0: Intro to the Maternal Mental Health Podcast

This podcast focuses on the mental health aspects of becoming pregnant, being pregnant and early parenthood. Just by listening and becoming aware of maternal mental health issues, you are already a part of the change. The reason this topic is so important, is because about 20% of moms will experience a significant and sometimes devastating change to their mental wellbeing during pregnancy and postpartum. So many moms are unaware and surprised that things like anxiety and depression can happen while pregnant, with a loss or after the baby is born. They don’t want to feel bad, but they do. This is a very real thing. For instance, Postpartum Depression is the #1 complication of childbirth, but because we as a society don’t talk about it enough, many moms feel lost, alone or ashamed. Here’s the good news, with the proper information and proper help, moms don’t have to be stuck or alone in their pain. It’s the goal of this podcast to make this information available and also provide real life stories of moms who have struggled and made their way through to feeling better. We will talk with experts, leaders and advocates in the field of maternal mental health and maternal health. We will discuss all of the maternal mental health challenges that so many moms and families face while going through the transition to motherhood. We will address the overwhelming stigma that mothers face when they don’t feel like they are “supposed” to feel. We’re gonna get real. We’re gonna get honest. We’re gonna put on our stigma crushing boots and address the realities of the transition to motherhood. This podcast offers information, resources, real personal stories, expert perspective and community. This is not a replacement for therapy and treatment. If you or anyone you know may be struggling, please know that there is help. You can find resources on www.momandmind.com Dr. Kat can be found Twitter @momandmind Instagram @momandmind