Mom and Mind

Today’s focus is on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in treating perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). Our expert guest will help us understand this therapy technique, its processes, and the overarching goal of this method. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Carissa Gustafson, PMH-C, is a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in perinatal psychology. She supports clients from preconception through parenting, with a particular focus on pregnancy and postpartum care. As the author of Reclaim Your Life: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 7 Weeks, she utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients learn to relate to their thoughts and feelings with acceptance and compassion, while aligning their behavior with their values. Dr. Gustafson sees clients online throughout California and in person at Village Birth, a part of Heartship Psychological Services. In addition to seeing clients, she has been an adjunct professor and clinical faculty at Pepperdine University Graduate School of Education and Psychology. 

Show Highlights:



Dr. Gustafson’s path to serving perinatal mental health clients through ACT



Understanding ACT as a therapy technique



The unpredictable nuances of the perinatal journey align perfectly with the core processes of ACT, especially for high-achieving women.



The need to be present with our difficult emotions



Learning to “surf the waves” of emotions and feelings



Compassion is essential because of the shame and blame we put on ourselves.



ACT core processes: mindfulness, acceptance/compassion, cognitive defusion, the observer self, values, and committed/valued action 



“Bringing presence to our pain brings peace.”



We don’t want to make an enemy of our internal experiences.



ACT offers a clear path to relief for PMADs if someone is willing to use the techniques.



Psychological health can be improved with flexibility in our thoughts and behaviors.



Acceptance doesn’t mean resignation. Advocacy and agency are vital!



Learn more about Dr. Gustafson’s book, training courses, and workbook (get yours for free at Dr. Gustafson's website!)

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Carissa Gustafson: Website, Instagram, and Reclaim Your Life: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in 7 Weeks

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. 

There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. 

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! 

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.
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Our discussion focuses on the ways fertility challenges impact mental health, navigating misinformation and pressure from “influencer experts” on social media, and how evidence-based fertility education can empower and support people mentally and emotionally during their reproductive journey. 

Dr. Lucky Sekhon is a board-certified reproductive endocrinologist, infertility specialist, obstetrician-gynecologist, and assistant clinical professor at the Mount Sinai Health System in New York City. She is the author of The Lucky Egg, a comprehensive, myth-busting guide to understanding reproductive health and overcoming fertility—written to empower anyone navigating the complex and confusing world of fertility. Widely recognized for her expertise in egg freezing, IVF, and LGBTQ+ family building, Dr. Sekhon is a trusted voice in reproductive medicine known for blending cutting-edge science with deeply compassionate patient care. Beyond her busy clinical practice, Dr. Sekhon actively publishes and presents research at national conferences and is passionate about making evidence-based fertility information accessible to all. Through her social media presence, blog, and community outreach, she has become a leading advocate for closing the fertility knowledge gap and helping people make informed, confident decisions about their reproductive futures. 

Show Highlights:


Dr. Lucky’s WHY for writing The Lucky Egg was prompted by her pregnancy during the COVID-19 pandemic.


Dr. Lucky’s desire to create a “Fertility Bible” to help people


What to expect from The Lucky Egg


Fertility challenges are as much a mental health issue as a physical one.


There is a wide range of grief experiences with infertility; each journey is unique.


Undiagnosed conditions, like endometriosis and PCOS, can complicate the fertility journey.


There is bad information on social media. Beware!


Dr. Lucky’s challenges in helping patients weed through misinformation and see evidence-based facts


Common themes of misinformation: fearmongering, distrust, quick fixes, and fake testimonials


Dr. Lucky’s commitment to evidence-based treatments


Dr. Lucky’s checklist to evaluate a clinic for quality and success


How The Lucky Egg helps people understand the language of embryology, medications, and protocols, even offering scripts and prompts to help deal with uncomfortable questions from others


“Who is The Lucky Egg written for?”


Messages of hope from Dr. Lucky: “If you’re unsure about your next steps in your fertility journey, you are not alone. Infertility affects 1 in 6 couples. This is a unique struggle with a lot of pressure. Prioritize your mental health, use resources, and find a supportive community.”

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Lucky Sekhon: Website, Instagram, and The Lucky Egg

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. 

There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. 

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Before discussing today’s show, I’d like to provide some updates on what to expect from the podcast in 2026. First of all, there will be no more Behind the Sessions episodes. There could also be changes in the frequency of episodes at some point, but we’ll see how that goes. Life shifts and different needs arise that are pulling me in other directions. Everyone has times when shifts are needed to make space for pressing needs, and that’s what I’m experiencing in my life. I’m still excited about the show and the ten-year milestone that we’ll reach in 2026. Remember, the archive of episodes (almost 500!) is always available through our website. 

Today’s episode brings important information about how parenthood changes everything, including your sex life. There are new complexities to intimacy and sex after having a child, and parents need to be prepared so they can protect their connection. Our expert guest answers questions about why passion fades, the sexual-emotional cycle that couples get stuck in, and the path back to each other in your relationship. Join us to learn more!

Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy is an AASECT-certified sex therapist and the author of Parents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids. Certified in Emotionally Focused Therapy, she helps couples navigate sex, desire, and connection in the whirlwind of parenting, even when life and kids make it feel impossible. 

