This week on The Mommy Labor Nurse Podcast I was joined by my good friend and fellow Instagram educator, Dr. Ashurina Ream – you may know her as @psychedmommy on Instagram. Ashurina is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist with certification in perinatal mental health.
Dr. Ream came on the podcast way back in episode number 3 to discuss perinatal mental health, and that is actually one of our most popular episodes to this day! So it only made sense to have her back on the show to share more of her wisdom with us.
I put out a call for questions on my Instagram story for this one, and we were able to group questions into three categories to help keep the episode structured.
You’ll hear us cover mental health in pregnancy, mental health after birth, and then some mental health “in general” questions. I always learn so much anytime I have the chance to chat with Dr. Ream, and I know you will too.
What do we cover inside the episode?
Mental health during pregnancy:
- During pregnancy, how to manage the crippling fear and anxiety about miscarriage?
- Is there any way to prevent postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety? If I had PPD/PPA after one of my other births will I have it again?
- Managing body image issues and body dysmorphia during pregnancy
Mental health after birth:
- My MIL is a huge source of anxiety for me as a FTM. I constantly feel like I’m just the middle man in the situation, like I don’t matter – just my baby and husband. Ordinarily, I love her. How to cope?
- Navigating intrusive, scary thoughts in the early days and months postpartum. These thoughts feel REAL!
- Best ways to manage PPA, PPD, and panic attacks without medication?
- What is postpartum rage?
- Understanding the difference between PPD and baby blues
Mental health in general:
- How to come to terms with the fact that you need (or would greatly benefit from) medication?
- What if my partner is the one who’s having mental health challenges after baby’s birth?
- Do you have any thoughts or suggestions about how we can bridge the gap between healthcare providers and mental health services both in pregnancy and postpartum?
About Dr. Ashurina Ream
When I first became a mom, I just didn’t feel like me anymore. I felt completely out of my depth — like I wasn’t cut out for this gig at all.
And because I was sure I was the only “terrible” mother experiencing these “awful” emotions, I didn’t know how to ask for help.
But I wasn’t the only mom who felt that way — and neither are you.
As a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, I’ve helped thousands of moms just like you (and me!) navigate this new role with confidence and joy.
Connect with Dr. Ream
- On her website: https://www.psychedmommy.com/
- On Instagram: @psychedmommy
- Courses and Workshops: https://www.psychedmommy.com/courses
