Breaking the Silence on Birth Trauma and Postpartum Depression With Sarah Hoover

In this powerful episode of SHE MD, hosts Mary Alice Haney and Dr. Thais Aliabadi welcome Sarah Hoover, author of "The Mother Load: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood." Sarah shares her raw, emotional journey through postpartum depression, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness in motherhood. This eye-opening conversation delves into the often-overlooked challenges of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. Access more information about the podcast and additional expert health tips by visiting SHE MD Podcast and Ovii.        Sponsors:  Timeline: Timeline is offering10% off your order of Mitopure Go to timeline.com/SHEMD Cymbiotika: Go to Cymbiotikia.com/SHEMD for 20% off your order  + free shipping today. Strivektin: Discover the Science Behind Great Skin Opill: Opill is birth control in your control, and you can use code SHEMD for twenty five percent off your first month of Opill at Opill.com SleepMe: Visit www.sleep.me/SHEMD to get your Chilipad at 20% off with code SHEMD Vionic: Use code SHEMD at checkout for 15% off your entire order at www.vionicshoes.com when you log into your account. 1 time use only. Sarah Hoover’s Key Takeaways:Monitor Your Emotional Well-Being After Childbirth: Recognize that postpartum depression can manifest in various ways, including irritability and detachment, not just sadness. Monitor your emotional state after childbirth and seek help if you experience persistent negative feelings. Address Past Trauma & Mental Health Before Pregnancy: Consider therapy or counseling to work through unresolved issues. This will help to improve birth experiences and postpartum outcomes. Advocate for Your Needs During Birth & Postpartum: Practice self-advocacy and clear communication with healthcare providers to ensure a positive birth experience. Prepare a list of your needs and preferences, and discuss them with your doctor before delivery. Engage Your Partner in Postpartum Mental Health Support: Involve your partner in prenatal appointments and discussions about postpartum care and emotional well-being. Advocate for Your Needs: Be open to medication options for managing mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. Discuss safe antidepressant options with your healthcare provider if you have a history of depression or anxiety. In This Episode:  (00:00) Introduction (05:13) Sarah's pregnancy experience and initial expectations (08:18) Traumatic birth experience and postpartum depression (13:58) Dr. Aliabadi on recognizing postpartum depression signs (32:48) Sarah Hoover's journey to healing and second pregnancy (34:15) Importance of mental health in pregnancy (38:47) Sarah's positive second birth experience (44:10) Writing a book to help other women (51:02) Final thoughts on women's health advocacy RESOURCES: - Sarah Hoover's book: "The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood" : https://www.sarahhoover.com/the-motherload - Sarah Hoover’s Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/sarahhoov/ GUEST BIOGRAPHY: Sarah Hoover is a writer, cultural critic, and former Gagosian director whose work spans art, fashion, motherhood, and feminism. After earning degrees from NYU and Columbia, she built a career in the art world before turning to writing. Her essays on motherhood, identity, and cultural expectations have appeared in Vogue, The Strategist, and Harper’s Bazaar. Her debut memoir, The Motherload: Episodes from the Brink of Motherhood (a January 2025 Belletrist Book Club pick), is a darkly funny, unfiltered critique of modern motherhood, praised by Oprah Daily as “a long overdue reality check.” Hoover also teaches at Barnard, co-founded the Accelerator Committee at American Ballet Theatre, and serves on the board of Art Production Fund. She’s been featured in The New Yorker, The Cut, Vanity Fair, The New York Times, and more. She lives in Manhattan with her husband and two kids. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Om Podcasten

SHE MD is a weekly podcast hosted by world-renowned OBGYN, Dr. Thais Aliabadi, “Dr. A,” and women's advocate and influencer, Mary Alice Haney. Their candid conversations with celebrity guests and today's leading experts about women's health topics, such as menopause, endometriosis, PCOS, and fertility empower their audience with the knowledge and tools to become their own health advocates.Dr. A and Mary Alice dive deep into critical health issues, offering women the knowledge and tools to become their best health advocates.At SHE MD, we believe that every woman deserves access to the latest medical insights, personalized care strategies, and expert advice to navigate their health journey. From breaking down myths to providing practical tips, Dr. Aliabadi and Mary Alice Haney create a welcoming and informative space for women to take control of their health. The podcast features exclusive interviews with top-tier celebrity guests and leading experts across the medical, wellness, and health industries. Together, they explore real-world stories, struggles, and successes to ensure that every listener can feel heard and supported.SHE MD aims to change that by providing a platform where women can receive trustworthy, expert advice on key health issues affecting their lives. Whether you’re dealing with painful menstrual cycles, navigating fertility challenges, or going through menopause, SHE MD brings clarity to these topics in a way that feels personal, approachable, and actionable. Dr. Thais Aliabadi provides expert insights into the most pressing women’s health issues, offering listeners a chance to learn from one of the leading voices in the field. Her knowledge is complemented by Mary Alice Haney's ability to relate to everyday challenges, offering a compassionate and approachable perspective on complex topics.Meet the HostsDr. Thais Aliabadi, "Dr. A"Dr. Thais Aliabadi is a renowned board-certified OBGYN, known for her compassionate, patient-first approach. Specializing in fertility, high-risk pregnancies, menopause, and minimally invasive surgeries, Dr. A has spent her career guiding women through all stages of life. With experience treating high-profile patients and a commitment to public health education, she’s a trusted voice advocating for better healthcare access for women globally. Dr. Aliabadi frequently appears in major media to discuss key women’s health issues.Mary Alice HaneyMary Alice Haney is a prominent women's advocate and lifestyle influencer who empowers women to take control of their health and wellness. With a background in fashion and lifestyle, she brings a holistic approach to well-being. As co-host of SHE MD, Mary Alice fosters open, relatable conversations on often-overlooked women's health topics, helping women break down barriers and gain the knowledge they need to advocate for themselves. Her commitment to providing practical, actionable advice has made her a trusted figure in the health community.ResourcesSHE M/D- https://www.shemdpodcast.comSHE M/D YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@SHEMDPodcastInstagram- https://www.instagram.com/shemdpodcast/Mary Alice Haney Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/haneyofficial/Dr A Instagram- https://www.instagram.com/drthaisaliabadi/Tik Tok- https://www.tiktok.com/@shemdpodcastFacebook- https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61556530329981&sk=aboutTwitter- https://x.com/shemdpodcast#SHEMDPodcast #WomensHealth #HealthAdvocacy #DrThaisAliabadi #MaryAliceHaney #MenopauseMatters #EndometriosisAwareness #PCOS #FertilityJourney #OBGYN #HealthAndWellness #MedicalInsights #HealthEducation #EmpoweringWomen #HealthcareSelfAdvocacy #HealthTips #BreakingHealthMyths #WomenSupportingWomen #HealthJourney