This week our host Theo is joined by award-winning journalist and author Lucy Jones to talk about matrescence and the metamophosis of pregnancy, childbirth and motherhood. They also discuss traumatic births and recovering from mental or physical issues after childbirth, and provide some practical advice to help affected families.
Topics that we discuss on the show include: what matrescence is, information for new mothers, taboos around birth, birth injuries, maternal mental health, challenges breastfeeding, care for women post birth, society's expectations of motherhood, ways to express birth trauma such as writing groups or mothers' circles, shame and stigma around birth trauma and signpost to some useful resources.
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7oljEw8Mdoz7X0HbHfAuJn?si=811cf33f95a84cc0
This week our host Theo is joined by Dr Jessica Heron, the Chief Executive of Action on Postpartum Psychosis, and an affected mother to provide some practical advice to help affected families.
Topics that we discuss on the show include: what postpartum psychosis is; treatment; mother and baby units; the importance of peer support; wider impact on the family; baby bonding; resources and help for affected families; and raising awareness of the issue.
Dr Jessica Heron is the Chief Executive of Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP), the charity for women and families affected by severe postnatal mental illness. Jess studied Experimental Psychology at Corpus Christi College, Oxford University before moving to Birmingham University to work on studies of postpartum psychosis (PP). Jess has a PhD in Psychiatry and a Postdoctoral Training Fellowship in Primary Care and Public Health. She led the Perinatal Research Programme at The Birmingham and Solihull Mental Health NHS Foundation Trust for 4 years, before returning to Birmingham University Medical School. Jess managed a patient research network “The Action on Puerperal Psychosis Corresponding panel”, set up to facilitate research and share findings with research participants. In 2011, she founded the charity Action on Postpartum Psychosis, bringing together families with experience, academics and clinicians, leading to a sea-change in the public understanding of postpartum psychosis, and improvements in care and support for women and families.
Dr Sally Wilson is a mum and the National Training Coordinator at Action on Postpartum Psychosis (APP). She has a background in lecturing and research in Health and Exercise Sciences at Bangor University, Wales. In collaboration with clinicians and other academics, she uses her lived experience of postpartum psychosis and her academic background, to coordinate training for health professionals across the UK.
Don't suffer in silence! Listen in and let's break the final taboo in women's health #breakingthetaboo.
Action on Postpartum Psychosis: https://www.app-network.org/
Getting Peer Support: https://www.app-network.org/get-help/peer-support-for-postpartum-psychosis/
Insider Guides: https://www.app-network.org/postpartum-psychosis/insider-guides/
Antenatal Toolkit: https://www.app-network.org/training-on-pp/antenataltoolkit/
This podcast is sponsored by the law firm Irwin Mitchell.
DISCLAIMER: This show is not intended to be medical advice please seek advice from a GP or Doctor.
Website: http://www.theo-clarke.org.uk/podcast
Instagram: @theoclarkemp
Breaking The Taboo production team:
Producer: Natasha Feroze
Researcher: Max Austin and Elliott Malik
Designer: Emily Ryder
Social media: Bella Carter
Studio manager: Adam Woodward
Studio: Studio 55 part of Wolfe Power Club
