97: Navigating the Postpartum Mental Space with Dr. Puja Shah

In this episode of the MamasteFit Podcast, hosts Gina and Roxanne sit down with Dr. Puja Shah again, this time to discuss mental strategies for navigating the postpartum period. They delve into hormonal shifts, common emotions, and effective coping mechanisms. Dr. Shah shares her personal journey with postpartum mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and breathing exercises. The conversation also touches on the realities of life and death, providing insights on grieving and managing postpartum anxiety. This episode aims to empower new mothers with tools for a smoother transition into motherhood!

00:00 Introduction to the MamasteFit Podcast

01:14 Meet Dr. Puja Shah: Navigating Postpartum Mentally

03:04 Personal Stories of Postpartum Grief and Anxiety

06:44 Coping Mechanisms and Mental Health Strategies

10:07 The Concept of Matrescence and Postpartum Changes

21:17 Modeling Healthy Behaviors for Our Children

22:02 Sponsor Break: Needed Nutrition

24:16 Breathing Techniques and Mantras for Stress Relief

37:07 Addressing Life and Death in Postpartum

48:21 Final Thoughts and Coping Strategies Recap

53:32 Conclusion and Resources for Postpartum Support

More about Dr. Shah:

Puja Shah, M.D., is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain management specialist. After her own journey with pregnancy, and postpartum she has honed her craft to women's wellbeing, particularly during this intricate stage of life.  

Approaching wellness from the inside out, she uses her intensive medical training and deep understanding of the mind-body connection to deliver comprehensive pain management care to her patients.

Passionate about promoting a greater understanding of chronic pain, she believes that many conditions may have multifactorial sources and works diligently with each patient to find their own specialized wellness profile and treatment plan.  She is an expert mind/body coach and believes that without self awareness, we cannot truly heal.  She coaches clients to become aware of the root causes of their distress, to allow relief of symptoms such as chronic pain, anxiety, depression, PTSD, and more.  The synergy between the mental health and somatic (body) system is what she believes can lead to long lasting wellbeing.  

Dr. Shah completed her education at Drexel University College of Medicine, completed a residency in anesthesiology at the SUNY Downstate Medical Center, where she won the Resident of the Year award, and a fellowship in Interventional Pain Management at Tufts University. Dr. Shah has authored numerous research presentations and is a member of several honorary and professional societies.

Dr. Shah works as an anesthesiologist, pain management specialist in New York City and the surrounding area.

Follow Dr. Shah on Instagram here: https://www.instagram.com/drpujanyc/

Hear our other episode with Dr. Shah all about Birth and Pain Relief: https://spotifycreators-web.app.link/e/aed5TFqcYPb

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