo en español en brindar asistencia Testimonios de personas que han recibido apoyo de Postpartum Support International (PSI) Importancia del apoyo entre pares en la recuperación de desafíos de salud mental perinatal Expansión y accesibilidad de los grupos de apoyo en español Consideraciones culturales en el cuidado y apoyo perinatal Inclusión de padres y parejas en grupos de apoyo para mejorar la dinámica familiar Red de voluntarias en América Latina, el Caribe y España para un apoyo personalizado Recursos especializados para situaciones únicas, como la terminación del embarazo por complicaciones médicas Conéctate con Karla y Luisahttps://postpartum.net/staff/karla-cardoza/, https://www.yerbabuenawellnessandcounseling.com/,@yerba.buena.wellness Redes Sociales:PSI Español InstagramPSI Español Facebook Página principal de PSI en español (con blogs en español al final de la página):https://postpartum.net/en-espanol/ Página de grupos de apoyo en español:https://postpartum.net/en-espanol/encuentros-de-apoyo-virtuales/ Programa de mentoras en español:https://postpartum.net/en-espanol/apoyo-de-pares/ Recursos especializados en español para familias:https://postpartum.net/en-espanol/recursos-especializados-para-madres-padres-y-familias/ Taller prenatal/posnatal:https://postpartum.net/en-espanol/del-embarazo-al-posparto/ Enlace para conectarse con una voluntaria en América Latina, el Caribe o EspañaLa persona debe hacer clic en "Conéctese con ayuda" para llenar un formulario:https://postpartum.net/get-help/latin-america-caribbean-bermuda/ Grupo cerrado de Facebook en español:https://www.facebook.com/groups/595053181756279 Conéctate con Rudo Savage y Mindset Mother:TikTok, The Words of the Lost Soul, y Becoming Whole in Pieces Llama a la Línea Nacional de Salud Mental Materna al 1-833-TLC-MAMA o visita cdph.ca.gov. Encuentra recursos en inglés y español en Postpartum Support International, o por teléfono/texto al 1-800-944-4773. Hay muchos recursos gratuitos, como grupos de apoyo en línea, mentoras entre pares, un directorio de proveedores especialistas y capacitaciones en salud mental perinatal para terapeutas, médicos, enfermeras, doulas y cualquier persona que desee ofrecer mejores servicios. También puedes seguir a PSI en redes sociales: Instagram, Facebook y la mayoría de las demás plataformas. Visita www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ para obtener información sobre el curso de duelo. Visita mi sitio web, www.wellmindperinatal.com, para más información, recursos y cursos que puedes comenzar hoy mismo. Si eres residente de California y buscas un terapeuta especializado en salud mental perinatal, por favor, envíame un correo electrónico para consultar disponibilidad de sesiones privadas. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• 459: A Mom’s Story of Mental Health and “Becoming Whole In Pieces”

  Today’s guest shares her story of turning her pain into purpose as she discusses mothers’ mental health conditions and the power of storytelling. Join us to hear her inspirational story. Rudo Savage is a mental health advocate, mother of three, founder of Mindset Mother, and author of The Words of the Lost Soul and Becoming Whole in Pieces. Through her writing and mentoring, she empowers others to embrace healing, self-acceptance, and transformation, drawing on her personal, powerful journey of resilience.  Show Highlights: The inspiration to start Mindset Mother as a way to help others Mental health issues were noticeable in Rudo’s teen years, with multiple diagnoses and medications Describing what it’s like to live with emotional dysregulation as a mother of three children Pregnancy and postpartum shifted and elevated Rudo’s mental health struggles. Finding your identity as a new mother and adjusting to the never-ending care of your children Rudo’s hospitalization experience and recovery to care for her children Finding a passion for writing and the birth of her first book Birth practices in the UK, when a “health visitor” comes to check on mother and baby during the postpartum The toxicity of motherhood on social media makes it hard for other moms to be honest and real. Rudo’s quest to find a therapist who was a good match for her in the UK’s flawed system Finding healing through hearing others’ stories  Overcoming the mindset of being a “good mother.” Rudo’s family background and its impact on her transition to motherhood–finding acceptance in understanding the WHY Writing a second book after taking time for healing: An overview of Becoming Whole in Pieces Rudo’s advice for mothers in prioritizing time for themselves Resources: Connect with Rudo Savage and Mindset Mother: TikTok, The Words of the Lost Soul, and Becoming Whole in Pieces Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• 458: Behind The Sessions: Perinatal Mental Health During the Holidays Pt. 2 - Pregnancy

  Our first episode in this series was about infertility; today’s focus is on pregnancy. Our final two installments will cover pregnancy loss and postpartum. I’m discussing how holiday expectations might not align with what's happening. The holidays can feel like a mixed bag of joy and anticipation, while a lot of stress and pressure get thrown into the mix. We can’t deny our emotional truth, because that complicates everything. The bottom line is that it’s no small thing to be pregnant during the holidays, and figuring out how to manage everything may be extra challenging while growing a baby.  Show Highlights: Mixed feelings: joy, excitement, and maybe a struggle to overcome nausea Amplified pressure Regulating your emotional and physical self  Expectations, boundaries, and relational stress Typical examples and reasons you need self-compassion Perinatal mental health issues may leave you with sensory fatigue, irritability, and the pressure to be perfect. Feelings of loneliness and disconnection Financial strain and holiday spending pressure It’s okay to slow down and set boundaries.  Tips for navigating the holidays while pregnant: Make mindset shifts as your priorities shift and change. Prioritize intentional rest and protect your downtime. Ask for help, delegate tasks, and learn to say NO.  Plan to ensure emotional safety. “You don’t have to prove that you’re doing enough.” Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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• 457: Waiting for Max—A NICU Story with Emily Rosen

  Today’s guest shares her family’s NICU story and her beautiful book, Waiting for Max. She explains how the anxiety of a NICU stays with you for a long time and why she’s dedicated to helping other families. Her book supports parents AND siblings who are waiting for their NICU baby to join the family at home. Join us! Emily Rosen is a mom, freelance creative director, copywriter, and children’s book author. She has built her career working for top advertising agencies and brands. Always striving to use her creativity for good, Emily empowers women, mothers, and kids, and her inspiration comes from her son Max’s time in the NICU. She wrote her first children’s book to help families going through experiences similar to hers. When she’s not writing, Emily loves going for a run in the neighborhood, singing karaoke with friends, and reading to her two kids. A proud native of Cleveland, she now lives in Los Angeles with her family.  Show Highlights: NICU statistics in the US: 10% of babies have a NICU stay Emily’s NICU journey (16 days) with Max, born at 34 weeks in 2019 Reading books to Max in the NICU brought a sense of normalcy to what was otherwise a frightening experience. Emily’s inspiration to write Waiting for Max – and how she found unexpected healing Helping kids understand the NICU in age-appropriate language Life after the NICU may look different for your child, but there is hope for a normal life. Emily’s infertility journey to have a second child—and inspiration for a second book about infertility and surrogacy Creativity as a way to process feelings and protect your mental health Emily’s best strategies for parents to get through a NICU stay What NOT to ask parents with a baby in the NICU Resources: Connect with Emily Rosen: Website, Instagram, and Waiting for Max Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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