Show Highlights:


Understanding the role of a sex therapist, what sex therapy entails, and Rebecca’s journey to be a sex therapist


Identity shifts and body changes that come with having a baby can greatly affect your sex life.


There is much shame and stigma around talking about sex and sexuality.


The need to be flexible and curious with your partner


Factors that impact a couple’s ability to connect and be intimate: time, hormones, exhaustion, and resentment


Focusing on the “micromoments” to show your connection to your partner


Common themes in sex therapy for new parents


Reinvesting in the partnership and understanding each other’s intimacy needs


The need for disconnection and solitude (Everyone needs alone time!)


The difficult mental shift from “Mommy mode” to adult partner


Dealing with mismatched levels of desire, which could become more pronounced after kids


Dr. Rebecca’s tips for finding your way back to your partner:


Become comfortable talking about sex.


Be flexible during the early-parent years.


Be open to other intimacies besides intercourse.


Consider scheduling sexual activity.


Make sure your partner feels seen, appreciated, and desired.


Find ways to protect your time for intimacy.


The importance of pleasure in all forms of intimacy (“Nobody wants bad sex!”)

Resources:

Connect with Dr. Rebecca Howard Eudy: Website, Instagram, and Parents in Love: A Guide to Great Sex After Kids

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. 

There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. 

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! 

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today’s episode finishes the four-part series on perinatal mental health during the holidays. It is also the final Behind the Sessions episode because life’s circumstances are requiring me to shift, change, and prioritize other things as 2025 comes to a close. I will periodically add a solo episode in the future when I want to dive deeper into a relevant subject. There could even be a reduction in the frequency of episodes in 2026, as I see how my focus is needed in other areas. This shift is an example of my need to “practice what I preach” by protecting my time, space, and mental health as life changes. There is an extensive archive of episodes (almost 500 of them!) on my website from which you can search topics of interest to you. Please take advantage of the amazing resources available there! Today’s episode focuses on facing the challenges of the postpartum period during the holidays. Join me!

Show Highlights:


Hey, Mama: You ARE doing enough!


When you throw PPA or PPD into the mix, the holidays can be overwhelming.


Doing ALL the things will add more stress and cause burnout.


Truths about postpartum life: It’s a BIG change!


Worrying about social gatherings and the risk of sickness for your baby is completely normal.


You may feel a greater sense of disconnect and loneliness.


Watch out for the “comparison trap” that social media can cause.


The potential for overstimulation is great.


The underlying differences between expectations and reality


Make it through the holidays in whatever ways you can—and that’s okay.


Holiday problems for people-pleasers


An increase in pressure and a decrease in emotional bandwidth can create the perfect storm of stress.


Red flags that signal a perinatal mental health condition


Steps to better self-care:


Manage your self-talk–your inner voice.


Pause, sit, and breathe to settle your body and mind.


Realize that you don’t have to do everything you’ve always done.


Add self-compassion to your life.


Protect your energy by resting, limiting social engagements, and setting boundaries.


Ask for help—and accept it when it’s offered.


The importance of reframing what the holidays mean to you


You and your family deserve peace–not perfection.


Prioritizing your healing over traditions, expectations, and plans is okay—and encouraged. 

Resources:

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. 

There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. 

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! 

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Our focus in today’s episode is parenting a child with a disability, including the point of diagnosis, how the diagnosis might change over time, how it impacts pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and the ableism parents can face in reproductive care. Join us to learn more from today’s expert guest. 

Riley Blanton is a therapist specializing in reproductive mental health care in Kansas. She is passionate about the nuances within the perinatal space, including individuals parenting children with disabilities, abortion care, foster care, and adoption. Riley is the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and of the perinatal-specific private practice Holding New Therapy. Her work includes publishing research-based articles on her website and appearing on various online media outlets. She is also the owner of Kansas Reproductive Therapy Center, which provides mental health professionals with specialized training in reproductive mental health, including ableism in reproductive care, pregnancy after loss, adoption, and foster care. 

Show Highlights:


Riley’s journey into this specialty, which began with the traumatic birth of her first child in 2019, followed by perinatal mental health challenges


Riley’s foster care and adoption experience with a disabled child


Meeting simple needs with accommodations for disabilities, like mobility issues and trauma-informed ways to deal with diagnoses


Different ways parents receive a diagnosis for their child–and the impact on mental health


Grief and a lot of ambiguous loss around a diagnosis that steals the expectations parents have for their child


The learning curve for parents dealing with a child’s disability, along with feelings of isolation and loneliness


Some diagnoses evolve over time, so parents must adjust and navigate new stages of the child’s needs.


Common frustrations of parents who suddenly become disability advocates for their child


Redefining self-care for parents


Feeling out of control with burnout, anxiety, and depression that can come with caregiving


Riley’s suggestions for avenues for help and support that are actually supportive


The complexity of a parent with a disability who is also parenting a child with a disability–and how internalized ableism can show up


The best ways for providers to support parents


There is still research to do and work to be done!


CEUs are available through the Kansas Reproductive Therapy Center.

Resources:

Connect with Riley Blanton: Holding New Therapy Website and @rileyrblanton IG

Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov.

Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. 

There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. 

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices