#60 - Post-partum Challenges with Dr. Charles

Featured in this week’s episode of You Are Not Broken host Kelly Casperson, MD interviews OBGYN Dr. Meedlen Charles. Dr. Charles will discuss the effects of Postpartum Depression and how women can be embarrassed talking about the issues they have after giving birth. Dr. Meedlen talks about the importance knowing that women with previous conditions of anxiety and depression are more likely to be affected by Postpartum. However, most women will have effects after birth, and this is a normal part of giving birth that many do not want to discuss. In some cultures, it is frowned upon to talk about what women experience after pregnancy and birth. Most women will experience many difficult side effects after birth including lack of desire, body issues, anxiety, depression, vaginal dryness, and more. Some women may feel as if these effects are uncommon, but the reality is that many women experience side effects after giving birth. Women may have a difficult time having sex with their partner or breast feeding for a long period of time. When returning to the work force, women might endure a hard time “wearing multiple hats” and managing their role as a new mother. These feelings are normal and common in most cases. We talk about pain and dryness with sex. Hormones can be a reason for this, so can birth trauma. Tips and tricks and our favorites! Typically, there are appointments a few short weeks after giving birth to observe if a woman is experiencing postpartum. Unfortunately, many believe that postpartum will stop after 30 days or 3 months, but the reality is that it can last up to a year after giving birth. The highest risk for perinatal suicide occurs between nine months to a year after giving birth. Learn when Dr. Charles brings in physical therapy to a woman’s healing plan post-partum. We talk about low libido post-partum. So common and there are so many reasons why. The best cause of action is to talk honestly to your doctor because while it may feel embarrassing, they are there to help you. They can recommend lotions or oils to make your body feel more comfortable during sex, therapists to help you deal with your anxiety or depression, and more. Join these physicians as they talk about women and their mental/physical state after having a child. And then be sure to subscribe to the podcast on Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Important Links: https://www.kellycaspersonmd.com https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/you-are-not-broken/id1495710329 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/kj-casperson/message Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices