In this episode of The Sad Moms Club, we are joined by Des Ferrin, a maternal near miss survivor and birth trauma patient advocate for the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. Des shares her personal story of postpartum complications and resultant birth trauma. We explore her efforts to bridge the gap between birth trauma and maternal ment…

Hey y'all! In this episode of the Sad Moms Club I talk to Jennie Houtz, an LCSW specializing in perinatal mental health, sex therapy, trauma, and anxiety. We discuss setting all kinds of postpartum boundaries that can be helpful to set prior to birth. Jennie shares practical tips and a detailed worksheet to help new moms navigate these conversation…

In this episode of the Sad Moms Club, we talk to Amanda from Measure the Placenta, who shares the emotional story of her daughter Junie, a full-term stillbirth. She shares the details of the pregnancy and the birth of her daughter. Since losing Junie, Amanda has become an advocate for various practices that can prevent stillbirth including placenta…

In this episode, Dr. Dan Johnson, a physical therapist specializing in pelvic floor therapy, discusses his journey into this specialized field and the founding of Keystone Physical Therapy located in Kaysville and Millcreek, Utah. Originally driven by personal experiences with pelvic pain and his wife's postpartum challenges, Dan emphasizes the imp…

Today we speak with Josie White and Allie McGee from South Valley Services, a nonprofit specializing in domestic violence support. They talk about the prevalence of abuse, different types of abuse, warning signs, and available resources for those in abusive relationships. They emphasize the importance of creating a safety plan and seeking help from…

Rachel Garret is a licensed foster parent, certified Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), Associate Program Director for Trauma Informed Utah, a former high school teacher and Hope Squad Advisor, and a founder and Executive Director of a non-profit. She shares various facets of life, including her journey to becoming a CASA and a foster parent,…

This episode features a discussion with care coordinators Carrie Martinez-Wolf and Eric Christensen from the Utah Department of Health and Human Services. The conversation illuminates the role of care coordinators in connecting Utah families with children, especially those ages zero to eight and those with special needs, to a plethora of resources.…

Postpartum doulas offer physical and emotional support after the birth of your baby through the first year postpartum. Two best friends, McKayla Broadhurst and Tiara Monson, started Bountiful Doulas after learning about the profession during their personal postpartum experiences and realizing they could have used that help. Bountiful Doulas is comp…

This episode of the Sad Moms Club features a conversation with Brook Archibald, who shares her harrowing journey through birth trauma, miscarriage, postpartum depression, and her struggle with medical professionals to be heard and adequately treated. Brooke's story starts with her first pregnancy, detailing the negligence she faced from healthcare …

If you’re an anxious person, you’re going to love learning from Morgan Slade, LCSW. We discuss perinatal anxiety and OCD, all kinds of intrusive thoughts, sneaky compulsions we do that intrusive thoughts feed on, and the treatment that has an 85% success rate. Resources Serenity's Website Connect with them on Instagram @serenityrecoverywellness. Ly…

Welcome to the NCRPxOB PMADs Podcast! In this first episode, Lauren Gimbel, MD and Joni Lybbert, PMHNP discuss perinatal depression. This podcast series was created in collaboration with the National Curriculum of Reproductive Psychiatry. If you would like to learn more from their trainings (you do), go to their website at ncrptraining.org. Resourc…

Welcome to the second episode of the NCRPxOB PMADs Podcast! In this episode Lauren Gimbel, MD and Joni Lybbert, PMHNP discuss perinatal anxiety. This podcast series was created in collaboration with the National Curriculum of Reproductive Psychiatry. If you would like to learn more from their trainings (you do), go to their website at ncrptraining.…

Welcome to the second episode of the NCRPxOB PMADs Podcast! In this episode Lauren Gimbel, MD and Joni Lybbert, PMHNP discuss perinatal anxiety. This podcast series was created in collaboration with the National Curriculum of Reproductive Psychiatry. If you would like to learn more from their trainings (you do), go to their website at ncrptraining.…

Today I talk with educator, birthworker, and owner of Birthsmarter, Ashley Brichter. Birthsmarter started as a result of Ashley’s own births not going as planned, and her noticing the gap between birth education and the reality of giving birth. We discuss the value of birth classes (whether it is your first child or third child), how physiological …

Rosie Card is a local Utah mother, activist, and business owner. She talks with us about her experience of becoming a mother. It starts with her freezing her own eggs as a single woman, trying to conceive with endometriosis, how she felt during her pregnancy, starting on an antidepressant, the birth, and how life has changed since having her son. W…

Holly Hill teaches us the biology of lactation, tips for latch and positioning your baby, and the correct flange size when pumping. She is a wealth of knowledge, and if you are new to breastfeeding or you're having trouble figuring it out, listen to this episode for guidance and to learn the value of an IBCLC. Holly works as part of the Breezy Babi…

** TRIGGER WARNING** We discuss pregnancy and infant loss throughout this episode. Baylee Demars, the current Mrs. Utah America for 2023, shares her personal experience with pregnancy loss and how entering her first-ever pageant led to advocacy work and volunteer work with the non-profit organization Share Parents of Utah. Resources: Share is a nat…

I know this is a click-bait episode title, but there is a reason for it. My hope is that you Snoopy Sarah's and Nosy Natalie's (no judgment, I am also Ms. Snoopy) will be curious enough to give the episode a listen. And either feel validated if you're going through something similar or learn how to support a loved one. Resources: Link to Nicole Car…

Hannah Sawitsky is a therapist and a doula who has a private practice up in Logan, UT called Nova Therapy and Doula Services. We talk with her about emotions and embodying those emotions, specifically feeling mad. Hannah found that she started working with a lot of 40-something mothers who were feeling unsatisfied with their life, even though from …

We are so lucky to learn from Amy-Rose White today. She is an LCSW who has worked in the perinatal community for decades, and started PSI Utah. Amy-Rose shares some of her personal experience with birth trauma and then teaches us about what birth trauma is, symptoms you may experience, and some treatment options. She also shares some of how the med…

Kim Perry is an LCSW and co-owner of Utah Adoption Specialists. If you are already in the throes of adoption, this episode may be less informative for you, but if you are considering looking into adoption this is a great place to start. Additionally, if you have a loved one who is going through the adoption process it may be supportive to learn a l…

Dr. Allyce Jones is a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who specializes in reproductive psychiatry. She started her own private practice called Felicity Women’s Center which I have joined as of August. I have worked with her for the past couple of months and have learned so much from her. Today we discuss postpartum planning: making plan…

Dr. Betty DeLass is a passionate pelvic floor physical therapist and business owner in Utah. She owns Reborn Pelvic Health & Wellness and talks with us about why women should prioritize pelvic floor treatment, symptoms PT can improve, and treatments for different conditions. We talk about pain with sex, sciatica, symphysis pubis dysfunction, and pe…

Olivia talks about her perinatal anxiety she encountered as a first time mom. She shares that working as a paramedic prior to becoming pregnant set her up for a more anxious pregnancy and postpartum experience. She specifically wanted other healthcare workers to know they are not alone if their second-hand trauma impacts them when they become pregn…

Today we speak with the three hosts of the Thoughts on Thoughts podcast: Jessica, Taylor, and KJ. They are three therapists who want to bring the therapy office to you. We talk about attachment styles including secure attachment, anxious attachment, and avoidant attachment styles. Learning this concept helped me immensely as a human being who has r…

Monica Ashton, a licensed clinical social worker and certified sex therapist who teaches us all about sex therapy: reasons you may consider starting sex therapy, topics you may discuss, topics you are allowed to discuss (hint: everything is on the table), and resources she suggests. Monica Ashton is part of the executive team and a clinician at The…

Welcome back! This is the first episode of season 2 of The Sad Moms Club podcast. Today I talk to Erin Shepard, owner and clinician and Yarrow Therapy & Counseling Services. She and I talk about something she calls sustainable wellness which is "the idea that a balanced life doesn't necessarily mean a balanced day." She also talks about how to get …

Today we get to talk to Jenna Overbaugh, a licensed professional counselor, educator, and host of All the Hard Things. During the episode, she shares her story, normalizes intrusive thoughts, teaches us about the OCD/anxiety cycle, and explains basic concepts of exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy. Though she doesn't work in Utah, she of…

Today we have Anj Lineback who is an LCSW, she has a private practice called Ripple Effect Counseling in SLC, and is the current Postpartum Support International Utah Chapter president. She is a spunky, extroverted person who loves helping perinatal women and especially loves helping them build community. We discuss what contributes to loneliness i…

Today I talk to Cassie, a mother of two and L&D nurse, who shares her personal experience with preeclampsia, HELLP syndrome, anxiety, and postpartum depression. She talks about some difficult thoughts she had during this time of depression and how she found her way back to herself. This story is close to her heart, and it will touch yours. Big than…

Today I get to talk to Dr. Deirdre Conway, a local reproductive endocrinologist from Utah Fertility Center. She helps us understand the difference between an OBGYN and a reproductive endocrinologist (REI), when to make an appointment with an REI, what a first appointment looks like, how common infertility is, and possible treatment options. She's a…

Short solo episode on my number one question: how do I find a therapist who specializes in maternal mental health AND who takes my insurance AND who I like AND is taking new clients? I also talk about how I navigate these sites, so the options are not so overwhelming. Here are the resources I share in the episode: PSI Helpline PSI Directory PSI Sup…

I get to talk to Louisa, a local Utah mother of two children. She shares her personal experience with postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety after delivering her first daughter and adopting her second. She explains some of her thoughts from when she was struggling the most and how therapy helped her. Resources: PSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 Lo…

Emily Freeze is a marriage and family therapist who specializes in working with couples as well as maternal and reproductive mental health. She is an owner of New Beginnings Counseling Group who has locations in Provo, Lehi, and American Fork. Emily shares a lot about her own story regarding her infertility journey. She normalizes going to couples …

