Empower 2 Heal Dena Tibsherany

Navigating Perinatal Mental Health with Ayla Perez

Season 2 Episode 20



Today, in Season 2 Episode 20 of the Empower 2 Heal podcast, we dive into the intricacies of perinatal mental health with Ayla Perez, a dedicated therapist and shamanic practitioner. Ayla shares her personal journey with postpartum psychosis and the challenges of finding appropriate care and support. Together, we explore the importance of education, alternative healing modalities, and building a strong support system for mothers.



What We're Talking About:



Introduction to Ayla Perez


Ayla's background as a therapist and shamanic practitioner


Her personal experience with postpartum psychosis
The stigma and challenges of sharing her journey

Understanding Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)


Definition and overview of PMADs, including postpartum psychosis
Common misconceptions and lack of awareness in traditional medical and educational systems

Healing Modalities and Integration


Ayla’s journey into healing modalities as a response to her experiences with hallucinations
The role of alternative practices in mental health
Challenges with insurance and the integration of these modalities into psychotherapy

Risk Factors and Protective Factors for PMADs


Risk factors include fertility struggles, loss, trauma, adverse childhood experiences, endocrine disorders, prior mental health issues, and bipolar disorder
Protective factors involve building a support system and community, starting during pregnancy or as early as possible

Building a Support System


Importance of community support and aligned relationships
Organizations like Postpartum Support International and Fourth Trimester Arizona that provide resources and raise awareness
Personal anecdotes on the benefits of mom support groups and building a community

Free and Accessible Resources


Postpartum Support International's directory for finding trained perinatal mental health providers
Connect listeners in Arizona with local practitioners like Dena Tibsherany and Ayla Perez.

Personal Reflection and Advocacy


Ayla's experience and the journey of sharing her story to raise awareness
Building protective factors and utilizing resources for managing perinatal mental health



This episode sheds light on the critical aspects of perinatal mental health, emphasizing the need for education, community support, and integrating alternative healing practices. Ayla's courage in sharing her story is a powerful reminder that no one is alone in their struggles, and there are resources and support systems available to help navigate this challenging journey.



Call to Action:


If you or someone you know is struggling with perinatal mental health, please reach out to the resources mentioned below.
Join support groups and build a community that aligns with your needs.
Continue educating yourself and others about perinatal mental health to break the stigma and create a supportive environment for all mothers.





Resources Mentioned:


The Empowered Mamas Club⁠⁠⁠


⁠⁠⁠The Empowered First Year: Postpartum Prep Course⁠


Postpartum Support International Directory
4th Trimester Arizona
⁠Plant medicine⁠

Contact Guest Ayla Perez:


Therapy Services: Psychology Today
Email: rahawellness1@gmail.com
Instagram: Viajes_Knickknacks



Ways to Reach Dena Tibsherany:

dena@oneworldempowered.com

www.oneworldempowered.com 

www.instagram.com/empower2heal

https://www.youtube.com/@oneworldempowered


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empower2heal/support

Empower 2 Heal Podcast

Season 2

Episode 19

Next-Gen Baby Shower Registries: Innovating with Postpartum Care Services



Episode Description: 

In this enlightening episode, we delve into the transformative shift in how the next generation of parents approaches baby shower registries. Moving away from traditional gift-giving, our conversation focuses on prioritizing postpartum care services over material items. Join us as we explore the benefits of this modern approach and how it supports new parents during the critical postpartum period.



Key Topics Covered:


Rethinking Baby Shower Registries:


Shifting from traditional gifts to essential services.
The importance of investing in postpartum care.


Benefits of Postpartum Care Services:


Reducing stress and anxiety for new parents.
Ensuring better physical and emotional health during the postpartum period.
Fostering a supportive community environment.


Introducing Be Her Village:


Overview of Be Her Village and its mission.
How Be Her Village helps parents build their support community.
Personal stories and testimonials from parents who have benefited from using Be Her Village.


