So much is going on in the postpartum period, it can feel like a huge adjustment for everyone. Dads, partners and support people may struggle to find their place in these early days especially when mama and baby seem so tightly connected.

Join us in the last episode of this limited series as Chris and I discuss all things partners. From night support to bonding to intimacy, we talk about where partners can step in and thrive in their new role.

Have you enjoyed this series? Could you spare a minute to leave some feedback at this survey link? Your thoughts can help make it possible for us to run another series.

https://surveys.reichertandassociates.ca/f/l/CRSharedCareMaternity_PodcastFeedback

Adding a new baby to your family, whether it be the first or the third, is both joyful and uniquely stressful. In fact, some of the biggest stressors we go through in our lives are ones traditionally viewed as positive – marriage, moving, starting a new career, welcoming a new baby are all positive changes but still a change, and change causes stress.

The stress of a newborn arriving will put strain on even the strongest relationships, this is COMMON. Challenges during this season can feel very shocking and might leave you worried about what the future holds for your union. There is hope, you will get through this challenging phase but it does require intention.

In this episode Amanda and I talk about the common challenges that new families face and strategies to put in place to protect your union.

Resources Mentioned In This Episode

www.makingmamawell.ca/blog/when-you-hate-your-partner-after-baby-arrives
https://www.fairplaylife.com/
https://sheltersafe.ca/
http://www.bcwomens.ca/health-info/violence/violence-against-women

Welcome to the Making Mama Well Podcast, hosted by Dr. Pip Houghton - family doctor with a focus in perinatal mental health.  This series will feature the voices of real parents who have lived experience with perinatal mental health disorders and common challenges of early motherhood/parenthood. From postpartum anxiety to birth trauma to mama anger - we're sharing it all. These stories will offer hope and encouragement to support you in your journey to healing. These stories are for educational purposes only and not to be viewed as a substitute for personal medical advice. 

Follow The Making Mama Well Podcast now so that you don't miss an episode!

In this episode I speak to Abby, entrepreneur and founder of Pursuing Her Purpose and podcast host on the HERself Podcast. Abby is a mama to three and inclusion advocate. In this episode she shares her journey through a prenatal diagnosis of Downs Syndrome, the emotions and processing that came alongside that unexpected news and how she learned the power of the AND. You can love your baby AND grieve the image you had for them. You can be grateful that your baby arrived safely AND wish they had a simpler life ahead of them.

When it comes to unexpected news in pregnancy or after the arrival of a baby, all feelings are valid. It's ok to feel conflicted, confused, lost, sad or disappointed. It doesn't mean you love your baby less. It means you are human.

Resources mentioned in this episode include:
https://www.mother.ly/life/raising-child-with-down-syndrome/

 https://www.lovewhatmatters.com/mama-is-our-baby-sick-they-stuck-a-foot-long-needle-in-my-stomach-i-just-wanted-it-to-be-over-down-syndrome-all-we-see-is-light-a/

 https://theluckyfewfoundation.org/

 https://www.jacksbasket.org/

 https://gigisplayhouse.org/?gclid=Cj0KCQjw_viWBhD8ARIsAH1mCd7VM_veFe6qbjyxBcpxDiJs40DQ9gQHJu-rrb7T_8j7cRXLAlykDwoaAoRaEALw_wcB

 https://cdss.ca/

Abby can be found at:
https://www.pursuingherpurpose.com/
https://www.herselfpodcast.com/

In this episode I talk to Katie, mama to two and Jamie, mama to four, IBCLC, RN and MA in Counselling Psychology candidate.  Katie shares her journey in breastfeeding including challenges with mastitis, oversupply and latch all of which contributed to mental health distress in the postpartum period. We talk how to prepare for infant feeding in pregnancy, what to expect in the first 24-48 hours postpartum and what to do if breastfeeding is not working well for you. 

Know that while breastfeeding is natural; it is not always easy. Know that while breastfeeding does offer health benefits to your baby; nothing benefits your baby more than a healthy mama. If breastfeeding is not working for you, know that there are other infant feeding options out there and that you are still a good mom, no matter HOW you choose to feed your baby. 

Resources Mentioned in This Episode:
https://www.makingmamawell.ca/blog/when-breastfeeding-isnt-working-for-you
https://www.lllc.ca/
https://kellymom.com/
https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/pregnancy-parenting/babys-best-chance
https://www.islandhealth.ca/our-services/pregnancy-birth-services/right-start

A pregnant person starts to experience changes in their body, heart and identity as early as four weeks of pregnancy. As soon as that test turns positive, the transition to motherhood begins, which is a whole person process. From physical changes such as weight gain, breast tenderness and fatigue to identity shifts and dreams for the future, becoming a mother starts early.

In this episode we discuss infertility, miscarriage and the emotions that are carried forward into subsequent pregnancies. 

https://www.makingmamawell.ca/blog/pregnancy-loss-your-emotions-and-how-to-heal

Trigger Warning: In this episode we talk about a newborn with breathing problems. Some of the specifics of this story may be triggering to some listeners. 

In this episode I talk to Krista about her postpartum journey with her second baby, Logan, who as a newborn had numerous unexplained episodes in which he briefly stopped breathing. Krista walks us through the experience of being post c-section, with a toddler at home, during COVID while also trying to get answers for her newborn. 

Understandably, Krista ended up developing an anxiety disorder after carrying all of this trauma and stress. Anxiety disorders are much more common in pregnant and postpartum people who have experienced medical complications and this episode we discuss why and how to get help.

In this episode, Andi shares her experience with what she calls "lower case t birth trauma", a form of trauma that she interprets as present but not overwhelming. This episode will resonate with any listeners who live in remote communities as Andi shares the logistical requirements of getting to a higher level of care when her labour didn't go according to plan. 

Some resources for working through birth trauma include:
COPE: Centre of Perinatal Excellence
Birth Trauma - Finding Healing — Making Mama Well

Pacific Post Partum Support Society Groups
Pacific Post Partum Support Society – Vancouver, BC Canada

In this episode Dr. Pip talks to Denie about her experience with recurrent pregnancy loss and subsequent perinatal anxiety. Denie is very straightforward in her experience with postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts and the resources she found helpful in getting well again.

"How Do I Know if my Anxiety is Normal or a Disorder?"
https://www.makingmamawell.ca/blog/is-my-anxiety-normal-or-a-disorder

"What does Perinatal Anxiety Disorder Feel Like?"
https://www.makingmamawell.ca/blog/blog-post-title-one-k4wt4

"Top 5 Ways To Manage Anxiety"
https://www.makingmamawell.ca/blog/top-5-ways-to-manage-your-anxiety

Pacific Post Partum Support Society Groups
https://postpartum.org/

In this episode Dr. Pip talks with Lindsay, mama to one and PPD survivor. Lindsay shares her experience with postpartum depression and the steps she took towards healing. Lindsay is a particularly special guest as she is a close friend to Dr. Pip. Lindsays experience with PPD and recovery inspired Dr. Pip to pursue advanced training in perinatal mental health.

Some resources for perinatal mental health:
https://www.postpartum.net/
https://postpartum.org/

In this episode Dr. Pip interviews Kristina, a brave mama to two littles who is sharing her experience with postpartum rage as a symptom of PPA. Kristina gets vulnerable in this episode around her fears of reaching out for her help and how her anger came out towards her older child.  You can find more information on postpartum anger on my blog:
You’re Not Just an Angry Mom — Making Mama Well

If you think you are suffering from a perinatal mental health disorder, these resources may be helpful to you:
Pacific Post Partum Support Society - Vancouver, BC Canada
Postpartum Support International - PSI