Mom & Mind Podcast | Postpartum | Birth | Pregnancy | Maternal Mental Health |

Have you felt the pressure to be a “supermom”? We are examining the supermom fallacy, which often accompanies thoughts like, “I’m a failure, I can’t keep up with this, and I’m a bad mom.” The problem with trying to be a supermom is the impact on mental health. This theme commonly comes up in therapy, and the idea that we have to do everything and do it well is too much pressure! Join us as we explore this topic, which will resonate with many people. Stacy McCann is a licensed mental health therapist and the owner of Present Moment Counseling Services, specializing in motherhood, postpartum, and beyond. She works with mothers to help them cope with the challenges of motherhood, including burnout, overwhelm, overstimulation, self-advocacy, and an equitable mental and physical load at home. Stacy launched the Supermom Dropout Club, a virtual community for moms who want to take up space, use their voice, and leave their supermom capes behind. She is the mom of a sweet and spicy 5-year-old and lives in the St. Lo

Today’s guest shares her story of postpartum psychosis, including the contributing factors, navigating the healthcare system, the overall lack of understanding of PMADs, and the preventative actions she took for her second pregnancy. She shares how her experience propelled her to take considerable steps to help and support others. Nancy Di Nuzzo, a mother of two, is an accountant-turned-postpartum doula. She is the founder of Anamav Postnatal Care, an agency providing comprehensive postpartum care in the Greater Toronto area. Their services include doula support, lactation support, psychotherapy, and sleep coaching. Nancy was inspired to create Anamav after her own traumatic postpartum experiences. As a perinatal mental health advocate, she is fiercely determined to support new parents and families to help fill the gaps in our healthcare system.  Show Highlights: Nancy’s first pregnancy experience with her daughter, born in 2020: In summary, sleep deprivation led to the first postpartum psychotic episo

Today’s episode focuses on a recent article in JAMA Internal Medicine regarding maternal mental health in the United States. I’ll explain and summarize the study and results, and discuss the most appropriate next steps. Since I’m presenting the information in summary form, please read the article for yourself by clicking the link in the Resources section for this episode.  Show Highlights: The findings of this study are sobering and validating. Scope and value of research findings like this to “fill the gap” in maternal mental health The details of the study subjects: 198,000+ US mothers from 2016-2023 who self-reported their physical and mental health The key findings: The percentage of mothers reporting a rating of “excellent” mental health dropped dramatically during the time frame, the percentage reporting “fair” or “poor” mental health increased, and the trend of declining maternal mental health crosses through all socio-economic groups. The key factors contributing to mater

In this important episode, we explore mom shame, the difference between guilt and shame, and common triggers for guilt. One of the biggest contributors to mom shame is societal pressure, so we want to shed light on navigating this issue and breaking the cycle of shame. My expert guest for this topic is Allie Barker, LCSW. Allie is excited to bring her insight to today’s conversation about dismantling the overwhelming experience of mom shame. Join us to learn more! Allie Barker is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in perinatal mental health. She has been in private practice since 2020 and has been clinically practicing since 2018. After experiencing a difficult pregnancy during the pandemic and navigating postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD, she realized how common, yet isolating, these struggles are. This led her to shift her entire clinical focus to supporting individuals through fertility challenges, pregnancy, and postpartum transitions. As a therapist, Allie is passionate about helping p

As we arrive at Episode 423, we’re celebrating 9 years of the Mom & Mind Podcast! I never imagined this possibility, but I’m so honored to share these profound stories and feature these helpful experts. I’m thankful to the real rockstars, every single listener. We continue to address every aspect of perinatal mental health, raising awareness and spreading a message of hope. Each person’s journey of vulnerability, difficulty, and healing is important, and we hope that the insights and resources we share can help others. I’m excited to bring you another episode with Dr. Shoshana Bennett, the very first expert guest to appear on the podcast way back in 2016.  After two life-threatening bouts of postpartum illness, Dr. Shoshana Bennett helped pioneer the field of maternal mental health in the US. She founded Postpartum Assistance for Mothers in 1987, became president of California’s Postpartum Health Alliance, and served as president of Postpartum Support International. Dr. Shosh is the author of Children of the