Today I talk with Betty Flores, LCSW, who has a private practice called Perinatal Wellness where she sees clients in Utah and North Carolina. We talk about her experience postpartum, the mental load of motherhood, perfectionism, asking for help, and planning for the postpartum period while pregnant. Resources: Fair Play: A Game-Changing Solution fo…

This episode we talk about some of my experiences with loneliness, why connection is so important for humans, and some tips on how to make friends as an adult. Resources: PSI Online Support Groups Call or Text PSI Help Line: 1-800-944-4773 maternalmentalhealth.utah.gov What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness TEDTalk by R…

Camille Hawkins is a therapist and owner of Chapters & Seasons who shares her personal experience with infertility, pregnancy loss, and infant loss. She acknowledges and affirms that if you have lost a baby or pregnancy, your loss matters. Your pain is real and valid and that is due to the deep love and connection that you have with a baby or pregn…

Today I talk with two people from the Utah Infertility Resource Center (UIRC), a non-profit organization that provides education and emotional support to those who are struggling to grow their families so they are empowered, strengthened, and equipped to move forward on their respective journeys. First, I speak with Annie Hamilton who has experienc…

Today I talk with Dr. Lauren Gimbel who is an OBGYN at the University of Utah. We talk about the value of pre-conception visits, the risks associated with untreated mental illness during pregnancy, and the building blocks of mental health: sleep, nutrition, and exercise. After the interview, I talk a little bit about postpartum psychosis because of…

Sam Dawson-Tandy is a physical therapist and pelvic floor specialist in Utah. Sam shares reasons why someone may see a pelvic floor PT, how appointments work, and things she wishes women knew pre-pregnancy, during pregnancy, and postpartum. She realized as she worked over the last several years that pelvic floor physical therapy is not accessible t…

I talk to Megan Johnson, CSW who is the sister of Emily and co-founder of The Emily Effect. Emily Cook Dyches was a committed mother, a caring daughter, and a loving sister who lost her life to postpartum anxiety. Megan, her sister, talks to us about Emily as well as some coping skills to help mothers regardless of a perinatal mood and anxiety diso…

Jessica Allred owns and provides therapy at Treat Counseling in Bountiful and Layton, Utah. She shares her experience with postpartum anxiety, teaches us what happens to the postpartum brain, and gives us concrete strategies to improve mom's mental health. My Type A brain loves this kind of stuff. She pulls a lot of her information from this litera…

Jasmin Charles is a physician assistant and clinical director of the Substance Use in Pregnancy Recovery Addiction Dependence Clinic (SUPeRAD). She is a powerhouse of a human being and has a fierce love for humanity. Every single person could benefit from listening to this whether you have a substance use disorder or not. SUPeRAD is a specialty pre…

I talk with Ashley Henderson who is an ownership partner and clinician with Reach Counseling in South Jordan and Salt Lake City, UT (though they, like most places now, offer virtual therapy). We discuss the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression as well as what you might be experiencing if you have postpartum anxiety. Resources: EP…

In this episode, I talk with Dr. Alyssa Hickert about the safety of medications in pregnancy including antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antipsychotics. She educates us on intrusive thoughts and how they showed up for her when she had her own baby. TLDR: Many psychiatric medications are safe. It's important to have a discussion with your provi…

Jamie Hales works at Huntsman Mental Health Institute as an LCSW and is the co-chair of Postpartum Support International Utah Chapter. She shares her personal journey which includes infertility, IVF, pregnancy loss, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, birth trauma, and her partner's postpartum anxiety. She offers hope for others who experien…

In this episode, we talk to Misty DeMann, LMFT who works at The EFT Clinic. We talk about the impact a child has on a relationship and how to maintain a healthy relationship during the postpartum period. Resources discussed: Connection & Attachment: Romantic Relationships Edition by Thoughts on Thoughts Hold Me Tight by Dr. Sue Johnson PSI Utah Res…

This episode features Lyndsey Proctor, LCSW owner of Serenity Recovery & Wellness. We talk all about boundaries: what they are, why they matter, who they benefit, and a formula for how to set them (a skill called DEAR MAN). We flesh out an example of how to set a boundary with a partner. DEAR MAN Worksheet Postpartum Support International Website P…

Laura Parry, LCSW owns Roots & Branches Wellness in Lehi, Utah. We discuss self-compassion, matrescence, and inner child work. Resources discussed in the episode: Find Maternal Mental Health Providers in Utah Kristin Neff's Self-Compassion Website 5 Minute Self-Compassion Meditation Alexandra Sacks, MD TED Talk on Matrescence The Birth of A Mother,…

I asked my friend to interview me so I can explain a little bit about who I am and why I started The Sad Moms Club Podcast. TL;DR Every episode will try to meet three goals: 1) Help you feel less alone in the motherhood experience. 2) Teach skills and/or educate you on evidence-based information. 3) Share a resource that is available to you. If you…