EBB 344 - Crash Course in Perinatal Mood Disorders and Treatment with Dr. Kat Kaeni, Perinatal Psychologist and Past Board Chair of Postpartum Support International

Dr. Rebecca Dekker welcomes Dr. Kat Kaeni, a perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook, and host of the Mom & Mind podcast. Dr. Kat shares her personal journey with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD, and how it shaped her commitment to supporting parents during the perinatal period. They explore the spectrum of perinatal mental health conditions, from baby blues to postpartum psychosis, and discuss the stigma, barriers to care, and strategies for managing symptoms. Dr. Kat explains the power of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, mindfulness techniques, and the importance of accessing resources like Postpartum Support International.

 

Content Warning: This episode includes discussions of perinatal mental health disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis. Sensitive topics such as intrusive thoughts, stigma, feelings of guilt and shame, and the potential for harm to self or others are addressed. Listener discretion is advised, and we encourage anyone who may be affected by these topics to reach out for support through Postpartum Support International or a trusted healthcare provider.

 

(00:07:28) Unique Challenges in Perinatal Mental Health

(00:11:05) Caregivers' Mental Health and Bonding Challenges

(00:16:32) Parental Isolation Stemming from Anxiety and Depression

(00:21:53) Emergent Postpartum Psychosis Symptoms

(00:27:08) Overcoming Stigma in Perinatal Mental Health

(00:31:54) Thought and Behavior Change Therapy for Depression

(00:36:56) Perinatal Mental Health Challenges and Support

 

• EBB 197 – Addressing Perinatal Mental Health for Communities of Color with the Co-Founders of the Perinatal Mental Health Alliance for People of Color, Divya Kumar, Jabina Coleman, and Desirée Israel