The focus of perinatal mental health is often on mothers, but we can’t discount the importance of fathers’ mental health on children, families, and relationships. Dads everywhere are struggling, and they often do so in silence. We need to raise awareness of this aspect of mental health! The Monday after Father’s Day is International Fathers’ Mental Health Day, so I’m discussing this topic and sharing helpful information in today’s episode. Show Highlights: The messaging to boys and men from society My approach with clients and their partners is to try to reach more fathers. A compassionate approach promotes healing. M&M episodes focused on fathers and their mental health: 345: A New Father’s Experience Through His Wife’s Postpartum Psychosis with Tony Pacitti 286: Foundations in Paternal Perinatal Mental Health with Dr. Daniel Singley 274: Healing from Paternal Postpartum Depression with Kevin Seldon 273: The Emotional Wellness of Fathers with Adam Angel, LCSW 

Today, Dr. Kat speaks with Dr. Lee Cohen about his powerful new documentary, More Than Blue. Dr. Cohen shares the inspiration behind the film, how it was made, and his hopes for its impact in destigmatizing perinatal mental health conditions. A passionate advocate, Dr. Cohen offers insights from his decades of work helping women navigate mood and anxiety disorders during and after pregnancy. Please check out the trailer for More Than Blue here: https://womensmentalhealth.org/more-than-blue-documentary/   Bio Dr. Cohen: Dr. Lee Cohen is Director of the Ammon-Pinizzotto Center for Women’s Mental Health at Massachusetts General Hospital and Professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. A pioneer in perinatal and reproductive psychiatry, Dr. Cohen has dedicated his career to research, clinical care, and education focused on mental health across the female reproductive lifespan. He has authored over 350 publications in journals including JAMA and the American Journal of Psychiatry, and has received multip

Many places in the world still need perinatal mental health resources. In most cases, the key to accessibility is someone with the vision and passion to take action and lead with innovation. Today’s guest is making it happen with her groundbreaking work in India, and she’s here to share her story with us! Dr. Paridhi Mehra is the founder and CEO of⁠ HappiNest⁠, India’s first dedicated platform for parental mental health. With nearly a decade of experience in health tech and public health innovation, Dr. Paridhi has led digital health solutions that improve access to healthcare for all. After experiencing firsthand the lack of awareness and support for maternal mental health in India, she founded HappiNest to bridge this gap, ensuring that every mother can access the care she deserves. She works at the intersection of healthcare, technology, and community to bring a happy start to parenthood for all. In this episode, Dr. Paridhi shares her journey, along with issues related to stigma and culture in maternal m

For today’s episode, I’m bringing back an episode from pandemic times. We are featuring an encore presentation of Episode 197, Burnout and Managing Overwhelm. Even though this episode was about managing the challenges and stress that came with life during a global pandemic, there is much application to be made to life today. These coping skills and tools are ALWAYS needed as we face frightening and overwhelming days. Stress can turn into anxiety and depression as we become judgmental with ourselves, and we all need a reminder to take care of ourselves, no matter what challenges we face. Always check in with yourself and recognize when you need to tap out for a bit. Enjoy this encore episode! Show Highlights: Interpreting your feelings during moments of stress Approaching new considerations as life changes Why life is hard in many ways Tips for feeling better: Remember that you are resilient. Getting help is NOT failure. Honor your exhaustion by taking a break and set

We have covered many aspects of the transition into parenthood, but the perspective shifts with many complexities when you are a stepmom. That’s our focus in today’s show, and our guest helps us take an honest and real look at this adjustment. Join us! Jasmine Yow is a stepmom who supports childless stepmoms navigating the transition into biological motherhood. She helps them unravel their complex feelings and develop their capacity to create a more cohesive family culture amid the complexities of blended life.  Show Highlights: Jasmine’s journey as a stepmom over the past 10 years as she navigated her two pregnancies to build her family Navigating blended family issues with her stepson (anger and aggression) while her two biological children were young Jasmine’s discovery of resources, skills, and support for this journey Understanding the “insider/outsider” dynamic between stepmom and stepchild Resentment and insecurities can creep into the family dynamic. It’s risky to

