In this episode, I speak with Dr. Shoshana Bennett, an internationally recognized clinical psychologist and maternal mental health expert, about the complexities of redefining postpartum care and personal narratives. As a dedicated advocate and survivor of life-threatening postpartum depression, Dr. Shoshana opens up about her personal challenges and triumphs that have shaped her philosophy on maternal mental health.

Dr. Shoshana shares insights into how she redefined her relationship with traditional maternal expectations after experiencing immediate and severe depression following the birth of her children. Our conversation explores the process of questioning societal expectations, detailing how she turned her pain into a driving force by founding the first postpartum depression support group in the United States right out of her living room.

We delve into actionable practices for living authentically, from understanding the distinct differences between the "baby blues" and clinical disorders like postpartum OCD, to navigating her comprehensive Dr. Shoshana Wellness Plan involving nutrition, exercise, sleep, and communication. Dr. Shoshana emphasizes the importance of seeking out specialized perinatal therapists rather than suffering in silence, inspiring others to break free from the stigma and rewrite the Mother Code by challenging one-size-fits-all myths.

You'll also hear about:

• (00:08:23) Dr. Shoshana's personal battle with severe, immediate postpartum depression and feeling like a shell of herself.
• (00:14:27) Turning pain into purpose by running the first PPD support group in the U.S. from her living room.
• (00:26:46) Distinguishing between normal pregnancy worries and abnormal symptoms like insomnia and loss of appetite.
• (00:36:58) The vital importance of receiving a full assessment from a specialized perinatal psychologist.
• (00:44:17) The Dr. Shoshana Wellness Plan: balancing nutrition, exercise, communication, and mandatory nighttime sleep.
• (00:51:03) Demystifying postpartum OCD, horrific intrusive thoughts, and hypervigilance versus postpartum psychosis.
• (01:03:36) Dr. Shoshana's reflections on rewriting the Mother Code by challenging myths and refusing to suffer in silence.

Don't miss Dr. Shosh's inspiring perspective on finding alignment between clinical expertise, maternal health, and self-advocacy!

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Learn more about Dr. Shoshana Bennett

• Learn more on Dr. Shoshana's Website
• Explore Dr. Shoshana's Books
• Connect with Dr. Shoshana on LinkedIn

Follow Dr. Gertrude:

• Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s Website
• Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram
• Stay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s Substack
• Order Dr. Gertrude’s new book “Rewrite the Mother Code”

In this episode, I speak with Kirsten Karchmer, a prominent health tech pioneer, women’s health expert, and founder-CEO of Conceivable. We discuss her remarkable journey from battling severe multiple sclerosis to pioneering reproductive acupuncture in North America and creating an AI-driven platform for accessible fertility solutions. Kirsten shares how a reluctant visit to an acupuncturist not only put her MS into remission but completely transformed her career path.

Kirsten provides eye-opening insights into how the menstrual cycle acts as a powerful diagnostic tool, arguing that women's bodies offer free, vital information about their overall health and fertility. Our conversation explores the hidden dangers of modern fertility trackers capturing late ovulation, the systemic issues within traditional Western fertility treatments , and the profound impact of daily habits like sleep, hydration, and caffeine intake.

We delve into actionable practices for living authentically and taking charge of your health. Kirsten emphasizes the importance of refusing to "eat the burned toast" by prioritizing our own well-being , exploring the "Conceivable" app's holistic approach to combining AI, customized supplements, and daily emotional support. She inspires us to rewrite the Mother Code by empowering every person with a period to become the hero of their own medical transformation.

You'll also hear about:

• (00:06:18) Kirsten's diagnosis with MS and her unexpected path to studying acupuncture.
• (00:14:38) The "burned toast" metaphor and why women must stop sacrificing their own well-being.
• (00:26:07) The truth about oral contraceptives being prescribed to "regulate" periods.
• (00:37:46) How the Conceivable app utilizes face scanning to track HRV, VO2 max, and predict health outcomes.
• (00:43:42) A powerful story of unconscious fears and spiritual intervention in the conception journey.
• (00:54:39) Manifesting your reality and examining the underlying beliefs that hold you back.
• (01:00:27) Kirsten's mission to win a Nobel Prize by making reproductive health transformation accessible and virtually free.

Don't miss Kirsten's inspiring perspective on finding alignment between holistic medicine, innovative technology, and women's empowerment!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Learn more about Kirsten Karchmer

• Learn more on her Website
• Follow her on Instagram
• Connect with her on LinkedIn

Follow Dr. Gertrude:

• Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s Website
• Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram
• Stay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s Substack
• Order Dr. Gertrude’s new book “Rewrite the Mother Code”

In this episode, I speak with Kelli Moore, an identity strategist, former Emmy-winning TV host, and exited founder of Soul Fire Productions, about the transformative power of choosing your own narrative. Kelli opens up about her personal journey through chronic illness brought on by people-pleasing, and how leaving her television career became a catalyst for reclaiming her voice and authenticity.

She shares profound insights into how becoming a mother completely redefined her metrics of success, shifting her from a constantly producing "boss babe" to a deeply present, emotionally available parent. Our conversation explores the difficult, yet liberating, process of releasing control, letting go of the need to prove oneself, and understanding that we have a fundamental choice in how we respond to our deepest wounds and life's unexpected turns.

We delve into actionable perspectives on using curiosity to decipher which beliefs actually belong to us versus our conditioning, navigating the complex grief of losing a mother while becoming one, and the intense confrontation with mortality following a near-death experience in childbirth. Kelli emphasizes the importance of building a life and business rooted in embodiment rather than burnout, inspiring others to rewrite the internal rules that limit their expression.

You'll also hear about:

• (09:52) The chronic illness journey and the physical toll of anxiety and people-pleasing.
• (11:59) Leaving a television career, overcoming trauma, and reclaiming the power of choice.
• (20:50) The humbling transition into motherhood and redefining success beyond constant productivity.
• (33:21) The realization that drove her to exit her thriving production company to be present with her baby.
• (37:25) Using curiosity to decipher which thoughts and generational programming actually belong to you.
• (50:08) Her near-death experience after childbirth and how it shifted her relationship with mortality.
• (1:04:42) What rewriting the Mother Code means across the different iterations and identities of your life.

Don't miss Kelli's inspiring perspective on finding alignment between embodiment, healing, and true leadership!

Rate, Review, & Follow on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you listen to podcasts!

Learn more about Kelli Moore:

• Follow Kelli on Instagram
• Connect with Kelli on LinkedIn
• Visit Kelli’s website

Follow Dr. Gertrude:

• Learn more on Dr. Gertrude’s Website
• Follow Dr. Gertrude on Instagram
• Stay in the loop and sign up to Dr. Gertrude’s Substack
• Order Dr. Gertrude’s new book “Rewrite the Mother Code”