Rising Phoenix

Leslee here! We've been on a bit of a hiatus with recording episodes. But, that doesn't mean we aren't out doing as much as we can locally to help spread the message of maternal mental health. We are starting a new initiative to raise funds for parents to go through EMDR trauma therapy for PTSD. Follow us at our new IG handle @RisingPhoenixMovement! Same page, same stories, and same message. Just wanted to extend our reach outside of the podcast. Listen for a quick 10 min plug on where we are at, and message us if you know someone!

In this episode, Leslee talks with us about the importance of self love and healing on your journey through and after a perinatal mood disorder. She emphasizes the importance of treating your mental health like a mama bear treats her children. Protect it, and remember how important and worthy you are!

Brielle is a passionate doula with a goal to create a safe space for moms to process their birth, prepare for the unexpected and have someone by their side to create a healing experience. No matter what challenges come up. Having experienced an unhealthy relationship in college that lead to sexual abuse - Brielle has learned that even a doctors exam can trigger emotions for her. She wanted to become a doula after always being fascinated by childbirth, but also to create a safe space for moms who have experienced trauma and want to feel heard. She has such a passion for holding space for moms, and partners. You can find out more at www.thecalmingdoula.com or visit her on Instagram at @thecalmingdoula.

Lizzie Langston is a mom to three kids, wife to a bearded hunk, and an AZ native living in Denver. After struggling twice with postpartum anxiety and depression, and after trying antidepressants, therapy and postpartum support groups, Lizzie found healing through the cognitive-based tools of Life Coaching. In 2018 she became a Certified Life Coach and now offers remote, flexible coaching for moms in postpartum struggle. She’s absolutely passionate about helping moms stay afloat mentally and emotionally postpartum. She shares with us her story of finding strength to get out of the depths. Lizzie begs of moms to put themselves first, even though it seems impossible. You can follow her on Instagram @lizzielangston

Denise Wiesner, fertility and intimacy expert, gets real with us about how struggles with fertility can cause shame and dissolve intimacy. Sex can become associated with failure or loss after infertility. Making a baby can take center stage and we can lose the intimacy behind it all. She shares with us what to do when you feel like your body isn't yours anymore. Let's be honest, we all want to learn more about how to keep things alive in the bedroom with your partner. Especially after we start having children. I am usually a bit shy about this topic - but I felt so comfortable with Denise and was fascinated with the information she shared! Denise offers fertility and intimacy coaching - please visit her website for more information. https://www.denisewiesner.com Denise Wiesner L.Ac., Dipl. Ac. earned her Bachelor of Science in Exercise Kinesiology from the University of California at Los Angeles (1985) and a Master’s Degree in Traditional Chinese Medicine from Emperor’s College, in Santa Monica, California (1994). Denise has been in practice since 1994 with an emphasis on women’s issues and pain control. She treats women’s conditions in various stages of life – from menstrual disorders, infertility, pregnancy to menopause. She has experience treating women going through the process of using Assisted Reproductive Technologies (ART) including assisting embryo transfers at many fertility clinics. She is board certified by American Board of Oriental Reproductive Medicine (ABORM). She has interned with Randine Lewis Ph.D, author of The Infertility Cure, and is a charter member of the Fertile Soul™ Clinic Excellence in Fertility program. She is also certified in the Hunyuan fertility Method. She is the author of the upcoming book, Conceiving With Love , a whole body approach to creating intimacy, reigniting passion and increasing fertility. Please visit her website to book a consultation, mention Rising Phoenix Podcast for a free consult! **Sexually explicit content is mentioned, nothing too harsh. But, beware of little ears.**

Yasmin has no history of mental illness when she got pregnant. When she had to adjust from having one child, to two... it hit her. She experienced postpartum anxiety, OCD and rage. She felt like there was something wrong with her, she sought help from medical professionals. However, Yasmin fell through the cracks. Despite that, she fought hard and kept pushing for help. Yasmin is a fearless advocate for maternal mental health on social media. She is a voice of strength, vulnerability and isn't afraid to speak the truth about the darkness that is called postpartum.

Madi sheds light on how being a survivor of sexual abuse can change the process of becoming a mom, and surface trauma. Madi was sexually abused in high school. It wasn't until she got pregnant and had to go get cervical exams that she was to triggered, she began to hate being pregnant. Madi talks about her experience, and the process she is taking to heal and grieve her father's passing as well. Her brave story sheds light on how sexual abuse creates a void in motherhood, and the inability to enjoy simple things. If you are experiencing any kind of sexual abuse, or have ever experienced it - you are not alone. Please use the link below for resources, the process of healing is out there for you. Madi references the Younique Foundation's healing resources - see below for more. https://youniquefoundation.org/healing-resources/

Dr. Jessica Hayman chats with us about her "why" behind her MamaLove supplement. Having suffered through postpartum depression, she had a new passion for helping moms navigate a healthy way to balance their mood disorders. She created the MamaLove supplement to nourish mamas for the daily demands of motherhood. Specifically formulated to help replenish and re-balance a mom’s biochemistry, delivered in easy-to-take, easy-to-remember supplement form, every supplement is safe for breastfeeding moms, and gentle on adult and baby tummies. The world needs healthy moms: we contribute by helping moms feel better from day one. Dr. Hayman practices out of her clinic, Verde Valley Naturopathic Medicine in Sedona, Arizona. Use the code RISINGPHX for a special discount! https://www.mamalovenutrition.com/ http://vvnaturopathic.com/

Ryanne brought such a breath of fresh air to social media when she started her page @honestlymomma! After experiencing postpartum after her 3rd child, she got exhausted following all of the influencer and mommy blogger pages and feeling like she wasn't enough.  She's spent the last few years with a mission to stop the stigma of "perfection" in being a mom. And keeping it real. So much of our social media and "front" we put on contributes to our anxiety and depression. Ryanne challenges us all to be real, to go one day at a time, to focus on what you DO have, rather than what you don't. Motherhood is hard enough, comparing ourselves and creating pressure to be something that does not exist, is so toxic. The grass is only greener because it's fake. Join Ryanne in her #creatingmomkind movement today! 

Evi became a mom in her early 20's. After holding in her depression, anxiety and postpartum rage/anger - she started to have hallucinations. She realized she needed help. She moved closer to her family and support system, went to a psychiatrist, started medication and was on her journey of healing. Evi's most powerful statement during this podcast was to love yourself. She urges any moms out there that have the slightest question that they are experiencing postpartum, of any kind, to get help! Speak up, tell someone how you are feeling so you can get the help you need. No matter what that help looks like.

In this two-part podcast, Katie shares her experience of being 24 weeks pregnant and feeling intense pain. That pain and concern led her to labor and delivery. The birth experience was traumatic, emotional and put Katie into shock. She then delivered Kooper at 24 weeks. This then lead to a long road of having a NICU baby. Katie walks us through the mix of emotions she went through as a NICU mom. The pain, fear, hope, moments of peace. This journey ultimately lead to the loss of Kooper after many ups and downs. Katie explains the feelings only a mom could feel when going through this process. This is a beautiful story that reminds us to hold on tight to our sweet babies. And to allow ourselves to grieve, and to talk about it. Katie and her husband then decided to try and have another baby. Her doctor warned her that she would be a high-risk pregnancy and to prepare for another NICU baby. Part two goes into the journey of healing, and having her second pregnancy. And the guilt she felt having a rainbow baby and still feeling so much grief for Kooper.Katie urges moms to find someone to advocate for you until you can do it for yourself. Get help, speak up! End the stigma.  Katie, you are a beautiful person. Thank you for pouring your heart out to us. We love you.

In this two-part podcast, Katie shares her experience of being 24 weeks pregnant and feeling intense pain. That pain and concern led her to labor and delivery. The birth experience was traumatic, emotional and put Katie into shock. She then delivered Kooper at 24 weeks. This then lead to a long road of having a NICU baby. Katie walks us through the mix of emotions she went through as a NICU mom. The pain, fear, hope, moments of peace. This journey ultimately lead to the loss of Kooper after many ups and downs. Katie explains the feelings only a mom could feel when going through this process. This is a beautiful story that reminds us to hold on tight to our sweet babies. And to allow ourselves to grieve, and to talk about it. Katie and her husband then decided to try and have another baby. Her doctor warned her that she would be a high-risk pregnancy and to prepare for another NICU baby. Part two goes into the journey of healing, and having her second pregnancy. And the guilt she felt having a rainbow baby and still feeling so much grief for Kooper.Katie urges moms to find someone to advocate for you until you can do it for yourself. Get help, speak up! End the stigma.  Katie, you are a beautiful person. Thank you for pouring your heart out to us. We love you.

