Episode 40: Navigating Postpartum Mental Health
Bringing a new life into the world is often painted as a joyful, magical experience (and it can be)—but for many new mothers, the reality is far more complex. In this episode of the YMyHealth podcast, co-host Melissa Schenkman talks with Alex McNulty, a therapist specializing in postpartum mental health. The conversation highlights the complexities of mental health challenges during the postpartum period, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD. Alex details the therapeutic strategies that can support new mothers and tips for how you can help your friends and loved ones in their journey into motherhood when you see them struggling. Together, Melissa and Alex confront the disconnect between society’s expectations of motherhood and the real, raw experiences many women face—and why asking for help is not a sign of weakness, but a vital step toward healing.
The episode aims to raise awareness about the often-overlooked mental health issues that can arise during and after pregnancy, emphasizing the need for support and understanding in navigating these challenges.
Highlights:
(00:00) Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
(02:02) Understanding Postpartum Mental Health
(06:04) The Spectrum of Postpartum Conditions
(10:10) Distinguishing Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
(13:50) Postpartum Anxiety and OCD
(18:03) When to Seek Help
(18:59) Common Experiences in Therapy
(21:58) Therapeutic Strategies for Postpartum Challenges
(24:57)Timeline for Treatment and Improvement
(28:01) Supporting Friends and Loved Ones
(32:07) Conclusion and Resources
Links:
Are you a millennial interested in learning more about healthcare issues specifically related to your generation? Start here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/ and follow us on Instagram at: https://www.instagram.com/ymyhealth_/
Learn more about this episode's guest, Alex McNulty, Founder of McNulty Wellness Collective at: https://www.mcnultywellness.com/meet-alex, and learn more about her practice's Therapy for Pregnancy, Postpartum and Beyond
Have a question about one of our podcast episodes? Email us at ymyhealthpodcast@gmail.com. We will be answering your podcast episode questions in our upcoming Q&A episode this summer.
Learn about YMyHealth's Founder, Melissa Schenkman here: https://www.ymyhealth.com/team/melissa-schenkman
Thanks again to our sponsor, Dr. Sarah Diekman, Director of Diekman Dysautonomia! If you’d like to learn more about our sponsor and her practice that provides care to patients with POTS and Long COVID, go to https://dysautonomiaexpert.com