Mom and Mind

Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C
Mom and Mind

Posptartum Depression is real. And it's only part of the story. We dig in to ALL of the stuff that no one tells you about, but you NEED to know. Dr. Kat, Psychologist and specialist in perinatal mental health, interviews moms, dads, experts and advocates about how to cope, manage and recover from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We talk about postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and SO MUCH MORE! We get real. We get honest. We put on our stigma crushing boots and address the realities of the transition to motherhood and parenthood. Learn about it before you find out about it the hard way! You don't have to suffer! www.momandmind.com

  1. 382: Reframing Motherhood through a Feminist Lens with Erin Spahr, LCPC, LCMHC, PMH-C

    2 DAYS AGO

    382: Reframing Motherhood through a Feminist Lens with Erin Spahr, LCPC, LCMHC, PMH-C

    In today’s episode, we discuss feminism, motherhood, and how to understand modern feminism, which may differ from how we’ve interpreted it in the past. Looking through a feminist lens can be supportive of moms and their partners. Join us! My guest is Erin Spahr, a licensed therapist, mother, feminist, podcast host, and maternal mental health advocate based in Raleigh, NC. She uses a feminist lens in her work with mothers and strives to help them free themselves from oppressive societal expectations and find more confidence and self-compassion. She hosts The Feminist Mom Podcast, where she discusses the intersection of feminism and motherhood with inspiring guests. Erin created an inclusive provider directory that connects mothers, birthing individuals, and families in the US and Canada with perinatal providers who provide inclusivity and identity-affirming care.  Show Highlights: Erin’s journey into her work with motherhood and feminism from a background in social justice and trauma work Erin’s heightened awareness of injustices toward mothers during her perinatal experience The truth vs. misconceptions about feminism A focus on the needs of mothers that are unique (from Dr. Andrea O’Reilly’s work with matricentric feminism) Arguments against feminism in today’s world Societal impacts on motherhood A two-day weekend is NOT working! Shortcomings in the ways we are treating moms The “fix”---through a feminist lens, looking at the individual, relationship, and collective levels An explanation of our patriarchal systems in American society What it means to be a cycle-breaker Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients! Connect with Erin Spahr Website, Instagram, and The Feminist Mom Podcast

    46 min
  2. 381: Understanding and Navigating Your Maternity Rights in the US with Daphne Delvaux

    DEC 2

    381: Understanding and Navigating Your Maternity Rights in the US with Daphne Delvaux

    I’m excited to welcome Daphne Delvaux, “The Mama Attorney,” to the show for today’s episode. She’s an award-winning trial attorney and the founder of Delvaux Law, the nation’s first and only law firm devoted to women’s rights at work. She created The Mama Attorney, a platform on a mission to educate mothers on their rights at work and teach them to advocate for their needs so they can protect their pregnancies. She helps women get more time with their kids, get more benefits, and ask for accommodations without sacrificing their career goals. Being raised by a single mom in Belgium gave Daphne a desire to advocate for and support mothers. She has been recognized as a leader of the women’s rights movement by news outlets across the globe, including ABC News, Huffington Post, the NY Times, the Wall Street Journal, and more. She was awarded the Outstanding Trial Lawyer award for winning an equal pay trial, and she’s the mother of two boys. Her passion for women’s and mothers’ rights led her to champion women in a myriad of ways outside her law practice, and she is the founder of Chamber of Mothers, a collective movement to focus America’s priorities on mothers’ rights. Daphne also created a membership to her organization, The Liberated Mother Society, which helps moms understand and assert their rights in the workplace, including extended maternity leave benefits, more flexibility, more breaks, and protections. Her membership also includes attorney-drafted and trusted scripts to use in email communication with management and HR departments, and her book is set to come out in 2025.  Show Highlights: Don’t assume that HR is there to help you! The complexities of maternity law from state to state The muddy waters of paid maternity leave in the US Advocacy, HR, and your rights Three rights during and after your pregnancy Understanding leave and accommodations What your employer is allowed to ask you—and not allowed to ask you Your rights in returning to work after maternity leave Daphne’s advice for small business owners who don’t have an HR department How Daphne is filling the gap and meeting the needs of women in the workplace Resources: Connect with Daphne Delvaux: The Mama Attorney website, Instagram,  Facebook, and The Liberated Mother Society Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

    51 min
  3. 380: Behind the Sessions: Festive or Frantic? Coping Through the Holidays with Dr. Kat

    NOV 28

    380: Behind the Sessions: Festive or Frantic? Coping Through the Holidays with Dr. Kat

    There are seasonal themes that come up every year in therapy, and stress around the holidays is always a common issue. The joy of the season and family togetherness come with many challenges. Navigating the perinatal world adds complications to the mix of holiday stress, whether you’re pregnant, a new mom, or busy with older kids; there is a unique exhaustion to holiday parenting. Medical conditions, the pain of loss, and infertility struggles can compound holiday stress even further, and there can be immense pressure to put on a happy face and pretend that all is well. Let’s take a closer look in today’s episode! Show Highlights: Do what you need to do to care for yourself. Challenges with mental health, physical well-being, relationships, and finances Coping strategies; Start by setting limits and boundaries. You can say NO. It’s okay to simplify the holidays. Asking for help is NOT a cop-out. Let go of expectations of perfection. My advice: Step back, take inventory, consider your capacity, and adjust. Be flexible with yourself.  Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

