48. Postpartum Truths with Dr. Michelle Haggerty, The Fourth Trimester & Maternal Mental Health

In this episode of Nourished with Dr. Anikó, Dr. Anikó continues her special perinatal and postpartum series with a deeply honest and compassionate conversation on the realities of the fourth trimester, maternal mental health, and what true support actually looks like.

Joined by Dr. Michelle Haggerty, a physician specializing in family, integrative, and lactation medicine, this episode explores the often unspoken emotional and physical challenges of postpartum life, including pregnancy loss, identity shifts, and the profound transformation into motherhood.

Together, they discuss how the current healthcare system falls short in supporting birthing parents, why postpartum care must extend beyond a single six-week visit, and how community, connection, and compassionate care can change outcomes for families.

This conversation also acknowledges the weight of navigating motherhood in a complex and often overwhelming world, while offering a powerful reminder that caring for yourself and your baby is meaningful, necessary work.

If you are in the postpartum period, supporting someone who is, or seeking a deeper understanding of maternal health, this episode offers both validation and hope.

EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS

03:00 Honoring “angel babies” and how personal loss shapes postpartum care

06:00 Holding grief, motherhood, and real-world challenges at the same time

12:00 Why caring for your baby is an act of resistance and advocacy

16:00 The postpartum care gap, why most maternal deaths happen after birth

19:00 The limitations of the standard six-week postpartum visit

23:00 Why postpartum is a lifelong transformation, not a “bounce back” moment

32:00 What the fourth trimester really is and why it matters for long-term health

41:00 Intrusive thoughts in postpartum, what’s normal and how to find support

46:00 The connection between breastfeeding, mental health, and societal support

52:00 What true postpartum care can look like, in-home, relationship-centered support

This episode is part of an ongoing series on perinatal and postpartum health, where we explore the support, care, and conversations every birthing parent deserves.

Be sure to follow Nourished with Dr. Anikó so you don’t miss the upcoming episodes in this series.

Dr. Michelle Haggerty:

Dr. Michelle Haggerty, DO, MPH, ABOIM, NABBLM-C, IBCLC, PMH-C, RYT-200 Founder & CEO, Board Certified Integrative Family Physician, Breastfeeding & Lactation Medicine Specialist, and Perinatal Mental Health Specialist

Learn more at:
Website: https://www.fourthtrimesterdoc.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fourthtrimesterdoc

Center for Fourth Trimester Care:
https://www.c4tc.co

Resources Mentioned:

Maternal Mental Health Hotline (24/7):
1-833-TLC-

Connect with Dr. Anikó:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dr.aniko/

Website: https://www.draniko.com/

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Disclaimer:
The content of this podcast is for informational and entertainment purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The views expressed are those of the host and guests and do not substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the guidance of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding your health or a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you heard on this podcast.