Postpartum Depression with Lorissa Eichenberger, LMFT, PMH-C

Postpartum depression and anxiety are increasingly common, yet
there is still so much shame and stigma around them. Today's
guest, Lorissa Eichenberger, is the Co-Associate Director of The
Center for Postpartum Family Health, where she works with the
motherhood population to create nurturing and safe places for
clients to feel heard, validated, and empowered. As a mom
herself, and someone who struggled with postpartum mental health,
Lorissa is well-positioned to help clients work through their
perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. In this episode,
Lorissa unpacks what postpartum depression is and shares how the
definition has expanded. We hear about some of the signs to look
out for and the role that partners or family members can play in
encouraging moms to get help. Many moms who struggle with
perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety falsely believe
they are bad mothers for feeling this way. Lorissa demystifies
this myth, along with the other common ones she encounters in her
practice. Our conversation also touches on partner postnatal
depression, how the pandemic is affecting and potentially
exacerbating postpartum depression, and the importance of giving
moms permission to feel what they are feeling. Finally, Lorissa
shares her own story of hope and how she worked through her
postpartum mental health challenges and birth trauma.  





Key Points From This Episode:


Get to know Lorissa and the work she does at The Center for
Postpartum Family Health.

Defining postpartum depression and how it differs from the
baby blues.

When left untreated, postpartum depression can manifest
anytime within three years of birth.

Indications that moms might need to see someone about
depression.

Hear about some of the interventions Lorissa uses to treat
postpartum depression.

The effects of maternal shame and how it is exacerbated by
social media.

Insights family members or the mom’s support system can give
around postpartum issues.

Debunking some of the most common myths around postpartum
depression.

There is nothing wrong with changing clinicians if you feel
you are not being heard.

The relationship between mental health issues before
pregnancy and postpartum depression.

When Lorissa would recommend a woman see a mental health
professional prenatally.

Postnatal depression in partners and how it differs from the
mom’s postpartum depression.

How the pandemic is exacerbating the challenges of new
motherhood.

Some of the ways to support moms and dads both prenatally and
postpartum.

What toxic positivity is and how we can avoid it when moms
voice how they feel. 

Hear about what Lorissa’s postpartum care plan for her
clients looks like.

Support groups in the Houston area and other available
resources.

Lorissa’s story of hope, overcoming her postpartum mental
health struggles.






Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:


Lorissa Eichenberger


Lorissa Eichenberger on Instagram


The Center for Postpartum Family Health


The Center for Postpartum Family Health Contact Number —
713-561-3884


The Center for Postpartum Family Health Email — info@cpfh.org


Sherry Duson


Postpartum Support International


Hope Pieced Together Episode 36: Men's Mental Health with Kyle
Sommers


And Baby Makes Three