The Science Chick Report: Evidence You Can Use for Real-World Women's Health Podcast Por Kathleen Kendall-Tackett arte de portada

The Science Chick Report: Evidence You Can Use for Real-World Women's Health

The Science Chick Report: Evidence You Can Use for Real-World Women's Health

De: Kathleen Kendall-Tackett
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Hosted by Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett, The Science Chick Report brings women’s health research you can trust to the people holding it all together: birth workers, lactation consultants, doulas, midwives, mental health providers, and nurses. Every episode turns the latest science into practical tools, helping you advocate, recover, and stay grounded in the work you love, even when it feels like you’re doing it alone.Kathleen Kendall-Tackett Enfermedades Físicas Higiene y Vida Saludable
Episodios
  • Non-Medical Ways to Treat Depression

    Non-Medical Ways to Treat Depression
    Apr 8 2026
    What if something as simple as a group walk could be just as effective as antidepressant medication for some mothers?In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical ways to support mothers experiencing depression, this time focusing on something simple but powerful: exercise.For many providers, it can feel frustrating when options like medication or therapy are off the table. But as she explains, there is still a lot you can do within your scope, and it does not have to be expensive or complicated.Dr. Kendall-Tackett breaks down the research behind moderate exercise and its impact on depression, including studies showing it can be nearly as effective as antidepressants. More importantly, she reframes exercise in a way that feels realistic for new mothers. This is not about intense workouts. It is about small, consistent movement like walking, often with the baby included.She also highlights how combining simple strategies like exercise, omega-3s, sunlight, and social connection can create meaningful change. Group walks, community support, and even light exposure can help reduce isolation and improve mental health in powerful ways.If you are a doula, nurse, or community health worker, this episode gives you practical, evidence-based tools you can actually use.Tune in to learn how small, consistent actions can make a real difference in maternal mental health.In This Episode:(00:00) Introduction(01:14) Alternative treatments for depression beyond medication(04:06) Community success stories walking and omega 3s(05:43) Research evidence exercise vs medication(09:53) Inflammation and exercise intensity(10:54) Types of exercise aerobic yoga strength training(13:27) Recommended exercise guidelines(15:53) Exploring local exercise options(18:17) Implementing light in group settings(20:04) Importance of follow up and evaluation(20:55) Scope of practice and safety considerationsNotable Quotes:(01:00) “There is actually a lot you can do, and you can talk to mothers about things they could do themselves, or you can even start a program together where you get together and really make a big difference.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett(01:25) “I have certainly run into this group of mothers over the years, mothers who just don't want to do the classic psychiatric thing—going on medications, doing therapy — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett(02:13) “Mothers or anybody who's depressed actually has options besides just pills and psychotherapy. And that is exercise.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett(03:25) “A moderate amount of exercise has a huge effect, not only in terms of physical health, but also mental health as well..” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett(06:55) “This idea that you give people a pill and they get better automatically—it's not true all the time..” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett(15:31) “The nice thing about exercise is that the effects are almost immediate.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett(08:52) Preventing prenatal depression is a great idea because if you can prevent prenatal depression, you actually lower the risk of preterm birth.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett(09:19) “With moderate exercise, which is what we're talking about here, it actually can lead to less lactic acid, and it doesn't seem to be a problem with the babies.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-TackettThe Science Chick ReportThe Science Chick Report Dr. Kathleen Kendall-TackettWebsiteLinkedInXFacebookResearchGate (upcoming paper)Mentioned Babyak et al. (2000) – Duke University exercise and depression studyBlumenthal et al. (2007) – Follow-up study: exercise vs. medicationNissen et al. (2021) – Systematic review of exercise and depressionDavenport et al. – Review of 52 studies on exercise and prenatal depression (131,000 patients)University of New Hampshire (1999) – Lactic acid in breastmilk and exercise
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    24 m
  • Practical Strategies Providers Can Use to Support Mothers (Part 2)

    Practical Strategies Providers Can Use to Support Mothers (Part 2)
    Mar 25 2026

    Emerging research suggests that nutrient deficiencies may contribute to postpartum depression and addressing them may support recovery.

    In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett continues her series on practical, non-medical approaches that can support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many providers want to help but may not have access to specialized mental health services or extensive resources. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those limits, there are practical steps that practitioners and mothers can consider that may support mental health and recovery.

    This episode focuses on the role of nutrition and anti-inflammatory strategies in depression. Dr. Kendall-Tackett begins with vitamin D, one of the most common deficiencies worldwide. Because modern lifestyles limit sun exposure, many people do not produce enough vitamin D naturally. Research suggests that deficiency may contribute to increased inflammation and higher rates of depressive symptoms among mothers.

    She then explores the role of vitamin B12, which helps regulate homocysteine, an inflammatory compound linked to depression. Low levels of B12 have been associated with significantly higher rates of postpartum depression, making it another nutrient worth evaluating.

    The episode also discusses curcumin, the active compound in turmeric, which has been studied for its anti-inflammatory properties and potential benefits in treating depression and anxiety.