    36 min
  4. 379: Understanding Postpartum Depression with Dr. Ewurama Sackey and Dr. Rachel Dalthorp

    NOV 25

    379: Understanding Postpartum Depression with Dr. Ewurama Sackey and Dr. Rachel Dalthorp

    This episode offers multiple perspectives from two expert guests on the subject of postpartum depression. You’ll learn how to recognize the early signs and symptoms, how to understand maternal mental health disparities, and how untreated postpartum depression can have long-term generational consequences. Join us! Dr. Rachel Dalthorp is a psychiatrist and the Executive Medical Director for LifeStance Health. Since 2014, she has focused on caring for women with hormone-related mood and anxiety disorders across the reproductive lifespan, with perinatal psychiatry comprising a large part of her work. In 2018, she worked with like-minded colleagues across the country to create a non-profit organization called ISRP to support advocacy, education, and collaboration in the field. She takes advantage of every opportunity to advocate for access to women-specific mental healthcare.  Born and raised in Toronto, Dr. Ewurana Sackey attended the University of Pennsylvania. After teaching high school in New Orleans and St. Louis, she returned to the University of Pennsylvania for medical school and general adult psychiatry residency. She completed her child and adolescent fellowship program at UCLA. Her clinical interests include reproductive psychiatry, perinatal psychiatry, maternal-infant mental health, and child/adolescent psychiatry. She has received numerous prestigious awards and completed courses in psychotherapy, psychopharmacology, and perinatal loss with Postpartum Support International.  Show Highlights: The paths into the specialty of perinatal and reproductive psychiatry for Dr. Sackey and Dr. Dalthorp The stigma women face—and how to decrease it with increased awareness Early signs of a perinatal mental health disorder Myths to dispel about postpartum depression Disparities among women of color with perinatal mental health issues (Medical racism is a real thing!) The importance of communities and safe spaces for moms Information, education, and PMAD screenings The basics of a treatment plan “Baby blues,” depression, or severe PPD—how do you know? A doctor’s perspective on prescribing medication for PPD Generational impacts on kids and families when moms are untreated for PPD Common comorbidities with PPD The good news about PPD today Key takeaways from Dr. Sackey and Dr. Dalthorp Resources: Connect with Dr. Rachel Dalthorp: Website and LinkedIn Connect with Dr. Ewurana Sackey: Website, Facebook, Instagram, and X Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

    53 min
  5. 378: Hormonal Shift Impacts on Women's Mental Health with Dr. Katrina Furey

    NOV 18

    378: Hormonal Shift Impacts on Women's Mental Health with Dr. Katrina Furey

    I'm joined today by Dr. Katrina Furey, a board-certified adult psychiatrist in women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry. We are diving into understanding how hormones impact mental health in the perinatal period and at other times in a woman’s life cycle. Join us to learn more! Dr. Furey is a clinical instructor at the Yale University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry and has Sound Psychiatry, a private practice in Guilford, Connecticut. She is a consultant for Connecticut’s Access Mental Health for Moms Hotline, offering psychiatric expertise and consultation to medical providers treating women for mental health or substance abuse issues. She also co-hosts the Analyze Scripts podcast, which analyzes the depiction of mental health in fictional TV shows and films. Dr. Furey just launched Repro Psych Academy, a comprehensive series of online courses designed to empower all healthcare providers to feel more confident in diagnosing and managing women’s mental health conditions related to hormonal shifts from menses to menopause.  Show Highlights: Dr. Furey’s perspective on women’s mental health and reproductive psychiatry Understanding the specialty of repro psych Hormones, depression, and anxiety How women are judged and dismissed for their “hormones” and what their bodies do PMS, PMDD, and PNMH Information about hormonal shift differences and birth control Determining if a medication is best for you, what to try, and when to switch Dr. Furey’s efforts to train more providers to help more women Resources: Connect with Dr. Katrina Furey: Sound Psychiatry, Analyze Scripts podcast, Repro Psych Academy, and Instagram Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

    51 min
  6. 377: Behind the Sessions: Anger and Emotional Pain in Marriage with Dr. Kat

    NOV 14

    377: Behind the Sessions: Anger and Emotional Pain in Marriage with Dr. Kat

    We are exploring a topic that pops up frequently in therapy sessions. Relationship issues are often an underlying factor of other challenges that prompt women to seek therapy. They are looking for problem-solving solutions to help with the pain they are experiencing in their relationships. Let’s take a closer look in today’s episode. Show Highlights: Gaslighting–a form of psychological manipulation that can have devastating effects on a relationship Many clients desperately want their husbands/partners to seek therapy. One-sided efforts by one partner can only go so far toward healing the relationship.  Movement forward in the relationship usually happens as a result of couples therapy.  How our conditioning sets us up with the perfect formula for a tension-filled marriage Having kids changes EVERYTHING in a relationship! Feeling isolated and alienated makes every problem seem magnified. Healing CAN happen! Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

