The Science Chick Report: Evidence You Can Use for Real-World Women's Health

Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Medicine
  • Updated Biweekly

Hosted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, The Science Chick Report brings women’s health research you can trust to the people holding it all together: birth workers, lactation consultants, doulas, midwives, mental health providers, and nurses. Every episode turns the latest science into practical tools, helping you advocate, recover, and stay grounded in the work you love, even when it feels like you’re doing it alone.

  1. Breastfeeding Isn’t Always the Real Problem

    Jun 10

    Breastfeeding Isn’t Always the Real Problem

    Did you know that some of the hardest parts of early motherhood may have nothing to do with breastfeeding itself? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett explores what she calls the “Five I’s of New Motherhood”: idleness, isolation, incompetence, identity, and intensity. These are the hidden emotional and psychological barriers that can quietly derail new mothers, even when breastfeeding is technically going well. Drawing from her book Breastfeeding Doesn’t Need to Suck, Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains why the early postpartum period can feel so disorienting. A mother may be recovering physically, establishing milk supply, caring for a newborn around the clock, and still feeling like she is “not doing anything.” Add isolation, shifting identity, sleep disruption, and the pressure to “enjoy every minute,” and it is easy to see why this stage can feel overwhelming. Dr. Kendall-Tackett also discusses how formula marketing often speaks directly to these vulnerable feelings by promising mothers a return to freedom, identity, and control. Instead of shaming mothers for struggling, she encourages providers, partners, and support groups to talk openly about these experiences and help mothers reframe them with compassion and realism. This episode is a grounded reminder that new mothers are not lazy, incompetent, or losing themselves. They are recovering, learning, bonding, and helping their babies transition from womb to world. And with structure, support, short breaks, outside time, and realistic expectations, this intense season can become more manageable. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction[00:49] A new format focused on support for mothers[01:21] Introducing the Five I’s of New Motherhood[02:36] How formula companies target new mothers’ fears[04:19] Amy Brown’s insight on motherhood and disempowerment[06:02] Why breastfeeding struggles are not always about breastfeeding[07:06] The first “I”: idleness[09:42] Postpartum brain shifts and losing track of time[12:21] Reframing idleness as recovery and bonding[14:16] Why structure helps new mothers cope[15:01] The second “I”: isolation[18:27] Feeling disconnected from friends after birth[20:12] Why mothers should not tough out isolation[21:35] Finding a tribe and building support[22:55] The third “I”: incompetence[24:41] Reframing incompetence as learning[27:21] Using time markers to stay grounded[29:28] The fourth “I”: identity[31:08] Why the old self has not disappeared[32:15] The fifth “I”: intensity[34:00] Helping babies transition from womb to world[35:30] Taking short breaks without undermining breastfeeding[36:19] Practical coping tools for the newborn stage[39:38] Limiting phone time and staying present[41:25] Final thoughts and next topic Notable Quotes: [04:22] “Mothering is the most powerful of all biological capacities and among the most disempowering of social experiences.” – Amy Brown, quoted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [06:30] “This is something that can absolutely derail mothers, and to remember that we have a multi-billion dollar industry preying on these very fears.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [13:35] “You’re not being lazy. You’re resting. You’re recovering. It’s smart.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [15:17] “When we isolate a prisoner, that’s considered cruel and unusual punishment.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [24:43] “They’re not incompetent. That’s the truth. They’re learning.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [31:35] “The old me has not gone away. Buying a product is not going to bring that back.” – Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links: PodcastThe Science Chick Report Dr. Kathleen Kendall-TackettWebsiteLinkedInXFacebookResearchGate Mentioned ResourcesBreastfeeding Doesn’t Need to SuckBreastfeeding Made SimpleAmy BrownBrooke Shields’ postpartum depression memoirSuzanne CoulsonEd Tronick’s Still Face Mother studies

    43 min
  2. Why Women Use Cannabis During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    May 20

    Why Women Use Cannabis During Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