Dr. Jones is a psychiatric-mental health nurse practitioner specializing in women’s mental health. Her clinic, Felicity Women's Center, is located in South Jordan, Utah. However, she offers telemed services as well. She provides specialty psychiatric care to women who are planning to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, or perimenopausal. She also provides services to women experiencing infertility, pregnancy loss, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Dr. Jones talked with us about what your visit will look like, and how she feels it is so important to take care of yourself. She has so many great resources and recommendations. We are honored to have had her on! https://felicitywomenscenter.com

Nikki experienced some postpartum depression symptoms after her 3rd pregnancy. She felt a heavy load, and so much anger. After her family stepped in and mentioned their concern for her, she sought help. She felt so much anxiety that she wasn't enough, and was failing. Throughout her healing process she became a sleep expert and coach. Nikki talks about how consulting for other mamas has really assisted her in the healing process. She urges mamas to communicate with their partner, and give your OB the details. Speak up - you don't have to keep suffering like this.

Shelsie experienced a traumatic yet quick birth for her second born, Liam. After countless health struggles, and feeling like the doctors weren't taking them seriously, she came to a space of anger and resentment. Shelsie recognized it wasn't normal for her to be feeling that way, and went to her doctor for some support. She begs moms out there to get help the moment you feel off, there is no shame in taking care of it right away. There are so many options out there, and you have to be your own advocate. Speak up!

Mom Genes Fight PPD is a research study developed by Postpartum Depression: Action Towards Causes and Treatment (PACT) Consortium, an international group of academic clinicians and scientists committed to understanding the interaction of genes and environment to predict which women are at risk of postpartum depression (PPD). We sat down with Dr. Samantha Meltzer-Brody (University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill) and Kinley Legrange to talk about how this study came to life. We encourage all moms who feel they have suffered any maternal mood disorder, even 20 years ago, to download the Mom Genes app and take the quick survey, and send in your saliva sample for their study to find a genetic tie to PPD. It is a simple process with no cost to you. Their goal is 100,000 samples for the study to have successful results. Join the Mom Genes study today! You can find them on social media @momgenesfightppd. https://www.momgenesfightppd.org/about-the-study/

Lindsay, the host of the KSL Mom Show, shares her story of motherhood in such a bold way. From her experience with postpartum anxiety and OCD to intrusive thoughts. Linsday felt like she was going crazy. What she expected motherhood to be like was the total opposite of what she experienced. We loved how Lindsay brought light to the perception we all have on media now days, that motherhood is perfect or easy. Lindsay finds fulfillment in being a working mom, and felt like she was broken because she didn't fit the mold of being a stay at home mom. Her final thoughts about it being okay to not love motherhood, and still love your children, are some magic words we will never forget. Please check her out at @kslmomshow on Instagram and at kslmoms.com. Lindsay truly turned her difficult experience in learning the ropes of motherhood, into getting real about motherhood and the expectations, to heal other women. She is doing incredible work with her radio show and podcast. Check it out!

Karla experienced a rough go when she became a mom. With a previous history of anxiety, her emotions were on full blown survival mode. Karla began to have intrusive thoughts that scared her, and then brought her to a place of feeling so much shame. After being so sleep deprived, emotions and all of the trauma and change - she finally started to do everything she could to get better. Karla shares some key advice she received, and says to please accept help from those who show up for you! "Don't lose your voice when you become a mom!" was our favorite part. She now has a small business with @Jot_Journals - "Journals Over Time". This has given her purpose, healing and does the same for everyone who has one of them in their hands. Check them out on Instagram for more info.

Allison tells her experience with having an ectopic pregnancy with her second pregnancy. She talks about how she knew something was wrong in the beginning. How she wishes she would have pushed harder to find out what was going on, instead of trusting the typical doctor visits.  She encourages moms out there to trust their bodies, and intuition. To speak up for what you need, and to trust yourself. 

Stephanie and her husband Jesse joined us to share their story about recurrent pregnancy loss. Stephanie talks about how people don't speak up enough on this topic. She feels that miscarriage is kept quiet because "I wasn't that far along". She wants to let women know that it is still a loss, no matter how far along you are. Loss is loss. She did not want to suffer silently and wanted to create a space where other moms can talk about their loss, struggles and infertility. She has created a beautiful social presence where we have followed her IVF process. She is now pregnant, and due in the summer of 2020. We are thrilled for her and Jesse. We loved hearing from Jesse the perspective of being on the partner's side of this struggle. We respect this couple so much for their ability to keep pushing forward, and fight for what they want. She encourages moms out there to be their own advocate, find the right doctors, speak up about your struggles and loss. Allow yourself to feel the pain, and process the emotions.