Emotional and Relational Transition into Parenthood:


Preparing for the emotional changes that come with parenthood.
Strengthening relationships with partners and family members.
Building a strong support network for new parents.


Mindful Preparation for Parenthood:


Focusing on mental health and wellness.
Practical tips for preparing mentally and emotionally for a new baby.
The role of self-care and mindfulness in parenting.





Subscribe & Review: If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to our podcast and leave a review. Your feedback helps us reach more listeners and provide valuable content.



LINKS MENTIONED:

Be Her Village Website

@behervillage

⁠⁠The Empowered Mamas Club⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Empowered First Year: Postpartum Prep Course



Ways to Reach Dena Tibsherany:

dena@oneworldempowered.com

www.oneworldempowered.com 

www.instagram.com/empower2heal

https://www.youtube.com/@oneworldempowered


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empower2heal/support

Season 2 Episode 18



Today’s episode is all about our son’s birth story! My husband, Michael, is joining us today to partner with me in sharing our journey from conception to childbirth. This episode holds nothing back and is designed to normalize aspects of conception, pregnancy, and childbirth while finding the humor in things we can look back on.

What we’re talking about...


Endometriosis and the journey of being informed we likely won’t be able to conceive.
Our surprise pregnancy
The risk of a tubal pregnancy
Hypnobirthing
Childbirth and all its glory
A husband’s perspective and experiences (spoiler alert...he delivered our son!)



LINKS MENTIONED

⁠⁠The Empowered Mamas Club⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Empowered First Year: Postpartum Prep Course

Ways to Reach Dena Tibsherany:

dena@oneworldempowered.com

www.oneworldempowered.com 

www.instagram.com/empower2heal

https://www.youtube.com/@oneworldempowered


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empower2heal/support

Downloads

Grab your free resource library to guide you in learning about what labs you can request from your doctor, how you may be able to request your own labs, and to find online doctors who will support your functional medicine journey.



Today's Episode:

Today, in Season 2 Episode 17 of the Empower 2 Heal podcast, we delve into the profound connection between our gut and our brain. Join me as I share my personal journey through maternal mental health, exploring how healing my gut microbiome significantly improved my mental wellness. We discuss the benefits of functional medicine and the essential vitamins and minerals that have supported my healing process. This episode offers valuable insights and practical tips for anyone looking to enhance their mental health by nurturing their gut.



Key Takeaways:


Gut-Brain Connection: Understanding the concept of the gut as our "second brain" and how gut health directly influences mental health.
Functional Medicine Journey: The importance of personalized medical care that addresses the root causes of health issues.
Vitamin and Mineral Deficiencies: How deficiencies in vitamins like D, magnesium, and iron can affect mental health and how supplements can help.
Food is Medicine: The impact of whole foods and elimination diets like Whole30 on mental health.
Probiotics and Prebiotics: The role of probiotics in maintaining a healthy gut microbiome and supporting mental health.



Personal Journey Highlights:


My struggles with postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD.
The decision to seek non-traditional treatment methods.
Working with a functional medicine doctor to uncover and treat vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
The transformative power of dietary changes and mindful eating.
The role of vitamins and minerals in reducing depression, anxiety, and restlessness.



Practical Tips:


Explore functional medicine as a holistic approach to health.
Get comprehensive lab tests to check for vitamin and mineral deficiencies.
Shift perspective of food to be nourishing medicine for the body, explore the Whole30 to reset your gut and identify food sensitivities.
Include probiotics in your diet to boost gut health.





*DISCLAIMER* The advice provided is for informational purposes only.  It is meant to augment and not replace consultation with a licensed health care provider.  Consultation with a Doctor or other primary care provider is recommended for anyone suffering from a health problem.



