Can giving birth be traumatic? Harvard researcher Dr. Sharon Dickel says yes—and it’s more common than you think. In this eye-opening episode, she breaks down the biology of postpartum PTSD, the signs we often miss, and why better screening and trauma-informed care are urgently needed. If you care about maternal health, this conversation will change how you see birth forever.

More about Dr. Sharon Dekel:

Dr. Sharon Dekel is an Associate Professor of Psychology at Harvard Medical School (HMS) and the Director of the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Program at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and the Dekel Lab at HMS and MGH. She earned a PhD in Clinical Psychology from Columbia University and completed her clinical internship training at Columbia Medical Center followed by a research postdoctoral fellowship in a leading international Trauma lab. Dr. Dekel is also a licensed clinical psychologist.

Read more about the Postpartum Traumatic Stress Disorders Research Project and Dr. Sharon Dekel Tsvetkov, MPhil, PhD.

From love bombing, gaslighting, manipulation, and denial if you have ever interacted with a narcissist, you have encountered the above tactics. In today’s part 2 episode Sarah and Whitney talk about common phrases or traits of a narcissist and how to set boundaries and respond.

In this episode, Sarah and Whitney delve into the concept of narcissism, its origins, and how it impacts relationships. They discuss how narcissism is a learned behavior rather than a genetic trait and explore the different types of narcissism—grandiose, covert, malignant, and communal. The conversation highlights the challenges of dealing with narcissistic individuals and emphasizes the importance of setting boundaries and seeking professional help. Tune in as they examine the patterns and behaviors narcissists exhibit in relationships, and offer advice on how to navigate these toxic dynamics.

Did you know that Title IX protects you throughout pregnancy and postpartum? 🤰🏽🎓 Whether you're navigating pregnancy in your first semester of college, figuring out how to pump during clinical hours, or managing postpartum depression in grad school—you have rights!

In today’s episode, Sarah sits down with Aria Allan, a mom, lawyer, and the Title IX & Civil Rights Compliance Officer at Auburn University, to break down what Title IX means for student parents and how you can advocate for yourself.

🎧 Listen in to learn:

✔️ What protections Title IX offers during pregnancy & postpartum

✔️ How to request accommodations in school

✔️ What to do if you face discrimination

Becoming a mom changes you in ways you never expect. For Michele Lampach, it ignited a passion to fight for better support for parents. As a human rights attorney, nonprofit leader, and mom of two, Michele has spent her career advocating for vulnerable communities. Now, as the head of Bobbie for Change, she’s working to shift the conversation around infant feeding and modern parenthood—pushing for better policies that actually support families.

In this episode, Michele opens up about her own journey into motherhood, giving birth during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the struggles of balancing work, exhaustion, and the pressure to do it all. She shares how those experiences shaped her advocacy, why every parent’s feeding journey deserves respect, and how judgment-free support can change everything.

You can find Michele Lampach on LinkedIn and at BobbieForChange.org.

In today’s episode Sarah sits down with Dr. Claire Smith, Reproductive Psychiatrist, to hear Claire’s experience from pregnancy to first year postpartum. As a Reproductive Psychiatrist everyday Dr. Smith treats women who experience depression, loss, infertility, and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum. But how does being a maternal mental health specialist come to play when you go down your own journey of pregnancy and postpartum. Listen in as Dr. Smith shares her journey.

More about Dr. Claire Smith:

Dr. Claire Smith is a perinatal psychiatrist in the Women's Reproductive Behavioral Health (WRBH) clinic, which serves to specifically help women who are pregnant or up to one year postpartum. She provides both therapy and medication management in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, trauma, grief and loss, substance use disorders, and other mental health concerns.

Sarah and Amy, CEO of Pump Spotting, dive into the raw, unfiltered reality of breastfeeding, pumping, and the pressure new moms face. From midnight feedings to workplace struggles, they unpack why support—at home, at work, and in the world—makes all the difference.

About Amy VanHaren:

Amy VanHaren is the CEO and founder of Pumpspotting, a women’s health technology company. Pumpspotting is closing the gap in maternal health through accessible breastfeeding solutions. Amy created Pumpspotting after struggling to feed both her family and career. Traveling 25,000 miles cross-country on her Breast Express RV she sparked a movement for mothers. Under her leadership, the company has served over 75,000 parents and designed lactation solutions for organizations from Fortune 100 companies to small businesses to NASA. Amy is a Mainer, mother, and fierce advocate for creating support systems for women and families.

https://www.pumpspotting.com/tour

https://www.pumpspotting.com/

Amy VanHaren I Entrepreneur, Mainer, Mother

In this eye-opening episode, Sarah and Dr. Kevin Shrestha have an honest conversation about preeclampsia—one of the silent but serious dangers of pregnancy. They share the signs every woman should watch for, why your instincts matter, and how speaking up when something doesn’t feel right can truly save your life. Whether you're expecting, recovering, or supporting someone who is—this episode is a must-listen.

Dr. Kevin Shrestha MD, MPH, is board certified OBGYN and currently a Maternal Fetal Medicine fellow.

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