Perinatal mood disorders affect 1 in 5 women, postpartum depression impacts 1 in 7 and Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy complications. Helene Kusman sits down with the certified nurse-midwife and nationally recognized researcher Dr. Karen Sheffield-Abdullah to explore the truth about postpartum depression, perinatal mental health and maternal health equity.

Dr. Karen shares how stress, anxiety and structural inequities impact pregnancy and postpartum outcomes and offers evidence-based recommendations for meaningful change. Dr. Karen also opens up about her personal journey through three very different unmedicated births—with an OB, a midwife and a home birth—as well as her experience with miscarriage in her 40s.

We discuss:

• How stress, trauma and systemic factors affect pregnancy and postpartum outcomes

• Utilizing non-pharmacological integrative approaches in addition to medication for mental health conditions

• Understanding trauma and secondary trauma

• Maternal health inequities in the U.S. and why Black and Brown communities are at higher risk

• Research-backed strategies to improve perinatal mental health care for all

• What healthcare providers and moms can do to advocate for better care

• An inside look at the MomGenes postpartum depression research study

• Dr. Karen’s journey with her 3 births with an OB, midwife and home birth as well as a miscarriage in her 40s

• Self-care, mindfulness and nervous system support for busy moms

This eye opening conversation paints a picture of the current state of maternal health and what next steps are on both an individual and societal level. Dr. Karen’s calming voice paired with her in depth knowledge and expertise will leave you feeling informed, educated and empowered!

Connect with Helene and the Mind Body Mother Community!

Use code PODCAST for 15% off Helene’s 1:1 Integrative Health Coaching

You can connect with Dr Karen Sheffield Abdullah on Instagram and at https://www.beingdrkaren.com/

You can learn more about the Mom Genes study here

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.