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Mom and Mind | Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

Mom and Mind | Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety

By: Katayune Kaeni Psy.D. PMH-C
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Posptartum Depression is real. And it's only part of the story. We dig in to ALL of the stuff that no one tells you about, but you NEED to know. Dr. Kat, Psychologist and specialist in perinatal mental health, interviews moms, dads, experts and advocates about how to cope, manage and recover from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. We talk about postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and SO MUCH MORE! We get real. We get honest. We put on our stigma crushing boots and address the realities of the transition to motherhood and parenthood. Learn about it before you find out about it the hard way! You don't have to suffer! www.momandmind.com Hygiene & Healthy Living Parenting & Families Psychology Psychology & Mental Health Relationships
Episodes
  • Perinatal Mental Health Healing: 10 Years of Support, Advocacy and Hope for Families (Ep. 480)

    Perinatal Mental Health Healing: 10 Years of Support, Advocacy and Hope for Families (Ep. 480)
    Jun 15 2026
    This is a special episode as we hit the 10-year mark of the podcast. It’s unbelievable, and it certainly doesn’t feel like ten years have passed! It’s a good point to stop and reflect on what we’ve done and how incredibly grateful I am to each person who has come on the show to share their stories and help us learn what perinatal mental health conditions look like and how we can offer more support. This information is what everyone needs before they even know they need it. I want to take this opportunity to reflect on how far the podcast has come and how far perinatal mental health education, advocacy, and understanding have advanced over the past ten years. This specialty has continued to grow within the context of how people find growth and healing. We’ve covered the basics and made people aware of the fundamentals of perinatal mental health, and the voices have only gotten louder in spreading vital information. Let’s take a look! Show Highlights: A look back at the very beginning of Mom & Mind The shift in language from “maternal mental health” to “perinatal mental health” and “PMADs” to “PMDs.” The need for basic information remains, letting people know what to look for. Diving into people’s lived experiences through their cultural, religious, ethnic, and marginalized lenses Our systems impact us, especially in how we become parents and parent our children. Deepening and widening the discussion to include everyone connected to the birth or loss of a child The myth of “the magical download” of parenthood People are more willing to talk about their shortcomings as new parents. Scary thoughts are what you might be feeling—not WHO you are. We understand SO much more about what people might be going through with perinatal mental health. Everyone deserves highly specialized care for these 100% treatable and very temporary conditions. The stigma of medication during pregnancy and postpartum, and how we’ve addressed it Your culture, identity, and lived experience are central to your healing. One final truth: “The transition to motherhood and parenthood is a profound psychological transition. Peer connection is essential.” Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, such as online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in providing services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Birth Trauma: Gaps in Care and Advocacy for Change (Ep. 479)

    Birth Trauma: Gaps in Care and Advocacy for Change (Ep. 479)
    Jun 1 2026
    If you’re one of the many mothers who has experienced birth trauma, you’ve likely battled shame, anger, confusion, among other emotions. Today’s guest discusses her story of birth trauma, including the effects of the experience and the gaps in care that contributed to the trauma. Her passion for advocacy is fired by the desire to prevent similar experiences from happening to others. Join us to learn more! As a writer, advocate, and mother dedicated to exploring the complexities of the human experience, Casey Keen focuses on themes of resilience, identity, and transformation. Whether through the lens of motherhood, mental health, or immersive storytelling, her writing spans both deeply personal narratives and richly imagined fiction. With a bachelor’s degree in psychology and a master’s in forensic medicine, Casey brings a unique perspective to the intersection of mental health, trauma, and systemic reform. She founded an online postpartum support community and is building a platform that provides education, coaching, and advocacy to new mothers. Casey lives in Pennsylvania with her family as she continues to write, create, and advocate with stories that inspire and empower. Show Highlights: Casey’s story of birth trauma when her son was born 3 years ago The PP screening at six weeks didn’t show any red flags–but something was wrong. Finding a perinatal therapist after six months and being diagnosed with PP anxiety and depression Casey’s anger at what happened to her and how mothers are not being cared for properly Finding ways to help by “casting a wide net”- Casey chose to write a book. A closer look at Casey’s postpartum preeclampsia experience (zero symptoms except for elevated blood pressure) Casey’s overwhelming feelings of failure as a new mom The realization that things would have been very different had she been better prepared and educated about postpartum challenges. The impact of Casey’s educational background (in psychology and forensic medicine) on her personal experience Gaps Casey is seeing in the way our healthcare system treats perinatal care, and the education (or lack of) that mothers are receiving The major problems with the timing of the “six-week checkup.” Casey’s overriding goal in writing her book, The Alchemy of Motherhood Casey’s experience with stigma, rage, and intrusive thoughts Casey’s vision for a better future for struggling moms Resources: Connect with Casey Keen: Website, Instagram, and Casey’s book, The Alchemy of Motherhood Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • A Postpartum Psychosis Journey: From Healing to Advocacy (Ep. 478)

    A Postpartum Psychosis Journey: From Healing to Advocacy (Ep. 478)
    May 25 2026
    Today’s guest shares her personal story of postpartum psychosis with an underlying bipolar disorder. Her experience has inspired her passion for advocacy on behalf of other mothers who need support and the assurance that they can get through these issues and go on to lead normal lives. Join us to learn more! Luisa Shamas is an educator with more than a decade of experience in the perinatal mental health field. She provides bilingual (Spanish and English) support to families experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Luisa is the PSI Spanish Support Group Manager and provides training and ongoing assistance to volunteers interested in facilitating a support group. She is a PPP survivor who believes that peer support is essential for successful recovery and is a Certified Group Facilitator, Coach, and Lead Trainer for GPS en Español. Her lived experience with perinatal mood disorders provides her with an expertise that has fueled her advancement at both GPS and PSI. Luisa describes herself as a passionate advocate, educator, and mother who wants to help other mothers who struggle with perinatal mental health issues. She is of Argentinian heritage and currently lives with her husband and son in St. Petersburg, Florida. Show Highlights: Luisa’s story: marriage (into a family of doctors), a new baby, the loss of her father, postpartum intrusive thoughts, and her family noticing that “something’s not right.” Even having a healthy baby and seemingly everything she ever wanted couldn’t prevent thoughts that became a nightmare. Delusions, negative thoughts, and an obsession with the baby With postpartum psychosis, early detection is important! Finding a Spanish-speaking psychiatrist, but she was not a perinatal psychiatrist. Finding help with medications, but then being diagnosed with bipolar disorder Luisa’s passion to work with PSI to help other mothers Understanding that breastfeeding while on medication can work Luisa’s message to mothers who are struggling with bipolar disorder or PPP Cultural stigmas for Latin Americans to not admit when they are struggling The need for more perinatal mental health professionals Women need to educate themselves about mental health. Peer support groups through PSI help women know they are not alone. Resources: Connect with Luisa Shamas: Instagram Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    40 mins
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