Sharing our stories helps more people process and understand their experiences. Today’s episode features another resilient guest using her difficult journey to help others. Join us to hear Talia’s story. Talia Nepper is the proud mom of two young children and a passionate artist whose creative journey has been vital to her healing. While she works as a web developer to support her family, her art, advocacy, and mental health journey define her true passions. Her motherhood journey has been shaped by her experiences with postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and rage. These challenges led her to discover the transformative power of art therapy, trauma therapy, and support through local postpartum groups, family, and friends. Talia has become an outspoken advocate for mental health, with a particular focus on breaking the stigma around postpartum struggles. Recently, Talia embraced her identity within the LGBTQ+ community, further expanding her sense of self. Navigating her divorce is a process that continues t

A wide range of perinatal mental health topics come up in my therapy practice, including issues with conception, birth, postpartum, and much more. I frequently see people go through multiple rounds of IVF and other assisted reproductive technologies through years of struggles to have a child. Often overlooked in these attempts is the impact when these efforts do not result in a baby, and this experience needs to be acknowledged and discussed. Multiple attempts with unsuccessful outcomes can be the end of their journey to have a baby. Tough decisions have to be made when age, mental and physical health, and financial resources force an end to their hopes and dreams. Today’s episode focuses on the intense grief and profound identity shifts that can occur when all of those best efforts do not result in a baby.  Show Highlights: There is no timeline for the grief and depression someone may feel when their motherhood dream ends. People go into the IVF process believing that persistence WILL result in a

We just celebrated Mother’s Day, which may not have been what you expected. It can be a complicated day when people don’t show up or recognize you as you deserve. I want to acknowledge the complex feelings that come with Mother’s Day and say that you aren’t alone in experiencing those emotions. Whatever your Mother's Day brought you, I hope you feel recognized and supported. Today, we are bringing you another great episode during Maternal Mental Health Month as we uncover the purpose of a new podcast filling a gap for many people. Join us to learn more about this vital resource! Allie Hales, a mom of four, is passionate about making reliable, relevant information available for moms like herself. She graduated from the J. Reuben Clark Law School at Brigham Young University and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar. She serves on Brigham and Women’s Hospital’s Newborn Medicine and Reproductive Health Advisory Board, Newton-Wellesley Hospital’s Maternal Services Council, and is actively involved with the Boston

This week is Maternal Mental Health Week, and many organizations are joining us in being as loud as possible to spread the word that these conditions do exist, that mothers need support, and that resources are available. Sharing people’s stories on this podcast is how I help spread the message, and today’s episode focuses on Sarah’s motherhood story and the memoir she has written to help others. Join us! Sarah Hoover is a writer, cultural critic, and former Gagosian director whose work spans art, fashion, motherhood, and feminism. She just released a new book, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood, a beautiful, vulnerable, raw, and very real story of her motherhood experience. Her writing highlights some ways that we, as a society, are failing mothers, and Sarah’s writing shares what she went through in her pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey. Her debut memoir is a darkly funny, unfiltered critique of modern motherhood, praised by Oprah Daily as a “long overdue reality check.” After earn

Today, May 1, is the first day of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month. I’m bringing back this special episode from last year; it’s a listener favorite, one of my favorites, and one of our most popular downloads. I’m deeply honored to share my interview with Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter, thought leader, and wholeness advocate, Alanis Morissette! She is joined by the president and CEO of Postpartum Support International, Dr. Wendy Davis. Alanis has given much of her time, heart, energy, and effort to raise awareness about maternal mental health. In our conversation, she shares vulnerable and enlightening peeks into her personal experience, and her feelings mirror what many suffering women feel.  Alanis found PSI as a resource when she was dealing with perinatal mental health challenges, and she has openly shared about the value of PSI resources while on tour. In addition to being a long-time, powerful presence in the music world, she has become an equally influential advocate for mental health.

