Mom & Mind Podcast | Postpartum | Birth | Pregnancy | Maternal Mental Health |

Our discussion focuses on the ways fertility challenges impact mental health, navigating misinformation and pressure from “influencer experts” on social media, and how evidence-based fertility education can empower and support people mentally and emotionally during their reproductive journey.  Dr. Lucky Sekhon is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, obstetrician-gynecologist, and assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. She is the author of The Lucky Egg, a comprehensive, myth-busting guide to understanding reproductive health and overcoming fertility—written to empower anyone navigating the complex and confusing world of fertility. Widely recognized for her expertise in egg freezing, IVF, and LGBTQ+ family building, Dr. Sekhon is a trusted voice in reproductive medicine known for blending cutting-edge science with deeply compassionate patient care. Beyond her busy clinical practice, Dr. Sekhon actively publishes and presents research

Before discussing today’s show, I’d like to provide some updates on what to expect from the podcast in 2026. First of all, there will be no more Behind the Sessions episodes. There could also be changes in the frequency of episodes at some point, but we’ll see how that goes. Life shifts and different needs arise that are pulling me in other directions. Everyone has times when shifts are needed to make space for pressing needs, and that’s what I’m experiencing in my life. I’m still excited about the show and the ten-year milestone that we’ll reach in 2026. Remember, the archive of episodes (almost 500!) is always available through our website.  Today’s episode brings important information about how parenthood changes everything, including your sex life. There are new complexities to intimacy and sex after having a child, and parents need to be prepared so they can protect their connection. Our expert guest answers questions about why passion fades, the sexual-emotional cycle that couples get stuck in, and the

Today’s episode finishes the four-part series on perinatal mental health during the holidays. It is also the final Behind the Sessions episode because life’s circumstances are requiring me to shift, change, and prioritize other things as 2025 comes to a close. I will periodically add a solo episode in the future when I want to dive deeper into a relevant subject. There could even be a reduction in the frequency of episodes in 2026, as I see how my focus is needed in other areas. This shift is an example of my need to “practice what I preach” by protecting my time, space, and mental health as life changes. There is an extensive archive of episodes (almost 500 of them!) on my website from which you can search topics of interest to you. Please take advantage of the amazing resources available there! Today’s episode focuses on facing the challenges of the postpartum period during the holidays. Join me! Show Highlights: Hey, Mama: You ARE doing enough! When you throw PPA or PPD into the mix, the holida

Our focus in today’s episode is parenting a child with a disability, including the point of diagnosis, how the diagnosis might change over time, how it impacts pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and the ableism parents can face in reproductive care. Join us to learn more from today’s expert guest.  Riley Blanton is a therapist specializing in reproductive mental health care in Kansas. She is passionate about the nuances within the perinatal space, including individuals parenting children with disabilities, abortion care, foster care, and adoption. Riley is the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and of the perinatal-specific private practice Holding New Therapy. Her work includes publishing research-based articles on her website and appearing on various online media outlets. She is also the owner of Kansas Reproductive Therapy Center, which provides mental health professionals with specialized training in reproductive mental health, including ableism in reproductive care, pregnancy after lo

Today’s guest shares how she turned her difficulties into a passion for educating and supporting others. Her postpartum journey inspired her upcoming short film Postpartum. Join us to learn more! Brittani Noel is a biracial filmmaker, actor, and mom of two. Her creative works delve into the emotional and psychological complexities of identity, race, and motherhood. Her award-winning short, The Other, examined the international racism experienced growing up mixed-race, garnering an official selection at the Oscar-qualifying Flickers Rhode Island International Film Festival (RIFF). Her film, Postpartum, continues this thread through the lens of maternal mental health. As an actor, Brittani most recently appeared in Leah McKendrick’s feature, Scrambled, opposite Yvonne Strahovski, and shares the screen with Tom Everett Scott in the comedy feature Rockbottom. Whether behind the camera or in front of it, Brittani is committed to telling stories that scare her a little and stay with the viewer for a long time.  