Melissa did just about everything to prepare for an at-home birth. From hypno-birth classes, meditations, etc. She was surrounded by an RN, Doula and Midwife while she delivered her daughter, Lydia, at home. The baby was wrapped in the umbilical cord - which led to a very traumatic birth and the baby being rushed to the hospital. Melissa had to stay home while Lydia was rushed to the hospital and she did not see her baby for 3 days while she healed at home. Melissa talks about the harsh thoughts she had during her healing process, the postpartum treatment she sought and how she recognized what was going on.

Melanie experienced a massive change going from one child to two. She had extreme depression, and realized she could not go through this on her own. Melanie was told by a friend that it was just as important to take medication for depression, as it is for diabetes. She learned that day how important it was to take care of herself. She has learned it does not serve her to hold it in, and try to do it alone. After a miscarriage, it broker her heart to try and explain to her two kids why mom no longer had a baby. She was able to get pregnant again after this loss, she had massive anxiety during that pregnancy because of her miscarriage. Melanie taught me that no matter how far along you are, having a miscarriage is a loss. You still get to take care of yourself, and allow yourself to heal.

We are SO happy to have been able to podcast with Danielle! She has been a huge support for so many women on her social media page as well as her Unfamiliar Mom Academy course. She started The Unfamiliar Mom Academy because when she had her first baby - she was shocked! No one told her how hard it would be. She struggled with breastfeeding, felt miserable about the whole experience. She said it was "the worst experience" for her. And now she feels like it was a blessing in disguise. Back when she had her baby, there was hardly any resources. She spend hours searching the internet for answers, help, support. She has now turned that research into The Unfamiliar Mom Academy Course. She coaches moms on getting rid if guilt and walking through the scary thoughts. We had so much fun talking with her, she is incredible and so authentic. Reach out to her on social media for more info - @theunfamiliarmom on Instagram.

Just over five years ago, Neena was pregnant with her first child, Indira. At 37 weeks, she noticed her daughter wasn't moving as much. Something didn't feel right. She went into labor and delivery, and they could not find a heartbeat. She then delivered her daughter, and a world of trauma followed. Neena urges moms to follow your instincts, who cares if you're the crazy pregnant lady. Neena has been very open about her experience via social media and changed so many lives. She has since had two beautiful boys, miscarriages, brain surgery and a recent pregnancy complication which resulted in a difficult pregnancy termination. Neena has so much to teach us all about being understanding of what mothers go through. She taught me so much about not judging other moms, and to trust your gut as a mom. Creating boundaries of who you have in your life. We have all been through so much trauma, everyone around us.  She asks us to have empathy and understanding for everyone around us.  Neena and her husband had so many people from all over the world reaching out and sharing their love via social media, etc. It's amazing what happens when we open up, and share. Thank you, Neena!

Krista has two sets of twins, and a five year old. After giving birth to her last set of twins, she has learned more than she ever wanted to about the trails of having NICU babies. Krista shares about the birth story, struggles of balancing life at the NICU for months - and having three children home as well. Krista and her husband have so much on their plate, and she wanted to share her story in the middle of it all in hopes to help other moms know things she wishes she had known. Krista shares tips for parents going through it now, as well as family members and loved ones. I loved how Krista gave us ideas on how to support friends or family who may be going through this. It's always hard to know how to support someone going through so much. This is a beautiful story of survival, grief, fear, persistence, strength and hope. Krista is a warrior, fighter and incredible mom.

Kim's sister Mindy struggled with extreme postpartum psychosis, and seeing her sister struggle has changed her forever . Kim shares the story of how her sister did the best she could to fight through it. After many struggles, traumatic events and so much more, Mindy took her own life on December 6, 2017. Kim urges moms to seek help and to keep going. To find support, to hold on. Kim shared that Mindy had a supportive, loving family with no childhood trauma. That it was not the way she was raised that caused her to go into such a deep depression. Postpartum psychosis is real, and watching her sister go through her experience has changed her life forever. Kim urges anyone with a loved one, friend or neighbor going through postpartum of any kind - to stay connected. To ask them questions, make sure they are okay and to do the best you can to love them even when it's hard. We are so grateful for Kim, and her ability to talk in so much detail about her beautiful sister, Mindy. We could feel her there with us that night, it was very sacred. We know Mindy would want other moms to know they are not alone.