It’s always uplifting to hear how some people are inspired to turn the worst experience into something positive to help others. Join us to hear Alli’s story of postpartum depression, healing, and a remarkable avenue of support and connection for other moms.  Alli Kushner is an entrepreneur, community builder, and passionate advocate for parents navigating the complexities of modern life. As the founder of⁠ BeeKyn⁠, an innovative platform that reimagines how families connect through meaningful playdates, Alli is on a mission to make parenthood less isolating and more fulfilling. Alli is the mother of two young girls and shares her deeply personal journey through postpartum depression. The challenges she faced became the opportunity to create a supportive space for parents everywhere in BeeKyn.  Show Highlights: Alli’s story: what she expected vs. her reality in becoming a mom An unexpected identity crisis  Pregnancy problems that threw “the plan” out the window for Alli’s first pregnancy

It’s no secret that silence, stigma, and shame surround many of the major moments of grief and loss in women’s lives, especially during pregnancy loss. Today’s guest shares her personal story, along with her professional perspective as a psychologist, author, and respected voice in social media. Join us to hear the conversation. Dr. Jessica Zucker is a Los Angeles-based psychologist specializing in reproductive health, and she holds advanced degrees from NYU and Harvard. She’s the author of the award-winning book, I Had A Miscarriage: A Memoir, A Movement and is the creator of the viral hashtag, I Had A Miscarriage Campaign. She has been featured on NPR, CNN, the Today Show, and Good Morning America, and her writing has appeared in the NY Times, Washington Post, NY Magazine, Vogue, Harvard Business Review, and others. Today’s conversation focuses on Jessica’s second book, Normalize It: Upending the Silence, Stigma, and Shame That Shape Women’s Lives, newly released on April 22, 2025. Jessica shares her perso

Instead of a normal Behind the Sessions episode today, I’m featuring a great interview with Karen Kleiman from a previous show as we approach May, Maternal Mental Health Month. Maternal mental health needs a massive spotlight on it because it’s gone under-recognized and undersupported for far too long.  Karen Kleiman is a well-known international maternal mental health expert with over 35 years of experience. She is an advocate and the author of several groundbreaking books on postpartum depression and anxiety. Her work has been featured in multiple media outlets, including local and national TV, magazines, radio shows, and health websites. Karen founded The Postpartum Stress Center in 1988 and The Karen Kleiman Training Center in 2022. Their work is dedicated to the advancement of clinical expertise and therapeutic strategies for the treatment of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Her advanced trainings are heavily influenced by The Art of Holding Perinatal Women in Distress™ model of intervention, creat

I’m welcoming Rachell Dumas to the show today. She is a maternal health advocate, registered nurse, and the founder of A Light After Nine, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting families navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, and maternal trauma. Drawing from her own experience with nine pregnancy losses and systemic disparities in maternal healthcare, Rachell uses her voice to advocate for trauma-informed, equitable care. Through her nonprofit, she provides emotional support, resources, and education to empower families and drive systemic change in maternal health practices. In this episode, Rachell shares her journey to motherhood, how she found the strength to keep going, and what it was like to finally have a baby after so many losses. She shares her best advice for others experiencing multiple losses and addresses the failures of the US healthcare system, especially in treating black women.  Show Highlights: Rachell’s pregnancy story, beginning in 2018 with a miscarriage followed by continued multiple l

One of the primary reasons for this podcast’s existence is that sharing stories and experiences is a powerful means of healing and partnership. Today’s guest has created a beautiful book that embodies the spirit of collaboration and community in healing and moving forward. Join us to learn more! Dr. Rebecca Thompson is a family medicine and public health physician in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in women’s and children’s health and is the author of Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love. Dr. Rebecca shares how her medical practice and perspective on parenthood were shaped by the complicated pregnancies and losses she experienced while training to become a doctor. Those experiences led her to collaborate with patients, friends, and medical colleagues in sharing their stories of the many ways that creating and sustaining families can take unexpected turns.  Show Highlights: Sharing your truth openly encourages others to tell their stories. Dr. Rebecca’s efforts to w