203. Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: Coping Strategies for New Parents

Have you ever wondered what it truly takes to support perinatal mental health in our communities?

This week’s episode goes into just that, featuring expert Kristina Ledlow, who emphasizes the power of community in addressing mental health needs for new mothers. Kristina and Dr. Lia explore the revolutionary risk assessment tool developed by Nancy Roberts, stressing the importance of concrete data in securing sustainable funding and resources. They discuss key strategies for overcoming perinatal mental health disparities, such as finding champions and building coalitions. Christina shares her vision of establishing a perinatal and infant mental health center, aiming to prioritize this crucial issue on both national and international levels. The conversation also explores the negative effects of healthcare silos and the transformative impact of interdisciplinary teamwork.

Furthermore, they tackle pressing issues like social media pressures, mommy shaming, and the fear surrounding perinatal mental health medications. Christina provides invaluable insights into creating a postpartum plan, leveraging support systems, and the indispensable role of partners. From online support groups through Postpartum Support International (PSI) to dedicated resources in multiple languages, this episode is a comprehensive guide to improving perinatal mental health for all.

[05:27 -14:30] The Importance of Community and Data

• Risk Assessment Tool: Discussion on Nancy Roberts’ risk assessment tool, highlighting the significance of obtaining tangible numbers and statistics.
• Championing the Cause: Finding champions, leveraging clout, and building coalitions are essential for addressing perinatal mental health disparities.
• Sustainable Funding: Emphasizes the need for sustainable funding beyond grants.
• Communication and Collaboration: Impacts of interdisciplinary teamwork in healthcare, importance of breaking down silos.

[14:31 - 23:38] The Role of Therapy and Medication

• Medication During Pregnancy: Concerns about medication during pregnancy and the benefits of therapy and medications in treatment.
• Postpartum Plan: Creating a postpartum plan prioritizing sleep, nutrition, and support from visitors.
• Online Support Groups: Availability of online support groups through PSI, offering spaces of unconditional acceptance and healing.
• Mental Health Hotline: Use of resources like PSI's consult lines and maternal mental health hotlines that support in various languages.

[23:39 - 34:13] Addressing Disparities and Systemic Racism

• Systemic Racism's Impact: Impact of systemic racism, lack of healthcare access, and generational trauma.
• NICU Family Stress: Stress experienced by families of color in NICUs and the need for inclusive care.
• Healthcare Professional Support: Role of healthcare professionals in supporting parents and infants, involving families in decision-making.
• PSI Support Groups: Online support groups for partners, LGBTQ+ individuals, and Spanish-speaking groups for better inclusivity..

[34:14 - 46:19] Building a Community-centric Postpartum Program

• Local and National Aspirations: Sharing aspirations for establishing a local perinatal and infant mental health center and advocating on a larger scale.
• Postpartum Challenges: Common challenges for new parents: lack of sleep, postpartum expectations, and pressures from social media.
• Postpartum Planning: Encouragement to create a postpartum plan and make use of resources like the free postpartum planning class.
• Role of Partners: Discussing the critical role of dads and partners in supporting new mothers and...