Ep45 Postpartum Mood Disorders w/ Dr. Lyndsey Day

“The loveliest masterpiece of the heart of God is the heart of a mother.”~ St. Thérèse of LisieuxThe arrival of a child is an unspeakable gift and a grace for which to be thankful. But there can also be deeply painful moments during pregnancy and after the baby arrives. Millions of mothers know the hardship of postpartum depression, anxiety, distance from their spouse, disappointment, difficulty nursing, and the resulting shame. Is there anything we can do in the middle of such big, and sometimes surprising, challenges?Dr. Lyndsey Day joins Kenna for a beautiful and deeply real conversation about the mental health challenges associated with pregnancy and the postpartum months. Dr. Day's faith allows her to journey with women as an OB-GYN in a way that is a ministry and a mission for the good of mothers and families. She and Kenna discuss the reasons that the postpartum period is so difficult, impactful options for offering healing & support to mothers, and the impossible expectations that women so often feel. Join us for an encouraging and consoling conversation that is hand-made for all mothers & those who love them!Dr. Lyndsey Day received her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Chemistry from Saint Ambrose University and her medical degree from the University of Iowa. She completed her residency in Obstetrics and Gynecology at Loyola University Medical Center just outside of Chicago, Illinois. Dr. Day has a passion for women's healthcare and thoroughly enjoys providing obstetric and gynecologic care to women throughout all phases of life. Dr. Day loves to garden and hike and be with her family. Dr. Day's husband and 6 children fill her life with much joy, many trips to Costco, a fair amount of life experience, a small menagerie that the kids are constantly trying to add to (currently includes 4 cats and a golden retriever), and so very much love.Episode 45 Show NotesFor more information on help for postpartum depression, including support groups, visit postpartumdepression.orgGet ready for our book study on The Love That Keeps Us Sane by Fr. Marc Foley, OCD: order your copy hereChapters:00:00: Introduction and Highs & Hards11:24: OB-GYN medicine as a ministry21:10: Dealing with disappointment in parenthood26:47: Postpartum mood disorders36:53: The place for medication & Giving yourself grace50:24: Surrendering to God's will 53:58: Challenge By ChoiceQuestions for Reflection & Discussion:What is one thing that stuck out to you from this episode?Mothers, what was your pregnancy and postpartum experience like? What were the greatest joys and struggles?What are some of the unfair expectations that mothers feel? What contributes to these expectations?Why do so many mothers feel shame about their postpartum struggles? How can you help alleviate that shame and help mothers feel free to share their burdens?What are some tangible ways that you can show support and care for the mothers that you know, especially mothers who have recently given birth?Support the showThank you for listening, and a very special thank you to our community of supporters!Join our email list and never miss an episode or an eventVisit us online at thiswholelifepodcast.com, and send us an email with your thoughts, questions, or ideas.Follow us on Instagram & FacebookInterested in more faith-filled mental health resources? Check out the Martin Center for IntegrationMusic: "You're Not Alone" by Marie Miller. Used with permission.