LINKS MENTIONED



Maternal Mental Health Nutrition Resources

⁠⁠The Empowered Mamas Club⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Empowered First Year: Postpartum Prep Course



Resources Mentioned:


Functional Medicine Doctors
Host Defense Mushrooms
Whole30 Program
Probiotics for various health needs



Ways to Reach Dena Tibsherany:

dena@oneworldempowered.com

www.oneworldempowered.com 

www.instagram.com/empower2heal

https://www.youtube.com/@oneworldempowered


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empower2heal/support

Empower 2 Heal Podcast

Season 2 Episode 16



Please subscribe and leave a review to help us spread this info far and wide!



In this episode, we sit down with Certified Baby Led Sleep Specialist Lauren Fucci of Holistic Mama Sleep, to explore nurturing approaches to baby sleep. Lauren shares her expertise on why traditional sleep training may not be the best option for your baby and offers gentle, attachment-focused strategies to improve sleep for both babies and parents. Join us as we delve into the science of baby sleep, the importance of secure attachment, and practical tips for creating a peaceful sleep environment.



Key Takeaways:


Understanding Baby Sleep:


Babies are born with only 25% of their adult brain, making them extremely dependent on caregivers.
The first year of life involves rapid brain development, requiring close physical proximity to caregivers.


Why Nurturing Approaches Matter:


Traditional sleep training methods can overlook underlying issues causing sleep disturbances.
A nurturing approach focuses on understanding and addressing the root causes of sleep problems.
Secure attachment is vital for a baby's emotional and physical well-being.


Practical Tips for Better Sleep:


Recognize and respond to your baby's cues and needs.
Create a calming sleep environment that mimics the womb, such as using white noise and swaddling.
Establish a consistent bedtime routine that includes soothing activities.


Holistic Support for Families:


Lauren emphasizes the importance of looking at the whole family’s well-being.
Addressing factors such as parents' mental health, birth experiences, and overall family dynamics.
Integrating partners in the sleep process to share responsibilities and support.





Resources Mentioned:


Lauren’s Instagram: @HolisticMamaSleep
Lauren’s Website: www.holisticmamasleep.com



Join Our Free Support Group:
We invite you to join our limited time offered free support group for moms. This community is a safe space to share your experiences, ask questions, and receive support from other moms who understand what you’re going through. To join, simply click here.



Spread the world!
If you found this episode helpful, please share it with your friends and community. Let’s spread the word and support each other on this journey of motherhood.



Ways to Reach Dena Tibsherany:

dena@oneworldempowered.com

www.oneworldempowered.com 

www.instagram.com/empower2heal

https://www.youtube.com/@oneworldempowered



Thank you for listening! Don’t forget to subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed this episode. Your feedback helps us create more valuable content for you.


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empower2heal/support

Empower 2 Heal Podcast
Season 2 Episode 15




Strategies to Strengthen Your Relationship During the Newborn Phase



What We're Talking About:
In this episode, I'm joined by my hubby to dive into uncharted territory—our candid discussion on strengthening relationships during the newborn phase. We share personal stories, reveal untold experiences, and discuss the strategies that helped us navigate the challenges of new parenthood. Whether you're a new parent or preparing for the journey, these insights are designed to help you and your partner stay connected and supportive.




Key Takeaways:


1. Open Communication: Regularly share your feelings and experiences to maintain a strong connection.


2. Patience: Understand that both partners are adjusting and growing in their roles as parents.


3. Embrace Change: Be adaptable to the constant changes that come with a new baby.


4. Self-Care: Take care of yourself to be the best partner and parent you can be.


5.Quality Time Together: Make time for each other, even if it's just a few moments.


6. Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to reach out to family, friends, or professionals for help.


7. Grace: Show yourself and your partner grace as you navigate this challenging time.




Links mentioned:


⁠⁠The Empowered Mamas Club⁠⁠

The Empowered First Year: Postpartum Prep Course





Ways to Reach Dena Tibsherany:

dena@oneworldempowered.com

www.oneworldempowered.com

www.instagram.com/empower2heal





Thank you for listening!

Don't forget to subscribe, rate, and review our podcast. Your support means the world to us. 🌟


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Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/empower2heal/support