In the middle of her grieving, Amanda reached out to us wanting to share her story for all the moms out there who need to hear from someone going through it right this moment. Rather than later, after some healing and time. Amanda was just 24 weeks pregnant when she went into pre-term labor. Milo was born a few days later on August 1, 2019. Amanda and her husband Skyler went through a roller coaster of emotions and experiences during the few weeks they were at the hospital fighting for Milo's life. After a hard battle, Milo passed on from this life. This left Amanda and Skyler leaving the hospital without a baby, and a long road of healing ahead of them. Amanda talks about being angry with God, yet still loving God and understanding. She talks about walking through grief, and the details of how to support someone you love through this. Amanda opened up about details that aren't talked about enough, this topic is kept so silent. So many parents suffer alone. Amanda and Skyler are out to help reach out and heal others going through this traumatic heartache.

Jessica is a mom of three and has been through many trials to get her little family here.  She opens up about how her depression started before her first daughter was born, when she found out that she was breech and wouldn't be able to deliver as planned.   She struggled through the first year of her daughters life attributing her feelings to "just being a new mom" but after her second daughter was born and the depression returned she took action and got on medication to start to heal.  Jessica shares how she suffered multiple miscarriages and secondary infertility but was grateful for the support of her husband and her medication to help her through.  She reminds us that it will get better.  It won't always be this hard and you can get back to feeling more like yourself, but you must take the first step to get out of the darkness. 

Brooke and Justin have faced so much adversity during their years of having babies. Job loss, anxiety, living with Brooke's parents, hospitalizing their newborn, breastfeeding struggles and more. They both experienced anxiety and depression as a result of the crazy whirlwind of becoming parents. The perfect storm of chaos caused Brooke's postpartum depression and anxiety to be so intense she finally had a breakdown. Brooke is not one to ask for help, and finally going to the doctor made all the difference for her. Justin talks about how being a dad and dealing with the aftermath of all of the adversity caused him to have anxiety to this day. Hearing how they are both so open to talk to each other about their mental health, and how they are preparing for her to have a baby again has inspired us to communicate with our partners even more!

After an emergency c-section, Courtney experienced extreme sadness. She didn't feel like taking care of her son, or doing anything at all. Her son, Cael, had multiple health problems and surgeries. After all of this, Courtney and her husband decided to try for a second child. For the last several years they have tried just about every route of infertility treatments and none have been successful. Courtney shares her journey through all of it, and her hope that something has to give.

Lena and Brigham share with us their journey together through postpartum anxiety/depression. It took Lena almost 6 years to seek help for her depression. Lena talks about how she didn't seek help because of her fears of having her baby taken away, or judgement. Or the doctors not believing her. After she sought help, she urges moms to keep looking for the right therapist or doctor. To not give up because you don't click with your current provider. That it is worth the search. Brigham, her husband, shares some real talk to all the husbands and partners out there on how to support and show up for your partner when they have a newborn. They both talk about how easy it is to pass off the way you feel because "it's just because I'm tired" "she must have had a bad day" and so many other excuses we use to downplay our situation and not seek help or communicate with each other. Hearing the dynamic between husband and wife, and how they navigate mental health together, was so empowering for us! We loved how Brigham gets real, and says to partners out there to just listen, instead of fix. And to pay attention to their triggers, and support them in avoiding them or walking through it. So many goodies in this podcast, definitely a MUST listen with your partner or spouse. The best advice is to just hold on, and it will get better. And to have weekly mental health check ups with your partner.

Kate is a mama of two, NICU RN, certified CPR instructor, breastfeeding counselor +certified sleep consultant- a "mom coach" dedicated to making the road to motherhood a bit smoother. She combines her expertise in these areas + her experience as a breastfeeding and supplementing mom to best prepare new parents for parenthood with a realistic and non-judgemental approach. She offers services in sleep consulting, breastfeeding counseling, infant and child CPR, and one-on-one coaching. Kate tells us about how she came to start her business, Bumble Baby, and also shares with us her own experience with postpartum depression. She reminds us not to compare ourselves to anyone else. You matter and your emotions matter. You can follow Kate and learn more about the services that she offers on instagram @bumble.baby or on her website at bumblebabychicago.com

Tara, mother of 6 children, takes us on her journey through postpartum depression. So many hard trials happening consecutively caused her to spiral into a dark place. She talks about losing her parents, grieving their loss, unemployment, loss of a 20 week old baby, health problems and friendships dwindling all because of what she was going through. With the help of her attentive and thoughtful doctor she received support and was able to find her way out of the dark rabbit hole she was in. She reminds us that allowing yourself to feel those hard feelings rather than pushing them away, makes you stronger.

