HOW TO SURVIVE POSTPARTUM: Breaking the Silence with Dr. Kamini Rajaratnam

* Trigger warning: This episode contains discussion of real cases of maternal mental health and suicide; please listen with care.Dr. Natalie Hutchins speaks with perinatal psychiatrist Dr. Kamini Rajaratnam to shine a light on the often-overlooked topic of maternal mental health. Together, they explore why conditions like perinatal depression, anxiety, OCD, and postpartum psychosis are still misunderstood and underdiagnosed, the stigma that stops women from seeking help, and how early intervention can save lives. Using real-life stories, they discuss how to recognise red flags, the difference between “baby blues” and serious mental health issues, and how families and healthcare providers can better support mothers during one of the most vulnerable stages of life.In This Episode, You’ll Learn:How to recognise the signs → Understand the difference between normal postpartum adjustment and red flags.Why it’s not just about depression → Learn how perinatal anxiety, OCD, and postpartum psychosis can also appear.That symptoms can start before birth → Discover how perinatal mood disorders can develop during pregnancy.Which risk factors to look out for → Previous mental health conditions, miscarriage or termination, birth trauma, PMDD, lack of support, sleep deprivation, cultural stigma, and high self-expectations.How screening can save lives → Find out why early mental health screening and open conversations with healthcare providers are essential.Medication, therapy & support → Explore safe treatment options, the importance of personalised care, and why getting help early makes recovery faster.The power of a postpartum plan → Learn how preparing for the “fourth trimester” can protect your mental health.Why partners matter too → Understand how partners can also struggle with postnatal depression and anxiety.Links to websites mentioned:Bumps (Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy) www.medicinesinpregnancy.orgEdimburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) www.perinatology.comDr Kamini (MBBS, MRCPsych) is a passionate and patient-centered psychiatrist with 17 years of experience. She is committed to providing compassionate, holistic and evidence-based care to her patients.She graduated with an MBBS degree from the National University of Singapore and obtained the Membership of the Royal College of Psychiatrists (UK). She is an accredited psychiatrist with the Specialist Accreditation Board, Ministry of Health Singapore and a registered psychiatrist with the Singapore Medical Council. She is trained in Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Mindfulness based Cognitive Therapy(MBCT), Mindful Motherhood program, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-i), the Bringing Baby Home program by the Gottman Institute and is a member of Postpartum Support International.She trained in mindfulness-based therapies, nutritional psychiatry and nutritional and environmental medicine and learned that a plethora of other issues can contribute to and perpetuate mental illness. She is especially passionate about women’s mental health and loves to work with women facing emotional issues throughout the different phases of life from adolescents through pregnancy and postpartum, perimenopause and menopause.She also advocates strongly for preventive psychiatry, which is a branch of psychiatry aimed at early interventions, modifying risk exposures and strengthening the coping mechanisms of the individual.Connect:Dr. Natalie Hutchins - The Woman's Handbook --  Website · Instagram · LinkedIn · EmailDr. Kamini Rajaratnam — Website ·  Clinic/BookingsMedical Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the doctor patient relationship, nor does it constitute personalized medical advice. If you are affected by any of the topics discussed, please speak to your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit thewomanshandbook.substack.com