    Why do pregnant and breastfeeding women use cannabis? The answer isn't what most clinicians think. In this episode, Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett shares data from over 3,400 perinatal cannabis users. The number one reason isn't "getting high" or even enjoyment. It is perceived safety. Nearly 98% of mothers believe cannabis is safer and more natural than prescription medications for managing symptoms. Using advanced statistical analysis, Promax rotation, Dr. Kendall Tackett identified four key drivers. They are perceived safety, availability (partner or family use), enjoyment, and symptom relief for anxiety, sleep, PTSD, and nausea. While acknowledging real risks like preterm birth, she argues that shame based counseling doesn't work, and women are asking for help. The episode introduces a free, easy to use clinical tool. It is the Perinatal Cannabis Questionnaire, designed to open meaningful conversation. Scan the QR code in the episode to access it. Dr. Kendall Tackett invites clinicians to try the tool and share feedback. She wants to move beyond "just say no" toward actual harm reduction. For providers on the front lines of women's health, this is practical, data driven guidance you can use today. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:37] Why pregnant and breastfeeding women continue using cannabis [01:14] Women are asking for help, not judgment [01:31] A study of 3,443 perinatal cannabis users [02:13] Why existing cannabis scales fail pregnant women [02:50] Building a new questionnaire from scratch [03:10] What factor analysis revealed about cannabis use [04:02] Why traditional statistical models missed the bigger picture [04:48] The myth that women mainly use cannabis “for fun” [05:08] The real top factor: perceived safety [05:29] Trauma, symptom management, and self-treatment [06:05] Why 98% viewed cannabis as safer than medications [06:27] The real risks providers should understand [06:45] Why long-term cannabis research is complicated [07:04] Availability as a major driver of use [07:42] Sleep, anxiety, appetite, nausea, and PTSD [08:19] How providers can start better conversations [08:46] Introducing a new perinatal cannabis screening tool [09:21] “Don’t just tell me no. Give me other ideas.” [09:39] A QR code tool for clinicians and providers [10:00] Why maternal healthcare needs practical tools now [10:27] Closing thoughts and encouragement for providers Notable Quotes: [00:47] "The way we've all been trained is to say, 'Well, stop doing that. Don't do that. This is not safe.' But we're kind of finding, of course, that that doesn't really help." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [01:02] "Women are using cannabis for a reason. And so even though they're getting advice from people to not use it, they're still continuing to use — and oftentimes they're asking for help." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [05:23] "The number one factor was not fun, but actually perceived safety." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [05:47] "Trauma causes health symptoms, which drives cannabis use — so that's kind of the way that relationship shakes out." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [06:08] "Ninety-eight percent of mothers consider it to be a safer and more natural way to treat symptoms than using medications." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [09:19] "Don't just tell me no. Give me some other ideas." — perinatal study participants [09:58] "The fact that we have not had any tools at all to have conversations like this with perinatal women seems ridiculous considering the number of studies we're getting." — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