    Finally, Dr. Kendall-Tackett addresses St. John’s wort, an herbal treatment widely used for depression in many parts of the world. While research suggests it can be effective for mild to moderate depression, she emphasizes the importance of caution due to potential interactions with medications.

    For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health practitioners, this episode provides practical, science-based insights into nutritional approaches that may help support maternal mental health alongside traditional care.

    In This Episode:

    • (00:00) Introduction

    • (26) Community and individual interventions overview

    • (01:07) Vitamin D deficiency and maternal health

    • (04:03) Research on vitamin D and depression

    • (06:10) Vitamin B12 and postpartum depression

    • (08:14) Accessibility and impact of vitamin D and B12

    • (09:11) Curcumin (turmeric) as an anti-inflammatory supplement

    • (11:31) Research on curcumin and mental health

    • (12:30) St. John’s wort: appeal and cautions

    • (13:21) St. John’s wort: history and mechanism

    • (14:23) St. John’s wort: drug interactions and safety

    • (15:24) St. John’s wort: effectiveness compared to antidepressants

    • (17:17) St. John’s wort: use in major depression and global practices

    • (19:16) St. John’s wort: dosage, standardization, and breastfeeding

    • (21:14) St. John’s wort: quality control and recommendations

    • (22:57) Conclusion and preview of next episode

    • (23:30) Closing remarks

    Notable Quotes:

    • (03:57) “If you're deficient in vitamin D, one of the things that it does is it increases inflammation. When you've got inflammation, you've got depression.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

    • (05:18) "The higher your vitamin D, the lower your Edinburgh score which means lower depressive symptoms.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

    • (14:05) “I'd like to point out that lots and lots of things are natural that aren't safe. Lead is natural. Arsenic is natural. Asbestos is natural.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

    • (22:31) “It is natural doesn't mean you can take as much as you want and it will be safe.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett


    Resources and Links

    The Science Chick Report

    • The Science Chick Report

    Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett

    • Website

    • LinkedIn

    • X

    • Facebook

    • ResearchGate (upcoming paper)
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    24 m
  • Practical Strategies Providers Can Use to Support Mothers (Part 1)

    Practical Strategies Providers Can Use to Support Mothers (Part 1)
    Mar 11 2026
    Did you know that some of the most effective ways to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression may not involve medication at all?In this episode of The Science Chick Report, Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett explores practical, non-medical strategies that healthcare providers and community practitioners can use to support mothers experiencing postpartum depression. Many professionals want to help but feel limited by lack of funding, training, or access to specialized mental health services. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains that even within those constraints, there are meaningful steps providers can take to make a difference.She begins by encouraging practitioners to focus on what is possible within their scope of practice. Screening for postpartum depression is an important first step, but it should always be paired with a plan for referral and support. Mapping local resources such as mental health providers, domestic violence services, and community support programs can help practitioners connect mothers to the help they need.The episode then introduces the first of several non-medical interventions mothers can try themselves. Dr. Kendall-Tackett explains the growing research on omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA and EPA, and how these nutrients may help reduce inflammation, support brain health, and lower the risk of depression and preterm birth.For doulas, childbirth educators, nurses, and community health workers, this episode offers practical tools and science-based insights for supporting maternal mental health when traditional treatment options are limited.In This Episode:(00:00) Introduction and encouragement for practitioners(01:16) Scope of practice and taking action(03:06) Assessing community resources(04:11) Building trust and addressing barriers(05:10) Alternative self-help interventions for mothers(06:18) Introduction to omega-3 fatty acids(07:16) Omega-6 vs. omega-3 fatty acids(08:16) Inflammation and mental health(09:26) Types and sources of omega-3s(10:26) DHA dosage and population studies(11:26) DHA’s role in pregnancy and preterm birth(12:38) Cochrane review and DHA recommendations(13:45) EPA for treating depression(15:45) Supplement safety and brand recommendations(17:37) Omega-3s as adjuncts to antidepressants(20:36) Bleeding concerns and Faroe Islands study(22:30) How to dose and choose omega-3 supplements(24:14) Summary and further resources(24:48) Closing remarksNotable Quotes:(01:09) “If you are creative, there are things that you can do that will make the situation better for new moms.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (01:44) "Don't give up just because there's not a bunch of funding available. The funding fairy will not suddenly land. It's going to be frustrating.”— Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (02:10) “The question isn’t always what can’t be done. Sometimes it’s asking, what can I do?” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (08:43) “ High inflammation means more depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder, even bipolar disorder. So that seems to be the underlying physiological mechanism.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (13:34) “DHA Omega-3 fatty acids may increase gestational age and help prevent preterm birth.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-Tackett (17:37) “Antidepressants don’t always resolve depression because they don’t directly address inflammation.” — Dr. Kathleen Kendall-TackettResource and LinksThe Science Chick ReportThe Science Chick Report Dr. Kathleen Kendall-TackettWebsiteLinkedInXFacebookResearchGate (upcoming paper)Mentioned Middleton et al. (2018) – Cochrane Review on omega-3 fatty acids and pregnancy outcomesHibbeln – Population studies on omega-3 intake and mental healthMichael maes – Inflammation and depression research“Can Fats Make You Happy?” – Dr. Kendall-Tackett research paper
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    25 m
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