This is the 3rd in a four-part Behind the Sessions series about coping during the holidays with various perinatal mental health challenges. Today’s episode focuses on pregnancy loss. If you’re in a time of grief over the loss of a child, you are not alone. Many people are carrying deep feelings of grief and loss during a time when celebrating with sparkles of joy and peace feels painfully out of sync with their reality. You certainly didn’t ask for this, and now you have new, raw feelings to process. All of your feelings are real and valid. Everywhere you look, families are celebrating new babies and expected babies, and you may feel as if there is no safe space for your grief. You are probably experiencing a rollercoaster of emotions and waves of sadness and heartbreak. Let’s talk about how you can cope during this time of extreme pressure to “put on a happy face.” Show Highlights: This holiday season is NOT what you anticipated or prepared for. Most people are unsure of what to say, and many of

En este episodio especial en español de Mom in Mind, la Dra. Kat recibe a Karla Cardoza, LMFT, PMFC, RYT200, y a Luisa Shamas de Postpartum Support International. Conversan sobre la importancia de ofrecer recursos de salud mental perinatal cultural y lingüísticamente adaptados para familias hispanohablantes. Karla y Luisa destacan el crecimiento de los grupos de apoyo en español de PSI, comparten experiencias personales y testimonios y explican cómo las familias pueden acceder a ayuda confidencial y compasiva. También enfatizan el valor del apoyo entre pares, la inclusión de parejas y el compromiso de las voluntarias, y destacan la dedicación de PSI a apoyar a familias latinas en todo el mundo mediante una atención accesible y empática. Aspectos Destacados del Episodio:Recursos: Recursos para familias hispanohablantes que enfrentan problemas de salud mental perinatal Importancia de apoyo cultural y lingüísticamente apropiado Rol de las voluntarias y grupos de apoyo en español en brindar as

Today’s guest shares her story of turning her pain into purpose as she discusses mothers’ mental health conditions and the power of storytelling. Join us to hear her inspirational story. Rudo Savage is a mental health advocate, mother of three, founder of Mindset Mother, and author of The Words of the Lost Soul and Becoming Whole in Pieces. Through her writing and mentoring, she empowers others to embrace healing, self-acceptance, and transformation, drawing on her personal, powerful journey of resilience.  Show Highlights: The inspiration to start Mindset Mother as a way to help others Mental health issues were noticeable in Rudo’s teen years, with multiple diagnoses and medications Describing what it’s like to live with emotional dysregulation as a mother of three children Pregnancy and postpartum shifted and elevated Rudo’s mental health struggles. Finding your identity as a new mother and adjusting to the never-ending care of your children Rudo’s hospitalization experi

Our first episode in this series was about infertility; today’s focus is on pregnancy. Our final two installments will cover pregnancy loss and postpartum. I’m discussing how holiday expectations might not align with what's happening. The holidays can feel like a mixed bag of joy and anticipation, while a lot of stress and pressure get thrown into the mix. We can’t deny our emotional truth, because that complicates everything. The bottom line is that it’s no small thing to be pregnant during the holidays, and figuring out how to manage everything may be extra challenging while growing a baby.  Show Highlights: Mixed feelings: joy, excitement, and maybe a struggle to overcome nausea Amplified pressure Regulating your emotional and physical self  Expectations, boundaries, and relational stress Typical examples and reasons you need self-compassion Perinatal mental health issues may leave you with sensory fatigue, irritability, and the pressure to be perfect. Feelings o

Today’s guest shares her family’s NICU story and her beautiful book, Waiting for Max. She explains how the anxiety of a NICU stays with you for a long time and why she’s dedicated to helping other families. Her book supports parents AND siblings who are waiting for their NICU baby to join the family at home. Join us! Emily Rosen is a mom, freelance creative director, copywriter, and children’s book author. She has built her career working for top advertising agencies and brands. Always striving to use her creativity for good, Emily empowers women, mothers, and kids, and her inspiration comes from her son Max’s time in the NICU. She wrote her first children’s book to help families going through experiences similar to hers. When she’s not writing, Emily loves going for a run in the neighborhood, singing karaoke with friends, and reading to her two kids. A proud native of Cleveland, she now lives in Los Angeles with her family.  Show Highlights: NICU statistics in the US: 10% of babies have a NICU stay

