The Best Birth Podcast Episode 46 - Motherhood and Mental Health: Strategies for Postpartum Care with Anj Lineback
INTERVIEW OVERVIEW
In this conversation, Anj Lineback, a licensed clinical social worker, discusses navigating the postpartum period. She explains that perinatal mental health issues can occur during pregnancy and up to two years postpartum. She highlights the importance of recognizing the difference between baby blues and more serious conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety. Anj provides coping strategies such as getting enough sleep, seeking support from others, and engaging in self-care activities. She also emphasizes the need to reach out to healthcare professionals and utilize resources like support groups and therapy. The conversation concludes with a discussion on the importance of medication when necessary and the role of community in the postpartum journey.
TAKEAWAYS
Perinatal mental health issues can occur during pregnancy and up to two years postpartum.
It is important to recognize the difference between baby blues and more serious conditions like postpartum depression and anxiety.
Coping strategies such as getting enough sleep, seeking support from others, and engaging in self-care activities can help navigate the postpartum period.
Reaching out to healthcare professionals and utilizing resources like support groups and therapy is crucial for mental well-being.
Medication can be a helpful tool when necessary, and it is important to prioritize self-care and reclaim one's identity outside of motherhood.
WORDS OF WISDOM
Sleep is SO important.
Having your community in place is really going to be key.
Getting our bodies moving in a different way can get you an automatic reset.
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction to Navigating the Postpartum Period
02:25 Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
04:07 Differentiating Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression/Anxiety
09:31 Coping Strategies: Sleep, Support, and Self-Care
14:59 Seeking Help: Healthcare Professionals and Resources
20:29 Medication and Mental Well-being in the Postpartum Journey
25:29 The Importance of Community in the Postpartum Experience
TALKING POINTS
postpartum period, perinatal mental health, baby blues, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, coping strategies, sleep, support, self-care, healthcare professionals, resources, medication, community
RESOURCES
Mix-hers Drink Supplement
PSI - International
BOOKS
Babies Are Not Pizzas
"Knowledge is power, and in the context of childbirth, it can be the difference between a positive birth experience and one that leaves scars."
Health & Human Development Sunshine Acroynym
Ina May's Guide to Breastfeeding - Ina May
"Oxytocin has been called the 'hormone of calm, love, and healing' because of the kinds of feelings it causes in the mother and the interactions with her baby that often trigger its release."
Anj Lineback
Anj Lineback, A Liscenced Clinical Social Worker, grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and received her bachelors in Health Education and Promotion at the University of Utah. Anj attended Portland State University for her Masters in Social Work. Anj has worked with veterans, the homeless population, families, couples, children, geriatrics, and on the behavioral health unit. She loves traveling and experiencing the world. Anj loves learning and has an ongoing reading list. Anj works to create justice centered, healing, empowering and inclusive spaces.