106 episodes
Previa Alliance Podcast Previa Alliance Team
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- Kids & Family
There are few experiences as universal to human existence as pregnancy and childbirth, and yet its most difficult parts — perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) — are still dealt with in the shadows, shrouded in stigma. The fact is 1 in 5 new and expecting birthing people will experience a PMAD, yet among those who do many are afraid to talk about it, some are not even aware they’re experiencing one, and others don’t know where to turn for help. The fact is, when someone suffers from a maternal mental health disorder it affects not only them, their babies, partners, and families - it impacts our communities.
In the Previa Alliance Podcast series, Sarah Parkhurst and Whitney Gay are giving air to a vastly untapped topic by creating a space for their guests — including survivors of PMADs and healthcare professionals in maternal mental health — to share their experiences and expertise openly. And in doing so, Sarah and Whitney make it easy to dig deep and get real about the facts of perinatal mental health, fostering discussions about the raw realities of motherhood. Not only will Previa Alliance Podcast listeners walk away from each episode with a sense of belonging, they’ll also be armed with evidence-based tools for healing, coping mechanisms, and the language to identify the signs and symptoms of PMADs — the necessary first steps in a path to treatment. The Previa Alliance Podcast series is intended for anyone considering pregnancy, currently pregnant, and postpartum as well as the families and communities who support them.
Sarah Parkhurst
Previa Alliance Podcast Co-host; Founder & CEO of Previa Alliance
A postpartum depression survivor and mom to two boys, Sarah is on a mission to destigmatize the experiences of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), and to educate the world on the complex reality of being a mom. Sarah has been working tirelessly to bring to light the experiences of women who have not only suffered a maternal mental health crisis but who have survived it and rebuilt their lives. By empowering women to share their own experiences, by sharing expert advice and trusted resources, and by advocating for health care providers and employers to provide support for these women and their families, Sarah believes as a society we can minimize the impact of the current maternal mental health crisis, while staving off future ones.
Whitney Gay
Previa Alliance Podcast Co-host; licensed clinician and therapist
For the past ten years, Whitney has been committed to helping women heal from the trauma of a postpartum mental health crisis as well as process the grief of a miscarriage or the loss of a baby. She believes that the power of compassion paired with developing critical coping skills helps moms to heal, rebuild, and eventually thrive. In the Previa Alliance Podcast series, Whitney not only shares her professional expertise, but also her own personal experiences of motherhood and recovery from grief.
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Interview with Kristina Dunley: My Story of Postpartum Psychosis
In this episode, Kristina Dunley bravely shares her harrowing encounter with postpartum psychosis. Her story is a sobering reminder that every mother's postpartum journey deserves to be met with the highest level of care and compassion. We hope this episode helps foster a culture of openness and understanding, ensuring mothers everywhere receive the support they so deeply need.
More About Kristina!
Kristina Dulaney RN, PMH-CPostpartum Psychosis SurvivorFounder/Executive Director, Cherished MomsFounder PPP Awareness Day2024 award recipient of Maternal Mental Health Hero for the Policy Center of Maternal Mental healthFollow Kristina on her Socials!
PPP Awareness DayPPP Awareness Day (@pppawarenessday) • Instagram photos and videosFacebookCherished Mom – Helping New MomsCherished Mom (@cherishedmom) • Instagram photos and videosKristina’s transformative journey through postpartum psychosis redirected her life’s mission and career trajectory. Her unwavering dedication to advocating for perinatal mental health became the cornerstone of her purpose. This pivotal experience ignited her passion to empower and support other expecting and new mothers, driving her to establish Cherished Mom, a non-profit organization committed to promoting awareness, education, and support for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. She appeared on Dr. Phil in early 2023 to share her experience.
As the founder and Executive Director of Cherished Mom, Kristina spearheaded the creation of PPP Awareness Day, a pivotal initiative aimed at raising awareness of postpartum psychosis as a mental health emergency. This annual event serves as a beacon of hope, shedding light on the symptoms, treatment, and the critical importance of early intervention for individuals affected by PPP. She is a Maternal Mental Health Hero 2024 recipient from the Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health.
Drawing from her lived experience with PPP and her background as a registered nurse, Kristina leverages her expertise to empower healthcare professionals and families in identifying individuals at risk, recognizing the symptoms of PPP and other maternal mental health disorders, and ultimately improving family outcomes. Her unwavering commitment to advocacy has garnered recognition and accolades, further amplifying the impact of her work in the realm of perinatal mental wellness.