    11 min
  3. The Dangerous Blind Spot in Pregnancy and Birth Care

    May 6

    The Dangerous Blind Spot in Pregnancy and Birth Care

    What does it mean to feel safe while giving birth? For many Jewish women and families in the United States, the United Kingdom, and beyond, that question has taken on an urgency that would have been unthinkable just a few years ago. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett sits down with Dr. B.J. Woodstein, author of the groundbreaking new book Be Fruitful: The Jewish Pregnancy and Birth Guide. What starts as a discussion about cultural competence quickly reveals a far more urgent crisis: a dramatic rise in anti-Semitism that is making pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care dangerous for Jewish patients and providers alike. Dr. Woodstein, a doula and lactation consultant, shares firsthand accounts of Jewish women being turned away, verbally abused, and even reported to social services for following religious traditions. She describes a Jewish midwife who was called “baby killer” by a patient’s family while trying to support a birth. She herself was forced to leave professional doula groups after speaking up against anti-Semitic posts. She also reveals the chilling reality that many Jewish families are now planning exit strategies and wondering if this feels like “Germany in the 1930s.” But the episode is not just a catalogue of horrors. It is a call to action. Dr. Woodstein explains the spectrum of Jewish identity, from atheist to Orthodox, from Ethiopian to Ashkenazi, and offers concrete, practical steps that doctors, midwives, doulas, and lactation consultants can take to make their practices safe and welcoming. These include keeping politics out of clinical spaces, establishing clear anti-abuse policies, and simply asking Jewish families, “What do you need?” Dr. Kendall-Tackett brings her signature blend of compassion and no-nonsense science, connecting the conversation to her own work on trauma, inflammation, and the body’s response to discrimination. She ends with a direct challenge to non-Jewish listeners: “Stand up for your colleagues and patients. This is not okay. We wouldn’t do this with any other group.” Tune in to learn how to recognize anti-Semitism in maternity care, why Jewish families are frightened, and what you can do to be part of the solution. In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:34] Introduction to Dr. B.J. Woodstein [01:30] Why Be Fruitful was written, and the rise in antisemitism [04:30] Antisemitism in universities and healthcare. [05:30] An HR manager blames a Jewish employee. [09:13] “We don’t want Jews in our department.” [10:18] A tube driver says no Jews are safe. [11:49] Jewish families plan exit strategies. [13:10] “Is this Germany in the 1930s?” [14:17] Pregnancy is a uniquely vulnerable time. [17:16] The myth of white privilege for Jews. [18:59] What is a Jew? Breaking it down. [22:54] Ashkenazi, Sephardi, and Mizrahi Jews. [26:40] “How can you be white colonizers?” [28:00] The spectrum from Reform to Hasidic. [30:14] A midwife calls social services over a brit milah. [32:50] What if she wore a hijab instead? [33:52] A Jewish midwife called “baby killer.” [35:36] Hospitals need clear anti-abuse policies. [38:03] “Are you a Zionist?” A doula is rejected. [40:10] Stand up, or you get Vienna. [44:24] Synagogue security vs. churches and mosques. [48:39] Ignorance versus active prejudice. [50:15] Doula UK refused Jewish cultural training. [51:24] Keep politics out of the delivery room. [53:23] A Muslim woman and a Jewish lactation consultant. [59:47] What providers can do right now. [01:00:40] Shabbat buttons, kosher food, naming on day eight. [01:07:49] See the individual, not the whole culture. [01:09:57] A call to non-Jewish providers: stand up. [01:11:13] Closing thoughts. Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Dr. B.J. Woodstein Website LinkedIn Book: Be Fruitful: The Jewish Pregnancy and Birth Guide Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

    1h 12m
  4. Rethinking Racial Trauma: What the Science Says

    Apr 22

    Rethinking Racial Trauma: What the Science Says

    Is racial trauma “real” trauma, or are we asking the wrong question? Black women in the U.S. experience nearly double the rate of preterm birth compared to white women, and emerging research suggests this disparity may not be genetic but driven by chronic exposure to racial discrimination, activating the same inflammatory pathways seen in traditional trauma. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall Tackett takes on one of the most debated issues in the trauma field. Drawing from her role as editor of the APA journal Psychological Trauma, she challenges the limits of the DSM 5’s Criterion A and explores what happens when the definition of trauma does not match what the body is actually experiencing. Blending neuroscience with real world data, she explains how the brain does not just respond to physical threats. It also reacts to social rejection, exclusion, and discrimination. At the center of this response is the anterior cingulate cortex, a region that processes both physical and social pain. When activated repeatedly, it can trigger the same stress cascades seen in classic PTSD. The consequences are far from abstract. Elevated inflammation markers like C reactive protein, higher rates of substance use, increased risk of chronic disease, and even preterm birth begin to tell a consistent story. The body is responding as if it is under threat because in many ways, it is. This episode does not dismiss the need for clinical precision, but it does push the conversation forward. Trauma, as Dr. Kendall Tackett argues, is not purely objective. It is shaped by perception, lived experience, and how the brain interprets danger. If we are willing to follow biology, we may need to rethink not just the definition of trauma, but how we recognize, study, and respond to it. Tune in and decide for yourself whether racial trauma fits the definition, or whether it is time to redefine what trauma really means.  In This Episode: [00:00] Introduction [00:41] The controversy: Is racial trauma “real” trauma? [01:01] Defining trauma and DSM-5 Criterion A [02:20] Why trauma definitions have always evolved [03:03] What qualifies as a traumatic event [03:53] Can microaggressions rise to the level of trauma? [05:00] Why the body’s response may matter more than definitions [05:37] How the brain senses danger (amygdala vs. other systems) [08:33] The anterior cingulate cortex and threat processing [09:18] Social rejection as a survival threat [10:39] Social pain vs. physical pain in the brain [11:42] Rethinking trauma as a subjective experience [13:23] The body’s stress systems and inflammation response [16:31] Research on discrimination and inflammation markers [18:54] Microaggressions and substance use outcomes [19:14] Social class, stress, and inflammatory response [20:18] Chronic inflammation and long-term health risks [21:12] Racial disparities in preterm birth explained [23:05] Connecting the dots: discrimination and health outcomes [24:00] Why trauma definitions need revisiting [25:08] “Look at the numbers”: following the health data [25:29] Case study: two birth experiences, two trauma responses [28:27] The subjective nature of trauma [28:47] Why this conversation matters now [29:04] Closing thoughts Resources and Links Podcast The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Referenced Research & Topics  Lewis (2010) – Perceived discrimination and inflammation Studies on racial microaggressions and substance use Research on social rejection and brain activation Inflammation and chronic disease literature Preterm birth and inflammatory cytokines Cochrane Review (2018) – DHA and gestational length

