If you’re a mom (and if you’re listening to this podcast, chances are you are!), it will be no surprise to hear that 1 in 7 mothers struggle with postpartum depression and anxiety after birth.
1 in 7!
No wonder it seems like we all know a friend … or many friends … who have gone through this deeply personal crisis after having a baby. No wonder so many of us have gone through it personally, maybe even multiple times.
Postpartum Depression: The Modern Mom’s Epidemic?
Those 1 in 7 are just the women we know about. So many more hide their symptoms or don’t know to how to reach out for help … ashamed of their negative feelings during a time that’s “supposed to be” precious and joyful.
But why does postpartum depression (also known as PPD) happen so often? Is it on the rise? And most importantly, what is the cure?
The truth is many doctors just don’t understand women’s hormones enough to answer these questions. Thank goodness for Jolene Brighten, a licensed Naturopathic doctor and women’s health expert, here with me today talking about this epidemic among modern moms.
Rooting Out Postpartum Depression
Truly the “hormone doula” for helping women recover postpartum, Dr. Brighten specializes in helping women have a healthy postpartum period by addressing the real root causes of PPD. And she is convinced today’s mothers need an advocate more than ever.
Dr. Brighten is so right when she argues that today’s Western medical care shortchanges postpartum women. In most cases, Mom gets little more than a night of “rest” in the hospital (while being poked and prodded), a pack of Tucks, and a quick pelvic check six weeks later. What’s more, rest and recovery ends too soon at home with extended families living further apart and too-short maternity leave policies.
You just might stand up and applaud when you hear Dr. Brighten’s prescription for PPD, one that calls for:

proactive screening (with actual lab tests!) for predisposing PPD factors even before baby is born
six-, eight-, and even twelve-week follow-up exams for mom
a recipe for real postpartum rest and recovery, supported by a real food diet
ways to advocate this with your own care providers

And so much more!
In This Episode, You’ll Learn:

Why modern motherhood is an “evolutionary mismatch”
Dr. Brighten’s proactive, holistic system for healing during and after pregnancy
WHY postpartum depression happens (finally!)
How to recognize postpartum depression symptoms quickly … and what to do about them
The 3rd trimester lab tests Dr. Brighten says can predict if patients will be predisposed to PPD
Practical at-home steps to prevent PPD (and how to ask for help)
The best soothing, healing foods to eat after pregnancy
Which natural supplements offer quick, effective support for postpartum depression
The littl