130: Understanding and protecting your mental health pre, during and beyond pregnancy with Dr. Dawn Kingston

In today's episode, I interview Dr. Dawn Kingston,  an award-winning researcher and mental health clinician with over twenty-five years in medicine.  We explore the complex relationship between mental health and pregnancy along with challenging common misconceptions about the emotional experience during this critical phase of life. We dive deep into understanding nervous system regulation and how life experiences impact mental well-being. Dr. Kingston shares innovative brain-based therapies and provides a hopeful perspective on managing mental health before and during pregnancy.  Episode Highlights: Dr. Dawn Kingstons background and initial motivations for studying mental health in pregnancy. Common misconceptions about mental health during pregnancy.  Why emotional challenges during pregnancy are not just 'simply hormonal'. The concept of nervous system dysregulation and how life experiences can impact mental health. The idea of a "ladder" of emotional states and how to move between different levels of regulation. Alternative therapeutic approaches for mental health and nervous system regulation Introduction of brain-based therapies like neurofeedback, brain spotting, and vibroacoustic stimulation. The concept of fetal programming. How a mother's mental health might impact her unborn child. Related Links: Sign up for Private Fertility Coaching with Nora here Click here for a collection of Nora's best self paced programs to get & stay pregnant For full show notes and guest related links: https://www.naturallynora.ca/blog/130  Grab Your FREE Resources: Just starting your TTC journey? Download my Eat To Get Pregnant Guide  Having trouble getting and staying pregnant? Download my Top 3 Things To Do When You're Not Getting Pregnant Wondering what supplements to take to help you conceive? Download my Fertility Foundations Supplement Guide Please Note: The contents of this podcast are for educational and informational purposes only. The information is not to be interpreted as, or mistaken for, clinical advice. Please consult a medical professional or healthcare provider for medical advice, diagnoses, or treatment.