Ep80: Terrains of Grief and Healing: Unpacking Pregnancy Loss, Infertility, and Maternal Mental Health with Dr. Corey Hess

Things You Learn in Therapy

Welcome to a deeply personal and transformative episode of our podcast where we unpack the complexities of pregnancy loss, infertility, and maternal mental health, through the inspiring lens of our special guest, Dr. Corey Hess. Drawing from her personal journey of pregnancy loss and near-death childbirth experience, Dr. Hess unravels the unique pain of grieving a future that was dreamt but not realized, challenging societal expectations of motherhood, and the persistent stigma attached to seeking mental health treatment.
In our candid conversation with Dr. Hess, she guides us on how best to show up for our loved ones navigating grief - offering their stories space to breathe instead of burying them under well-meaning but often hurtful phrases. We navigate the tumultuous terrain of infertility, discussing the emotional, relational, and financial strains it imposes, and how it feels to watch friends and family have children while struggling to conceive. We want you to know that your pain is seen, your struggles are valid, and there is a community here that understands.
As we delve deeper into the daunting realities of pregnancy and postpartum experiences, Dr. Hess enlightens us on perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, loss, and the importance of mental health support. We talk about valuable resources from organizations like Postpartum Support International and the Muncie Maternal Mental Health Coalition. Through sharing her own harrowing story of nearly dying during childbirth, Dr. Hess sheds light on an often overlooked concern - maternal mortality. This episode is about breaking silences, challenging norms, and creating a safe space for honest conversations about the realities of motherhood. And most importantly, it's about supporting each other through it all.

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