The Blue Dot Project is an exciting program within PSI, and I’m thrilled for today’s guest to share it with us. We will learn about the project’s details and how you can get involved. The goal of the program is to provide the necessary resources and professionals for mothers and families during the perinatal period, so that everyone can access the support they need. Their brand-new initiative, The Blue Dot Safe Spot, is already helping people and saving lives—and it’s just getting started! Join us to learn more! Laura Killgore began her career in early childhood development, serving as a preschool teacher and curriculum director for 10 years. She has a passion for child development and parent education. She married her husband in 2016, and their daughter was born two years later. Following a traumatic birth and an emergency C-section, Laura experienced postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. A few months after her daughter’s birth, she had the opportunity to tap into her creative side as a social media mana

Today’s episode marks the beginning of a four-part series on coping with specific holiday scenarios, including infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and pregnancy loss. We will discuss tips and tricks that can also be useful at other times of the year when emotional challenges arise. I’ll offer coping skills that can help you, especially in your interactions with others. Today’s focus is on infertility and how to navigate the holidays when you are struggling. Join us! Show Highlights: Handling the inevitable questions from friends, family, and acquaintances The “preloaded” expected feelings that come with the holidays–and the pressure they bring Navigating family gatherings when the spotlight is on you It’s okay to feel jealous, angry, sad, and resentful when others are experiencing what you desperately want. Intrusive questions are coming your way—for sure! (Everyone has an opinion on what you should do!) Understanding the emotional landscape you’re in Gentle reframes

This episode introduces us to maternal ecodistress, explaining what it is and its relationship to matrescence. We also discuss why mothers are vulnerable to mental health challenges in relation to a changing climate and how we can support mothers in this experience. Join us to learn more through this fascinating conversation! Dr. Allie Davis is a maternal mental health ecotherapist, author of The Mother Tree Method™, and creator of the Maternal Ecopsychology Certification™ for professionals supporting mothers through climate-aware, nature-based mental health care. She is the founder of Root and Ritual Wellness, based in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where she supports mothers in transforming ecodistress into rooted resilience through nature-based practices, storytelling, and care-centered community.  Show Highlights: Understanding the role of a nature therapist, or ecotherapist, in maternal mental health The certification available for professionals in maternal ecopsychology Indicators that someone

Today’s guest shares her work in mentoring the next generation of doulas and helping maternal healthcare professionals balance the heart of their work with sustainable business practices. We also discuss Medicaid, systemic barriers to care, and systemic barriers that prevent some populations from accessing doula services. Join us to learn more! Jacquelyn Clemmons is a veteran birth and postpartum doula, trainer, and mentor with over 20 years of experience serving diverse, intercultural families. She is the author of A Doula's Guide to Improving Maternal Health for BIPOC Women  and is the producer of the short film, Jazz and the Blues. Jacquelyn is a leading advocate for culturally competent care and a passionate supporter of doula services for all women. Through her Intrinsic Doula Design™ framework, she empowers doulas to build authentic, thriving businesses while transforming the families they serve.  Show Highlights: Jacquelyn’s journey into doula work Jacquelyn’s framework, Intrinsic Doula De

This is the final episode of the 4-part series, 2 am Pep Talks. You can check out Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 by clicking these links. Today’s episode is all about hope! It is essential to understand that this season of early morning wake-up times will pass. Sleeping through the night again will happen for you, even though you may wonder now if you will ever sleep enough to feel like yourself again. A perinatal mood and anxiety disorder can increase the likelihood of thoughts filled with self-judgment, negativity, and hopelessness. Having to attend to the middle-of-the-night details of infant care can, even without PMADs, leave you feeling wrung out, tired, and isolated. It’s hard to maintain hope that this phase will shift when you are in the middle of it. Believe me, with time, practice, and support, everything will get easier, but it’s often difficult to see through to the other side. Join me for today’s discussion. Show Highlights: Identify one thing you are looking forward to in the morning–even if