Kristina’s journey from personal adversity to impactful advocacy is a testament to the transformative power of resilience and compassion. Her unwavering dedication to supporting perinatal mental wellness has reshaped her life and become a beacon of hope for countless individuals and families navigating similar challenges. Through her compelling story and unwavering commitment, Kristina continues to inspire and drive meaningful change in the landscape of maternal mental health advocacy.
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Interview with Courtney Montgomery: When Anxiety Meets Motherhood
Mothers are expected to have it all together, but reality isn't always so simple. In this episode, we explore strategies for resilience and self-care that are as practical as they are empowering. Courtney Montgomery joins us to share personal tactics from her 'toolbox', like meditation and cold showers, and stresses the importance of teaching children to express their emotions honestly.
At the heart of this episode is the simple reminder that it's not just okay to seek help, but it's a sign of strength and love. So tune in for a transformative session that speaks directly to the heart of parents everywhere, offering solace and strength in equal measure.
More About Courtney!
Courtney has struggled with lifelong anxiety & depression and has now dedicated her life to making people feel less alone in their struggles. Besides being a published author, Courtney has worked to build a strong sense of trust within her IG community in order for it to be a safe space for others. Outside of work and social media, Courtney likes spending time with her husband and two kids and lives in northern Virginia.
Link to Courtney's Book: Lily's Special Toolbox
Link to follow Courtney on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lilysanxietytoolbox/
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National Infertility Awareness Week with Alex Kornswiet (Our Beautiful Surprise)
In an episode close to our hearts, we revisit the silent struggle of infertility with Alex, an advocate whose voice resonates with unwavering strength in the infertility and motherhood community. We delve into the nuances of motherhood that surface after infertility and loss, from navigating triggers and evolving relationships with our partners, to the importance of setting boundaries for self-care. Join us for an intimate episode that offers not just a beacon of hope, but a reminder that you are not alone on this path.
About Alex Kornswiet:
Alex is a mom of 3 boys, after years of infertility, recurrent pregnancy loss, surrogacy, and more. She speaks openly about her path to motherhood and life as a mom @ourbeautifulsurprise. Alex’s company, The Empowered Space, has a free community and customizable programs for women experiencing infertility and loss, so they can find more acceptance, joy, and connection.
To Join Alex's free community click below:
https://theempowered.space/communities/
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Keep the questions coming by sending them to info@previaalliance.com or DM us on Instagram! -
PMDD Awareness with Dawn
Dr. Dawn Boender, an OB/GYN turned reproductive behavioral health fellow, joins Sarah and Whitney to unravel the mystery of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and how it can turn the tides of emotion for women worldwide. From lifestyle tweaks to the potential of nutritional supplements and the transformative power of therapy, Dr. Dawn paints a vivid picture of the challenges women face when their mental well-being is intertwined with the menstrual cycle. Her compassionate advice offers solace to listeners and empowers them with knowledge and tactics to face PMDD head-on.
About Dr. Dawn Boender:
Dr. Dawn Boender is a fellow in the Women's Reproductive Behavioral Health Division at The Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC). Dr. Boender is a board certified OB/GYN. She attended medical school at Sanford School of Medicine in South Dakota, and completed OB/GYN residency through the University of Kansas (KU) Wichita. Her professional interests include treatment of mood and anxiety disorders that are affected by hormonal changes, including the perinatal, menstrual, and perimenopausal time periods. Outside of work she can be found spending time with her husband and four children.
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Are Moms Burnt Out or Are We Codependent?
Sarah and Whitney are joined by Hannah Stiltner for a deep exploration into the varying faces of codependency, from the anxiously attached to the fiercely independent.
These insights guide us through understanding the impact of codependent behaviors on self-worth and relationships, emphasizing the importance of personal accountability and setting boundaries, the significance of not rewarding negative behavior, and the value of investing in healthy, reciprocal relationships.
Join us as we affirm the importance of personal growth and a reminder that the foundation of love and boundaries is key to nurturing the next generation.
Hannah Stiltner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Psychotherapist. She is a proud mom and owner of Soul Story Therapy. Hannah is a true advocate and supporter of maternal mental health.
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Keep the questions coming by sending them to info@previaalliance.com or DM us on Instagram! -
Why We Don't Joke About Pregnancy
The witching hour isn't just for babies; it's a very real phenomenon for parents too. Sharing stories of this collective struggle, Sarah and Whitney discuss actionable methods like stepping outside for breath of air, taking a moment for yourself, and even discussing this struggle out loud with the family. Tune in for a powerful blend of empathy and understanding that aims to illuminate the path to mental wellness for every mom out there.
Follow Previa Alliance!
Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videos
Previa Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videos
Keep the questions coming by sending them to info@previaalliance.com or DM us on Instagram!
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