Ep. 430: Mental Health Medications in Pregnancy & Postpartum with Dr. Lasseter

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In this episode, HeHe sits down with Dr. Kristin Lasseter to unpack perinatal mental health with a focus on postpartum anxiety (PPA) versus postpartum depression (PPD), how they differ, and when “baby blues” may signal something more. While mood shifts are common in the early postpartum days, symptoms that persist beyond a couple of weeks, disrupt sleep, bring constant anxiety or sadness, intrusive thoughts, or thoughts of death deserve real support.

They talk candidly about the guilt, shame, and fear of judgment that keep many women silent, and why telling one safe person can be a powerful first step. The conversation explores common risk factors like fertility struggles, pregnancy or birth complications, and PMDD, along with the significant hormonal shift that happens after the placenta is delivered and why the brain can feel especially vulnerable during that window.

HeHe and Dr. Lasseter also navigate the often-stigmatized topic of psychiatric medication during pregnancy and postpartum. They discuss why abruptly stopping medication is usually unsafe, how to thoughtfully weigh medication risks against the risks of untreated mental illness, what research tells us about breastfeeding compatibility, and what to expect when starting or adjusting treatment. They touch on newer, faster-acting postpartum depression options, therapy modalities like CBT and EMDR, and additional treatments such as TMS and ECT.

The episode closes with an honest conversation about bounce-back culture, social media pressure, and choosing support systems that protect a mother’s mental health. Throughout, the message is clear: evidence-based care matters, suffering in silence isn’t a badge of honor, and there is no shame in using medication when it’s needed.

0:00 - Introduction: Mental Health Medications in Pregnancy & Postpartum

4:36 - Postpartum Anxiety vs Postpartum Depression: Key Differences

6:01 - Normal Baby Blues vs Red Flags: When to Seek Help

9:51 - Intrusive Thoughts & Breaking the Stigma

17:26 - Medication Safety in Pregnancy: What You Need to Know

24:43 - Should You Stop Your Meds When Pregnant?

30:03 - Hormones & Mental Health: The Postpartum Crash

43:56 - Breastfeeding While on Psychiatric Medications

51:26 - How Long Should You Stay on Medication?

60:50 - Fighting the "Bounce Back" Culture & Social Media's Impact

Guest Bio:

Kristin Yeung Lasseter, MD is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist in Texas who specializes in Reproductive Psychiatry and Women’s Mental Health.

She graduated cum laude from Southwestern University with a Bachelors of Science in Biology prior to attending medical school at the Long School of Medicine at the University of Texas Health Science Center in San Antonio. Dr. Lasseter excelled in medical school and was awarded membership into the prestigious Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society.

After receiving her Medical Degree, she completed Psychiatry residency at Dell Medical School at The University of Texas at Austin where she served as Chief Resident. She additionally spent time training in Reproductive Psychiatry at Baylor College of Medicine in Houston.

Dr. Lasseter founded Reproductive Psychiatry Clinic of Austin in 2018, which now hosts multiple psychiatrists and psychotherapists specialized in treating mental health disorders related to the reproductive lifespan. She dedicates much of her time educating the public and other providers about reproductive mental illness through speaking engagements, writing and social media.

Connect with Dr. Lasseter:

www.rpcaustin.com www.kristinlassetermd.com https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/

Connect with Dr. Lasseter on IG: https://www.instagram.com/the.reproductive.psychiatrist

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

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And if you haven’t grabbed it yet… Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone? Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Maternal Mental Health Suicide Hotline: 1-833-TLC-MAMA

Postpartum Support International: https://postpartum.net/