Today’s topic centers around a book written by my guest, Dr. Margo Lowy. She has researched and written about maternal ambivalence, including how to understand it and why it remains a taboo subject. We will discuss destigmatizing uncomfortable feelings and normalize the understanding that motherhood is not “all or nothing.” We’ll cover the darker emotions of anger, guilt, and resentment, and we'll refute the myth of “the perfect mother” and recognize that motherhood can be viewed in different ways. Join us to learn more! Dr. Margo Lowy is a psychotherapist specializing in mothering. She is the author of Maternal Ambivalence: The Loving Moments and Bitter Truths of Motherhood and her previous book, The Maternal Experience: Encounters with Ambivalence and Love. Dr. Lowy earned her doctorate from the University of South Wales in Sydney, Australia, and she has spoken on maternal ambivalence at universities and in media interviews worldwide. She is a columnist for Psychology Today, a member of PEN America, and a

I’m honored to interview Jaimie Kelton for today’s episode. She shares interesting parts of her journey as a queer parent, discusses elements of queer family building, and opens up about her three-year infertility journey as a queer woman. Her motherhood story includes birth trauma and postpartum anxiety. As a podcast host, Jaimie explains how hearing from the guests on her show has helped her on her healing journey.  Jaimie Kelton hosts The Queer Family Podcast, an award-winning show that uplifts and normalizes LGBTQIA+ families by sharing real, candid, and often hilarious stories about queer family building. She is a Webby Honoree and was named one of GO Magazine’s “100 Women We Love.” Jaimie has also been named one of Podcast Magazine’s “Top 50 Moms in Podcasting.” Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, People, Parents Magazine, and more. She is the co-author of If These Ovaries Could Talk: The Things We've Learned About Making an LGBTQ Family. A longtime performer, queer mom, and outspoken ad

In Part 1 of this series, we discussed how heavy and burdensome things can feel in the middle of the night when you are alone with your baby, struggling to function and feeling exhausted.  In Part 2, we ventured into what it’s like when anxiety and intrusive thoughts pop up in the middle of the night. Today’s focus is on the importance of taking care of YOU, even in the middle of the night. You could feel “touched out” and overwhelmed, forgetting that you need self-care, too. You need to actively and intentionally have a plan. Let’s explore this topic further! Show Highlights: Your options in the middle of the night may be limited.  Think ahead and plan for water/snacks while taking care of the baby. Have them available nearby. Consider your personal comfort: blankets, socks, a sweater, or a small fan Plan for other options for music/noise besides doom-scrolling on your phone. After tending to the baby's needs, do some gentle stretches to help your neck, shoulders, and arms re

In this episode, I’m excited to be joined by Emily Harrington, one of the most successful and versatile professional climbers in the world. Emily discusses the pressure of failure and perfectionism in motherhood, pregnancy, and postpartum, which are common experiences among mothers. Join us to hear this beautiful conversation about life at the intersection of motherhood and elite athleticism in a largely male-dominated sport. Emily Harrington is a five-time US National Champion, has completed numerous first female ascents of 5.14 routes, summited Mt. Everest, and made a complete ski descent of Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-tallest peak. She made history when she became the first woman to free-climb “Golden Gate on El Capitan in under 24 hours. The movie about Emily’s career, Girl Climber, is screening at IMAX theaters and various cinemas through the end of the year. It will be available on JOLT starting on October 15 and will be available for full streaming in November. Emily currently resides in Tahoe City, CA

Our conversation today is on the recent FDA panel about the safety of antidepressants during pregnancy—and all the ways the panel got it wrong. It’s not just about wrong information, but it’s about the harm that wrong information does to people in the perinatal period. Join us to learn more about why this information from the FDA is so dangerous to women.  Dr. Catherine Birndorf is a reproductive psychiatrist and the CEO, founder, and medical director of The Motherhood Center of New York. Dr. Birndorf is a founding director of the Payne Whitney Women’s Program at Weill Cornell Medical Center at New York-Presbyterian Hospital, where she is a clinical associate professor of psychiatry. A graduate of Smith College, Dr. Birndorf attended Brown University Medical School and did her psychiatry residency at New York-Presbyterian Hospital. For 10 years, Dr. Birndorf was a regular mental health columnist for Self Magazine and appeared on numerous television programs, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, MS