    32 min
  7. 376: Finding Sobriety and Helping Others After a Severe Postpartum Episode with Andrea Owen

    NOV 11

    376: Finding Sobriety and Helping Others After a Severe Postpartum Episode with Andrea Owen

    Today’s guest shares her experiences through a difficult postpartum journey. Her story covers anxiety, psychosis, and alcohol dependence, but she turned things around to empower women and coach them to be their best selves. Join us for Andrea’s story. Andrea Owen is an author, global keynote speaker, and professionally certified life coach who helps high-achieving women maximize unshakeable confidence, master their mindset, and magnify their courage. She hosts the wildly popular podcast, Make Some Noise, and her books include How to Stop Feeling Like Shit, Make Some Noise, and 52 Ways to Live a Kickass Life. With multiple certifications, Andrea is a She Recovers coach and a Daring Way facilitator.  Show Highlights: Andrea’s story: a first pregnancy of stress, anxiety, panic attacks, and postpartum psychosis A C-section, sleep issues, breastfeeding issues, and colic compounded the problems until Andrea finally began to feel better after a few months.  A second pregnancy when her son was 15 months old, a doula, and a VBAC Alcohol dependence—how it affected Andrea For Andrea, the quantity of alcohol wasn’t as significant as the daily obsession with it. Sobriety transforms you into a different person. Andrea’s career as a writer, life coach, and podcaster An overview of Andrea’s podcast, Make Some Noise Andrea’s takeaway about shame resilience and self-compassion Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients! Connect with Andrea Owen: Website, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Make Some Noise podcast, and (books) How to Stop Feeling Like Shit, Make Some Noise, and 52 Ways to Live a Kickass Life.

    54 min
  8. 375: A Physician’s Journey Through Loss, Birth, and Postpartum with Dr. Phindile Chowa

    NOV 4

    375: A Physician’s Journey Through Loss, Birth, and Postpartum with Dr. Phindile Chowa

    We often mistakenly think physicians are immune to postpartum challenges, but nothing could be further from the truth. Today’s guest shares her story of pregnancy loss, traumatic birth, and intense postpartum difficulties. From feeling shamed and unsupported, therapy helped her find a place of forgiveness and a healthy mental space for herself. Join us to learn more! Dr. Phindile Chowa is an emergency-trained physician currently practicing in Georgia. She attended the University of Pittsburgh for her undergraduate studies and medical school, completing her residency at Harvard. With several years of experience in a large academic hospital, she swiftly ascended to an administrative role within the emergency department, focusing on enhancing the patient experience. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she witnessed transformative changes in healthcare delivery, motivating her to redefine her medical practice. Determined to restore dignity to patient care, she established the concierge medical practice, EMCare2U, where she provides personalized healthcare services to individuals and families. With a particular emphasis on postpartum care, she wrote the book What to Expect Next, a postpartum guide to assist mothers planning for a healthy postpartum journey. Dr. Chowa also hosts the podcast, Fourth Trimester Voices, where she creates a platform for meaningful conversations surrounding postpartum challenges, maternal health, and healthcare advocacy. The podcast amplifies the voices of mothers, healthcare professionals, and advocates to share their stories, insights, and support for navigating the postpartum experience.  Show Highlights: Dr. Chowa’s path to emergency medicine that began in her childhood Her first pregnancy, miscarriage, and the accompanying trauma A second pregnancy full of fear and anxiety, which culminated in a traumatic birth and a NICU stay Breastfeeding and sleeping issues—and a very challenging first few weeks at home with a newborn The postpartum screening test with a low score and no resources to help her A difficult night that led to drastic action and an eye-opening conversation with her mother Finding therapy, getting help, and learning to take a “me-centered” approach Learning forgiveness and finding ways to get more sleep and break down intrusive thoughts Helping others with a new post-COVID perspective of medicine Transitioning to concierge medicine and personalized care Collaborative care and medical advocacy What’s normal and NOT normal in postpartum care Dr. Chowa’s podcast, Fourth Trimester Voices, to show moms that they are not alone The need to fine-tune postpartum care in a comprehensive and holistic way Resources: Connect with Dr. Phindile Chowa Website, Instagram, Facebook (Join the postpartum support group, Beyond the Fourth Trimester.), and Fourth Trimester Voices podcast Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

    54 min
4.8
out of 5
206 Ratings

About

Posptartum Depression is real. And it's only part of the story. We dig in to ALL of the stuff that no one tells you about, but you NEED to know. Dr. Kat, Psychologist and specialist in perinatal mental health, interviews moms, dads, experts and advocates about how to cope, manage and recover from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We talk about postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and SO MUCH MORE! We get real. We get honest. We put on our stigma crushing boots and address the realities of the transition to motherhood and parenthood. Learn about it before you find out about it the hard way! You don't have to suffer! www.momandmind.com

You Might Also Like

To listen to explicit episodes, sign in.

Stay up to date with this show

Sign in or sign up to follow shows, save episodes, and get the latest updates.

Select a country or region

Africa, Middle East, and India

Asia Pacific

Europe

Latin America and the Caribbean

The United States and Canada