232: Postpartum Depression Within Mormonism Pt. 1

In this episode, Natasha Helfer Parker (The Mormon Therapist) interviews"Sarah," an LDS mother of four who has a history of depression starting in adolescence followed by a serious bout of postpartum depression after the birth of her second child. She also interviews Jamie Bodily, mother of five and certified doula through toLABOR regarding her experience and knowledge regarding postpartum depression. Jamie has a Masters degree in Mental Health Counseling, a Masters Degree in Human Services from Capella University and her undergraduate degree in Family Science from Brigham Young University. She initiated, co-wrote, and coordinated a doula program for women in recovery from substance addiction and runs a website called parentscount.com. Other resources discussed in these interviews include: postpartum.net, doulamatch.net, dona.org, and tolabor.com.

Part1 - Sarah's history with depression as an adolescent and single adult and then dealing with postpartum depression after the birth of her second child.

Part 2 - Discussion on Sarah's decision to go on an antidepressant- risks, benefits, guilt factors, stigmas, etc.

Part 3 - Discussion with Jamie Bodily, certified doula regarding postpartum depression and/or anxiety along with its management and treatment. What can women expect as"normal" symptoms after the birth of a child vs more serious symptoms needing to be diagnosed.