Breaking the Silence on Birth Trauma and Postpartum Depression With Sarah Hoover

In this powerful episode of SHE MD, hosts Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thais Aliabadi welcome Sarah Hoover, author of "The Mother Load: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood." Sarah shares her raw, emotional journey through postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness in motherhood. This eye-opening conversation delves into the often-overlooked challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood.

Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii.       

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Sarah Hoover’s Key Takeaways:

1. Monitor Your Emotional Well-Being After Childbirth: Recognize that postpartum depression can manifest in various ways, including irritability and detachment, not just sadness. Monitor your emotional state after childbirth and seek help if you experience persistent negative feelings.

1. Address Past Trauma & Mental Health Before Pregnancy: Consider therapy or counseling to work through unresolved issues. This will help to improve birth experiences and postpartum outcomes.

1. Advocate for Your Needs During Birth & Postpartum: Practice self-advocacy and clear communication with healthcare providers to ensure a positive birth experience. Prepare a list of your needs and preferences, and discuss them with your doctor before delivery.

1. Engage Your Partner in Postpartum Mental Health Support: Involve your partner in prenatal appointments and discussions about postpartum care and emotional well-being.

1. Advocate for Your Needs: Be open to medication options for managing mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Discuss safe antidepressant options with your healthcare provider if you have a history of depression or anxiety.

In This Episode: 

(00:00) Introduction

(05:13) Sarah's pregnancy experience and initial expectations

(08:18) Traumatic birth experience and postpartum depression

(13:58) Dr. Aliabadi on recognizing postpartum depression signs

(32:48) Sarah Hoover's journey to healing and second pregnancy

(34:15) Importance of mental health in pregnancy

(38:47) Sarah's positive second birth experience

(44:10) Writing a book to help other women

(51:02) Final thoughts on women's health advocacy

RESOURCES:

- Sarah Hoover's book: "The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood" : https://www.sarahhoover.com/the-motherload

- Sarah Hoover’s Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sarahhoov/

GUEST BIOGRAPHY:

Sarah Hoover is a writer, cultural critic, and former Gagosian director whose work spans art, fashion, motherhood, and feminism. After earning degrees from NYU and Columbia, she built a career in the art world before turning to writing. Her essays on motherhood, identity, and cultural expectations have appeared in Vogue, The Strategist, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood (a January 2025 Belletrist Book Club pick), is a darkly funny, unfiltered critique of modern motherhood, praised by Oprah Daily as “a long overdue reality check.” Hoover also teaches at Barnard, co-founded the Accelerator Committee at American Ballet Theatre, and serves on the board of Art Production