After a devastating loss of her son Keith, at 22 weeks, Jessie struggled to move on. Jessie is candid about how difficult it was to leave the hospital with no baby. In the thick of grief, Jessie finds strength to continue growing her family. One year after the loss of her son, she had a newborn. This is when her postpartum depression set in. She thought it was regular grief, and didn't see what it really was. She was secluding herself, not talking to her husband about her feelings, or anyone. She felt totally numb and wanting to protect herself from the pain of losing another baby. After finding herself in a serious funk, she found strength in therapy and life coaching. Sharing her feelings made all the difference for her. There is power in talking to somebody who she didn't need to comfort. Everyone in her life was grieving that loss, and having someone to talk to that was outside of it all, was exactly what she needed. Jessie is now a life coach, and assists others in walking through life as you heal.

Rachel is a mother of six, who experienced postpartum depression and suicidal thoughts.  In this episode she shares with us how support from her family and taking medication helped her through the struggle.   With her children ranging in age from 18 years to 6 months she is savoring her youngest baby and enjoying every moment. Rachel shares some great advice and reminds us that this hard time in your life is temporary.  Just hold on, it will get better. 

The Postpartum Revolution founders, JaTem & Jazmin, met while at a Doula training and the rest is history! They are determined to educate new moms, and all of her tribe, on how to navigate postpartum life. The two of them have created The Postpartum Revolution conference, which will happen in Provo, Utah on September 28, 2019. The conference sold out quickly, showing how much that community needs resources and support for women who are postpartum. They still have virtual tickets available via their website for those who still wish to be a part of this incredible event. JaTem & Jazmin both share their stories on what brought them to become doula's and why they have such a passion for caring for new moms! Also, they explain what a doula is, because I have always wanted to know! We talk about how to choose a doula that is right for you, and more. We loved our time with these powerhouse women. Stay tuned for podcast episodes with their personal experience with postpartum. Visit them on social media: Main Instagram @ThePostPartumRevolution Jazmin's Instagram @Womben.co JaTem's Instagram @MamaBumpBirthAndBeyond www.psiutah.org Postpartum Support Hotline 1.800.944.4773

In this episode, Sam talks about how the overwhelming life change of having her baby rocked her. We talk about everything from her birth experience to feeding her baby to going back to work. Sam shares how deciding to stop breastfeeding was the best decision she ever made for her family. It helped her to not feel trapped and allowed others in her family to build a special bond with her daughter. Sam offered great insight about how you don't have to do things the way your mom or your sister did. It's OK to do it your way. And our favorite quote of the episode, "It's not on a college application if you were breastfed or not. "

Kelsie suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety with all three of her daughters. She shares how the guilt and shame she felt from her anger led to self hate, and intrusive/suicidal thoughts. She found support through friendships in her community and healing through finally opening up to just one person, and then another and another. Kelsie reminds us that we have the right to fight for ourselves and if we can't do it for ourselves ask someone else to fight for you. You are worth fighting for and your family wants you to fight!

We got to sit down with Leesa, our host Leslee's mom and best friend. Leesa shares her side of Leslee's postpartum experience. Leesa and Leslee have been very close all of her life. Yet, when it came time for PPD to hit, neither of them noticed. How did we both miss it? And how did Leslee hide it so well that she didn't catch on? Leesa shares how that has taught her a few things about how to pay attention to those around you just a little better. How to be more conscious of new moms, dads, grandparents and anyone involved. Leesa also shares about her women's retreats she hosts in Arizona for healing. She talks about how menopause has sort of become the "maternal mental health" type of topic for women her age and how it needs to be addressed more often. This podcast is full of goodies on all things women and healing. Check out "The Happiplace Podcast" episode 9 for more details on healing circles. Email us for more info on Leesa's retreats! (risingphoenixpodcast@gmail.com)

In this podcast, Whitney shares her journey of struggling to find her space of being a stay at home mom and adjusting to two children.  She is a busy-body and had a lot of resentment when her second child came along for "taking away her freedom". She then realized she has postpartum depression and sought help from an incredible doctor. Whitney's story is so relate able and vulnerable. She shares some very sacred moments she had when her aunt passed away, and feeling like she didn't belong with her family anymore and feeling like she was better off, if she wasn't here anymore. We had a lot of tears shed in this podcast, what a beautiful story of finding peace in a storm. 

