[POSTPARTUM POWER REPLAY] Recognizing When You Need Mental Health Support

This is a special rebroadcast of one of my most essential postpartum episodes — a clear, compassionate conversation about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) and how to recognize when you need support. This episode will help you clearly know what’s “normal,” what’s not, or when to consider treatment.


I’m joined by Dr. Stephanie Waggle — psychiatrist, perinatal mental health–certified physician, cancer survivor, marathon runner, and passionate advocate for improving maternal mental health care. With over 17 years of experience, she brings a rare mix of clinical expertise, research knowledge, and deep empathy for the mental health challenges people face during pregnancy and postpartum.


Together, we break down what PMADs truly look like, why they’re much more than “postpartum depression,” and how to make informed decisions about medication and therapy — including what to do if you were taking medication before pregnancy or are considering restarting postpartum.


This conversation is especially powerful if you’ve ever had intrusive thoughts, felt overwhelmed by anxiety, or been unsure whether what you’re experiencing is simply “new mom adjustment” or something more.


What you’ll learn:

• What PMADs include (it’s far more than postpartum depression)
• How common these conditions really are — in both birthing parents and partners
• Risk factors and why even those without them can still develop PMADs
• How to recognize the difference between baby blues and clinical depression
• What intrusive thoughts are — and why having them does not mean you’re unsafe or “crazy”
• When to seek help and where to turn for reliable support
• How psychiatrists approach medication decisions before, during, and after pregnancy
• The truth about breastfeeding, medication safety, and making choices that protect both you and your baby
• A breakdown of the first FDA-approved medication specifically for postpartum depression — and what you need to know





Resources Mentioned:

• Postpartum Support International: www.postpartum.net (http://www.postpartum.net)
• Improve Life (https://www.improvelifepllc.com/about...) - Dr. Waggle’s practice
• MommyMeds app





Free Resources to Help You Birth With Power


Get the support, clarity, and confidence you deserve. Download any of my free tools designed to help you prepare for a calmer, confident, and more empowered hospital birth:

• Hospital Tour Scorecard (https://drnicolerankins.com/scorecard) : Know exactly what to look for so you can choose the right hospital
• How to Tell If Your OB Is Right for You (https://drnicolerankins.com/questions) : Ask the right questions and spot red flags early
• Labor Pain Management Playbook (https://drnicolerankins.com/painplan) : Learn the tools and strategies I teach my own patients





Note: This episode is a rebroadcast as part of our Postpartum Power Replay series — spotlighting vital postpartum conversations to support your mental health, your confidence, and your well-being during a season when you deserve exceptional care.


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