    30 min
  5. Non-Medical Ways to Treat Depression

    Apr 8

    Non-Medical Ways to Treat Depression

    What if something as simple as a group walk could be just as effective as antidepressant medication for some mothers? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical ways to support mothers experiencing depression, this time focusing on something simple but powerful: exercise. For many providers, it can feel frustrating when options like medication or therapy are off the table. But as she explains, there is still a lot you can do within your scope, and it does not have to be expensive or complicated. Dr. Kendall-Tackett breaks down the research behind moderate exercise and its impact on depression, including studies showing it can be nearly as effective as antidepressants. More importantly, she reframes exercise in a way that feels realistic for new mothers. This is not about intense workouts. It is about small, consistent movement like walking, often with the baby included. She also highlights how combining simple strategies like exercise, omega-3s, sunlight, and social connection can create meaningful change. Group walks, community support, and even light exposure can help reduce isolation and improve mental health in powerful ways. If you are a doula, nurse, or community health worker, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based tools you can actually use. Tune in to learn how small, consistent actions can make a real difference in maternal mental health. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction (01:14) Alternative treatments for depression beyond medication (04:06) Community success stories walking and omega 3s (05:43) Research evidence exercise vs medication (09:53) Inflammation and exercise intensity (10:54) Types of exercise aerobic yoga strength training (13:27) Recommended exercise guidelines (15:53) Exploring local exercise options (18:17) Implementing light in group settings (20:04) Importance of follow up and evaluation (20:55) Scope of practice and safety considerations Notable Quotes: (01:00) “There is actually a lot you can do, and you can talk to mothers about things they could do themselves, or you can even start a program together where you get together and really make a big difference.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (01:25) “I have certainly run into this group of mothers over the years, mothers who just don't want to do the classic psychiatric thing—going on medications, doing therapy — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (02:13) “Mothers or anybody who's depressed actually has options besides just pills and psychotherapy. And that is exercise.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (03:25) “A moderate amount of exercise has a huge effect, not only in terms of physical health, but also mental health as well..” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (06:55) “This idea that you give people a pill and they get better automatically—it's not true all the time..” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (15:31) “The nice thing about exercise is that the effects are almost immediate.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (08:52) Preventing prenatal depression is a great idea because if you can prevent prenatal depression, you actually lower the risk of preterm birth.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (09:19) “With moderate exercise, which is what we're talking about here, it actually can lead to less lactic acid, and it doesn't seem to be a problem with the babies.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett The Science Chick Report The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Mentioned  Babyak et al. (2000) – Duke University exercise and depression study Blumenthal et al. (2007) – Follow-up study: exercise vs. medication Nissen et al. (2021) – Systematic review of exercise and depression Davenport et al. – Review of 52 studies on exercise and prenatal depression (131,000 patients) University of New Hampshire (1999) – Lactic acid in breastmilk and exercise

    24 min
  6. Practical Strategies Providers Can Use to Support Mothers (Part 2)

    Mar 25

    Practical Strategies Providers Can Use to Support Mothers (Part 2)

    Emerging research suggests that nutrient deficiencies may contribute to postpartum depression and addressing them may support recovery. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical approaches that can support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many providers want to help but may not have access to specialized mental health services or extensive resources. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those limits, there are practical steps that practitioners and mothers can consider that may support mental health and recovery. This episode focuses on the role of nutrition and anti-inflammatory strategies in depression. Dr. Kendall-Tackett begins with vitamin D, one of the most common deficiencies worldwide. Because modern lifestyles limit sun exposure, many people do not produce enough vitamin D naturally. Research suggests that deficiency may contribute to increased inflammation and higher rates of depressive symptoms among mothers. She then explores the role of vitamin B12, which helps regulate homocysteine, an inflammatory compound linked to depression. Low levels of B12 have been associated with significantly higher rates of postpartum depression, making it another nutrient worth evaluating. The episode also discusses curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits in treating depression and anxiety. Finally, Dr. Kendall-Tackett addresses St. John’s wort, an herbal treatment widely used for depression in many parts of the world. While research suggests it can be effective for mild to moderate depression, she emphasizes the importance of caution due to potential interactions with medications. For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health practitioners, this episode provides practical, science-based insights into nutritional approaches that may help support maternal mental health alongside traditional care. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction  (26) Community and individual interventions overview (01:07) Vitamin D deficiency and maternal health (04:03) Research on vitamin D and depression (06:10) Vitamin B12 and postpartum depression (08:14) Accessibility and impact of vitamin D and B12 (09:11) Curcumin (turmeric) as an anti-inflammatory supplement (11:31) Research on curcumin and mental health (12:30) St. John’s wort: appeal and cautions (13:21) St. John’s wort: history and mechanism (14:23) St. John’s wort: drug interactions and safety (15:24) St. John’s wort: effectiveness compared to antidepressants (17:17) St. John’s wort: use in major depression and global practices (19:16) St. John’s wort: dosage, standardization, and breastfeeding (21:14) St. John’s wort: quality control and recommendations (22:57) Conclusion and preview of next episode (23:30) Closing remarks Notable Quotes: (03:57) “If you're deficient in vitamin D, one of the things that it does is it increases inflammation. When you've got inflammation, you've got depression.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (05:18) "The higher your vitamin D, the lower your Edinburgh score which means lower depressive symptoms.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (14:05) “I'd like to point out that lots and lots of things are natural that aren't safe. Lead is natural. Arsenic is natural. Asbestos is natural.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (22:31) “It is natural doesn't mean you can take as much as you want and it will be safe.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resources and Links The Science Chick Report The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper)

    24 min
  7. Practical Strategies Providers Can Use to Support Mothers (Part 1)

    Mar 11

    Practical Strategies Providers Can Use to Support Mothers (Part 1)

    Did you know that some of the most effective ways to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression may not involve medication at all? In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett explores practical, non-medical strategies that healthcare providers and community practitioners can use to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many professionals want to help but feel limited by lack of funding, training, or access to specialized mental health services. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those constraints, there are meaningful steps providers can take to make a difference. She begins by encouraging practitioners to focus on what is possible within their scope of practice. Screening for postpartum depression is an important first step, but it should always be paired with a plan for referral and support. Mapping local resources such as mental health providers, domestic violence services, and community support programs can help practitioners connect mothers to the help they need. The episode then introduces the first of several non-medical interventions mothers can try themselves. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains the growing research on omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, and how these nutrients may help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and lower the risk of depression and preterm birth. For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health workers, this episode offers practical tools and science-based insights for supporting maternal mental health when traditional treatment options are limited. In This Episode: (00:00) Introduction and encouragement for practitioners (01:16) Scope of practice and taking action (03:06) Assessing community resources (04:11) Building trust and addressing barriers (05:10) Alternative self-help interventions for mothers (06:18) Introduction to omega-3 fatty acids (07:16) Omega-6 vs. omega-3 fatty acids (08:16) Inflammation and mental health (09:26) Types and sources of omega-3s (10:26) DHA dosage and population studies (11:26) DHA’s role in pregnancy and preterm birth (12:38) Cochrane review and DHA recommendations (13:45) EPA for treating depression (15:45) Supplement safety and brand recommendations (17:37) Omega-3s as adjuncts to antidepressants (20:36) Bleeding concerns and Faroe Islands study (22:30) How to dose and choose omega-3 supplements (24:14) Summary and further resources (24:48) Closing remarks Notable Quotes: (01:09) “If you are creative, there are things that you can do that will make the situation better for new moms.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (01:44) "Don't give up just because there's not a bunch of funding available. The funding fairy will not suddenly land. It's going to be frustrating.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (02:10) “The question isn’t always what can’t be done. Sometimes it’s asking, what can I do?” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (08:43) “ High inflammation means more depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, even bipolar disorder. So that seems to be the underlying physiological mechanism.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (13:34) “DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may increase gestational age and help prevent preterm birth.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett  (17:37) “Antidepressants don’t always resolve depression because they don’t directly address inflammation.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resource and Links The Science Chick Report The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Mentioned  Middleton et al. (2018) – Cochrane Review on omega-3 fatty acids and pregnancy outcomes Hibbeln – Population studies on omega-3 intake and mental health Michael maes – Inflammation and depression research “Can Fats Make You Happy?” – Dr. Kendall-Tackett research paper

    25 min
  8. The Edinburgh Scale vs. PHQ: What’s Best for Postpartum Care

    Feb 11

    The Edinburgh Scale vs. PHQ: What’s Best for Postpartum Care

    Choosing the right screening tool for postpartum depression is more than just a clinical decision — it’s a key step that impacts what happens next for new mothers. In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett walks through two of the most commonly used tools for identifying postpartum depression: the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ). Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains why these tools are more than just academic: their proper use directly affects the care that mothers receive. While screening scales help identify symptoms, what happens after a positive screen can determine whether a mother receives the support she needs or falls through the cracks. She also emphasizes the importance of understanding the limitations and benefits of these tools before use, especially in community-based settings. This episode is a call for healthcare providers to not only screen but also ensure that proper follow-up systems are in place. It’s about making sure mothers don’t face the frustration of an unmet expectation when they are vulnerable and in need of help. In This Episode: [00:00:00] Introduction: The importance of choosing the right screening tools [00:01:12] Why screening is a critical first step in postpartum care [00:03:11] The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale: Pros and cons [00:05:37] Language and cultural barriers in using the Edinburgh scale [00:07:00] The problem with reverse scoring and language confusion [00:08:06] Using the Edinburgh three-item version for quick assessments [00:10:05] PHQ-9: A more straightforward, reliable alternative [00:12:07] How to use screening results: what happens next? [00:13:15] Understanding anxiety and depression in postpartum women [00:15:00] The challenge of limited resources in healthcare [00:17:01] Community-based support and non-medical interventions [00:19:32] The importance of planning follow-up after screening Notable Quotes [01:34] “It’s not enough to just screen — you have to have a plan for what happens next.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [03:37] “The Edinburgh scale has been around for decades, but it still has issues, especially with language and scoring.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [05:21] “A screening scale is not the same as a diagnostic tool. It’s the first step, not the final answer.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [10:05] “The Edinburgh three-item version might be the best option for quick, on-the-go screening.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett [13:15] “Even with limited resources, you can connect mothers to help — it’s all about knowing what services are available.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Resource and Links The Science Chick Report The Science Chick Report  Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Website LinkedIn X Facebook ResearchGate (upcoming paper) Mentioned Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale – Full vs. Three-Item Versions Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) US Preventive Services Task Force Recommendations Moyer et al. (2023) – Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (US Version) Cheryl Beck – Postpartum Depression Screening Scale City Birth Trauma Scale Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index

    37 min
See All (18)

Trailer

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Hosted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, The Science Chick Report brings women’s health research you can trust to the people holding it all together: birth workers, lactation consultants, doulas, midwives, mental health providers, and nurses. Every episode turns the latest science into practical tools, helping you advocate, recover, and stay grounded in the work you love, even when it feels like you’re doing it alone.

Information

You Might Also Like