We just had a quick chat about what we have learned so far through producing this podcast.  We are so grateful for all of the brave women who have been vulnerable and opened up and shared their experience with us. 

Laura Parry has been a Licensed Clinical Social Worker for several years. She started at an agency that specialized in Maternal Mental Health and then went on to open her own private practice. She works with both mothers and fathers in guiding them through their postpartum journey. Maternal Mental Health is very dear to her heart. Laura is also a mother, and wants to make a difference in all things related to this topic. She shares some incredible insight and resources! 

Andrea always wanted to be a mom.  She worked so hard to build her family even though she faced some scary challenges along the way. Andrea shares with us her journey through Postpartum Anxiety, while also battling some debilitating health problems and chronic illness.  She has found help and healing through medication, therapy and finally taking time for herself.  Andrea reminds us that moms need to take a minute to breathe and put ourselves in "time out." She talks about how being open about her journey has helped others find a safe space to open up and talk about what they are going through.  

Brooklyn shares a very vulnerable story about intrusive thoughts, severe anxiety, traumatic childbirth, a faith crisis and doing all of the research she can to figure PPD out. Through some of that research Brooklyn found out changing her diet and finding ways to provide self care, were crucial to her survival. Brooklyn is fresh out of the darkness of PPD, her son is 7 months old and she has come a long way in those months. She begs moms to speak up, to talk about this maternal mental illness and support each other!

Joanna is a nurse who shares her story of moving out of the country the same day that she found out she was pregnant with twins.  Her husband was attending medical school and they were living in the Caribbean with outdated healthcare, no family and extreme living conditions.  She found her OCD tendencies and anxiety were at an all time high.  She used the knowledge she had as a nurse to take charge and get the care that she needed.  Through medication, therapy and finding time for self care she has found healing and is feeling more like herself.  Listen to hear Joanna's perspective on medication and how we need to be grateful for it and recognize that staying on medication doesn't mean you are a failure. 

After a rushed C-Section birth, neglected hospital care and a frustrating first 6 months with her pediatrician, JorDan learned to stand up for herself and advocate for her baby. She shares about her son's Asperger's diagnosis and how she navigated her way through finding the best care for him, while battling her postpartum depression. Through the right therapy and hard work with her son she found the bond they were missing. JorDan tells us about how medication, therapy and taking time for herself as an individual has helped her heal.

Brook Dorff is PSI Utah's Maternal Mental Health Specialist. She shares statistics about maternal mental health, misconceptions related to postpartum depression/maternal mental health mood disorders, surprising stats about who is at risk for mood disorders and when. Brook is an activist for maternal mental health and has already done so much good for this topic in our community. We are honored to have her along our journey. PSI/ Postpartum Support International has a support hotline if you need someone to talk to and for resources local to you. PSI has international support, call their help line at 1-800-944-4773 or TEXT for support at 1-503-894-9453.

Fifteen years after the birth of her 4th child, Mary finally sought the therapy and help that she needed to take care of herself. She shares about divorce and losing children and how that effected her mental health. She tells us the practices that she continues to do to stay healthy.

Toni shares with us her experience with have a premature emergency C-Section which left her baby in the NICU for several weeks. She shares the struggles of blaming herself, guilt associated to things that were out of her control and the anger that came from it. This is the first time Toni has shared her story and she realized the therapy behind being open and talking about her experience.

Ashlyn talks about how her postpartum got more intense with each child. It came to a head with her last child. Her brave story details postpartum psychosis and the saving grace of letting friends, family and even sometimes strangers assist her along her healing journey. 

Cirina's dad was a well-known OBGYN in Utah Valley. Having worked in his offices for many years, she was very aware of what PPA looked like. However, when she had it herself many years later, she did not recognize it. After losing her dad during her pregnancy, Cirina experienced some serious change and anxiety. Listen to how she is still grieving the loss of her dad and how she copes with it all.