Life After Birth with Molly Nourmand

Molly Nourmand, LMFT, is a Psychotherapist that specializes in perinatal mental health. She started an incredible company called Life After Birth where she facilitates group sessions with new mothers as they process the complexities of becoming a parent, shifts in identity, changes related to intimacy and so much more. We discuss what are some common ways that Postpartum Anxiety and Mood Disorders  (AKA PMADS) present in early parenthood. Molly also shares a bit about her own birth story – which ultimately lead her to creating her company, Life After Birth. I have been truly thankful for the feedback on all the different guests of MOTHERLANDS. If there are any specific topics that you are eager to learn about feel free to send an email to [email protected]. I’d love to hear from you! The book referred to in this episode is Fair Play by Eve RodskyConnect with Molly on Instagram (@lifeafterbirth_la)Join a Life After Birth GroupConnect with our host, Keely Semler on Instagram (@k.eelys or @motherlands.podcast)Sign up for the newsletter here2:28 Mental load. What is it?5:31 Creating a roadmap of parenting preferences7:49 Developing self-advocacy practices while pregnant10:05 risk factors for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)11:10 Addressing the mental and the physical12:31 How the lack of emotional prep can cause the development of PMADs13:33 Giving and receiving support to new mothers18:30 Allowing space for the partner to process22:15 How the partner can be present and how the birthing person can best receive that support24:28 The evolution of intimacy, sex, and identity post-birth31:42 An ever-changing sense of identity34:40 Holding space for hope and dealing with uncertainties collectively37:28 Placenta encapsulation and situational PMADs40:11 Symptoms of PMADs versus the “baby blues”43:41 Parenting technology: benefits, reliances, and impacts on mental health44:48 Molly’s birth experience56:22 Recovery and the impetus for Life After Birth This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit keelysemler.substack.com/subscribe