In recognition of Maternal Mental Health Month I am re-sharing this 2023 conversation with the founders of The Motherhood Center in NYC. With Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS) being the #1 complication associated with birth in the US and the #2 cause of maternal mortality, this remains a critical conversation.

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It’s not just you. You're not crazy. You're not a bad mom. You're not alone. These are words and deep beliefs that resonate through and form the backbone of today’s guests, Catherine Birndorf, MD, and Paige Bellenbaum, LMSW. Catherine and Paige are dedicated to changing the perinatal mental health terrain, and they do it through The Motherhood Center, a place of radical acceptance, nurturance, and individual and group support. On today’s episode, we pull back the curtain on motherhood and redefine what is considered "normal" and "typical". With PMADs (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders) being the #1 complication associated with birth and the #2 cause of maternal mortality, this is a critical conversation. On today’s episode, we unpack why it’s so important that we talk more about these conditions, how to do your best to prevent PMADs, and what to do if you or someone you love has symptoms.

Aviva, Paige, and Catherine discuss:

• The definition of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) and the different diagnoses that fall under the PMAD umbrella
• What PMAD taboos still exist today, why this needs to change, and how Roe v. Wade affects these taboos
• Paige and Catherine’s personal stories with perinatal mood disorders and what brought them to the point of specializing in PMADS and opening the motherhood center
• The kinds of physical and psychological feelings and symptoms associated with PMADs and signs birthing people and their providers should watch out for
• Why we need to move in the direction of making it mandatory for OB-GYNs, midwives, pediatricians, and any providers who come in contact with newer expecting mothers to begin educating their patients about PMADS and screening for symptoms
• The effects of the pandemic, social isolation, and potential cultural contributors on PMADS
• The role of medication and psychotherapy in treating conditions

For more information or to reach out visit themotherhoodcenter.com or call (212) 335-0034.

Thank you so much for taking the time to tune in to your body, yourself, and this podcast! Please share the love by sending this to someone in your life who could benefit from the kinds of things we talk about in this space. Make sure to follow your host on Instagram @dr.avivaromm and go to avivaromm.com to join the conversation.

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

I've been wanting to share this episode with you for awhile, so I finally dusted off the archives and here it is. The sound quality is not as sharp as our more recent episodes - our production values have definitely improved - but I'm certain you'll find it timely and useful.

Despite increased attention on the dangers of burnout, recent surveys report that a majority of the population across many countries report feeling burned out. This epidemic of overwhelm has a profound impact, especially on women.

In this episode, we dive into the world of adaptogens, remarkable herbs that help prevent and reverse the effects of stress and burnout. Discover how they work and which ones are best suited if you’re feeling overwhelmed.

What you will learn:

• The physical and mental symptoms of burnout
• Historical background of adaptogens
• The role of adaptogens in regulating stress responses and supporting adrenal health
• How adaptogens can be used to enhance physical health and mental well-being.
• Choosing the right adaptogens
• Detailed profiles of calming and nourishing adaptogens
• Understanding dosages and potential interactions of adaptogens

Adaptogens offer a powerful way to manage stress and recover from burnout, but they should be part of an integrative approach to health that includes proper self-care, nutrition, and rest. Tune in to learn how to harness the healing power of adaptogens to refill your energy reserves and enhance your life.

For the accompanying article go to https://avivaromm.com/adaptogens-burnout/

If you'd like to receive a copy of my free ebook, Adaptogens: Herbs for 21st Century Stress, go here.

Mentioned in this episode:

The Mama Pathway is not your average childbirth education program. It's a powerful virtual membership community and online education experience where traditional midwifery wisdom and modern medicine meet to support you on your most empowered path through pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Go to https://avivaromm.com/mama-pathway to learn more

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT): Should you use it for your perimenopause or menopause symptoms? Does it prevent dementia? Heart disease? Is it safe? Who should and who shou;dn’t take it? Join me for this powerful conversation with Dr. Sharon Malone, an OB-GYN with 30 years of clinical experience - and an advocate for menopause awareness, and I explore these questions.

In this episode we unpack:

• Rethinking aging and embracing the power of menopause - and why Dr. Malone has found this to be the most freeing and joyful phase of her life
• The controversies surrounding hormone replacement therapy, and the research that led to all of the confusion about its use.
• The "window of opportunity" for starting HRT, who gets the most benefits, and what symptoms and conditions it’s truly useful for.
• Navigating the potential risks of HRT, including the comparable risks of drinking two glasses of wine - so you can make the most informed decisions about your options
• The difference between being pro-hormone and anti-suffering for women in menopause
• Why it’s important to be wary when it comes to ‘celebrity endorsed’ information on menopausal therapies

Dr. Malone offers invaluable advice on navigating the symptoms of menopause with grace, while empowering you with the knowledge and confidence to make the best health decisions for during the menopause transition.

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements

Mentioned in this episode:

Looking for supplements for yourself and your family, including some of those I talk about in episodes? You can find those - and your 15% discount on every order here: avivaromm.com/supplements