Advertise on podcast: Perinatal & Reproductive Perspectives

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this episode, we’re joined by Tami Gaines, author of Preemie Parents and mother of micro-preemie twins born at 25 weeks. Drawing from her lived experience navigating the NICU, Tami speaks to the emotional and spiritual journey of NICU parenthood—the parts that often go unspoken and can feel invisible amid medical updates and uncertainty. Together, we explore how parents and caregivers can find meaning, resilience, and growth during an experience they never planned for. Tami’s work has been featured in the New York Daily News, New Jersey News 12, and on dozens of podcasts and blogs, offering hope and connection to families walking the NICU path. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. Postpartum psychosis is a rare but severe psychiatric emergency that requires rapid recognition, coordinated care, and clear clinical protocols. In this episode, we are joined by Dr. Susan Feingold for an in-depth discussion on the presentation, risk factors, and evidence-based management of postpartum psychosis. Dr. Feingold examines how postpartum psychosis differs from other perinatal mood disorders, why early symptoms are often missed, and the consequences of delayed intervention. The conversation also explores gaps in screening, challenges at the intersection of obstetrics and psychiatry, and the role of health systems in preventing adverse maternal and infant outcomes. This episode is designed for clinicians, policymakers, and maternal health advocates seeking a deeper understanding of postpartum psychosis and the structural changes needed to improve identification, treatment, and continuity of care in the postpartum period. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. We’re thrilled to welcome back Lynn Ingram of Ingram Screening for a special second interview, celebrating the one-year anniversary of our podcast! Lynn dives into the importance of perinatal mental health screening, sharing insights on identifying early signs of anxiety, depression, and other challenges during pregnancy and postpartum. We discuss practical strategies for healthcare providers, the impact of early intervention on parents and babies, and why mental health screening is a vital part of prenatal and postnatal care. Whether you’re a parent, provider, or advocate, this conversation is full of valuable guidance for supporting healthy, supported families. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. Part Two of Motherhood, My Way continues the conversation with Cheri Bergeron, moving deeper into the realities of choosing yourself while navigating fertility and the path to motherhood. In this episode, Cheri reflects on what comes after the decision—the emotional weight of waiting, the strength required to keep going, and the inner shifts that happen when plans don’t unfold as expected. We talk about surrendering control, releasing comparison, and learning how to hold both hope and disappointment at the same time. This part of the conversation centers on self-trust, resilience, and redefining success on the fertility journey. It’s about honoring your intuition, finding peace in uncertainty, and remembering that your worth is not defined by timelines or outcomes. For anyone feeling stretched between longing and letting go, this episode offers reassurance, grounding, and a reminder that your journey—however it unfolds—is deeply valid. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this episode of Motherhood, My Way, we sit down with Cheri Bergeron for an honest and compassionate conversation about fertility, hope, and pursuing motherhood on your own terms. Cheri shares her insights on navigating the emotional and physical realities of the fertility journey—especially for women walking the path solo. Together, we explore what it means to trust yourself, advocate for your body, and redefine timelines when the desire for motherhood doesn’t fit the traditional script. This episode speaks to the grief, courage, and quiet resilience that often go unspoken—from waiting and uncertainty to choice and empowerment. Whether you’re actively trying to conceive, considering fertility options, or holding space for the dream of becoming a mother someday, this conversation offers validation, perspective, and hope. ✨ In this episode, we discuss: The emotional layers of fertility and waitingReleasing comparison and societal timelinesMaking empowered choices about motherhoodHolding hope while honoring your present realityThis is a reminder that there is no “right” way to become a mother—only your way. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this special episode, we turn the mic toward the voice behind Perinatal & Reproductive Perspectives. Host and founder Becky Morrison Gleed, LMFT, shares the story of how this podcast came to be—rooted in her clinical work, her deep commitment to perinatal mental health, and her desire to elevate thoughtful, compassionate conversations in the reproductive space. Becky reflects on the gaps she saw in how we talk about reproductive journeys—from fertility challenges to pregnancy, postpartum, loss, and the many emotional complexities in between. She opens up about what drives her as a clinician, what she hopes to change in the field, and how storytelling can shift the way we understand and support families. Together, we explore: Becky’s path into perinatal and reproductive mental healthThe origins and mission of the Perinatal & Reproductive Perspectives podcastWhy nuanced, evidence-informed conversations are desperately neededThe emotional realities clinicians often witness but the public rarely hearsWhat Becky envisions for the future of reproductive care and community educationWhether you’re a provider, a parent, or someone passionate about reproductive wellbeing, this episode offers an intimate look at the purpose and person behind a podcast designed to educate, validate, and connect. Tune in to hear the story behind the mic—and the heart behind the work. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this enlightening episode, we sit down with Dr. Lucy Chen, a renowned reproductive endocrinologist to unpack the science, emotions, and evolving landscape of modern fertility care. Dr. Chen shares her expert perspective on the most common fertility challenges she sees today, how reproductive medicine has advanced in recent years, and what patients should know before starting their journey. Together, we explore topics such as: How hormonal imbalances impact fertilityWhat to expect during a fertility evaluationAdvances in IVF and egg freezingThe role of lifestyle, age, and genetics in reproductive healthWays patients can feel empowered and informed throughout the processWhether you’re actively trying to conceive, planning ahead, or simply curious about the field of reproductive endocrinology, this conversation offers clarity, compassion, and evidence-based insight from one of the leading minds in fertility medicine. Tune in for an honest, hopeful, and deeply informative discussion with Dr. Lucy Chen. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this heartfelt episode, Lana Manikowski opens up about her deeply personal journey through infertility — from years of hope and disappointment to ultimately redefining what it means to live a fulfilled life without children. Lana shares how she turned grief into growth, creating a space for women who feel left behind by infertility treatments that didn’t end in motherhood. Join us for an honest, healing conversation about identity, acceptance, and finding joy after an unexpected ending. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. Motherhood is often portrayed as pure joy and unconditional love—but what about the moments of doubt, frustration, or even resentment that many parents quietly experience? In this insightful conversation, Dr. Margo Lowy, psychoanalytic psychotherapist and author of The Maternal Experience: Encounters with Ambivalence and Love, explores the complex and often unspoken reality of maternal ambivalence—the coexistence of love and conflict in the mother-child relationship. Dr. Lowy sheds light on why ambivalence is not a sign of failure but a natural, even necessary, part of the maternal experience. We discuss how cultural expectations shape maternal identity, what happens when mothers feel silenced in their struggles, and how acknowledging ambivalence can lead to deeper self-understanding and more authentic connection. This episode offers validation and wisdom for mothers, clinicians, and anyone curious about the emotional truths of caregiving and identity. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this powerful episode, we sit down with Dr. Brandy Cummings, DCN—a former blackjack dealer turned clinical nutritionist who's anything but conventional. Dr. B shares her deeply personal journey through illness, infertility, and being overlooked by the medical system—experiences that ultimately fueled her passion for root cause-focused nutrition and holistic healing. After suffering a devastating pregnancy loss due to severe mold exposure, Dr. Cummings dove headfirst into the world of cellular health. Her research into chronic illness uncovered overlooked culprits like parasites, mold toxicity, reactivated viruses, and nervous system dysregulation—conditions often dismissed by mainstream medicine. Now armed with a Doctorate in Clinical Nutrition and a mission to empower women through personalized, functional care, Dr. B is helping others reclaim their health with real food, deep investigation, and heart. She lives in Idaho with her husband and two daughters, homeschools, and proudly prioritizes steak over quinoa. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Sheehan Fisher, an Associate Professor and perinatal clinical psychologist at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Dr. Fisher, who also serves as the Associate Dean for Academic Environment and Success at The Graduate School, dives deep into his groundbreaking research on the mental health of parents during the perinatal period—particularly the often overlooked mental health challenges faced by non-birthing parents. We discuss how these mental health factors can significantly impact infant and child health outcomes, and the importance of addressing the well-being of all parents in the journey of early childhood development. Whether you're a new parent, a clinician, or just interested in perinatal psychology, this episode offers valuable insights into the intersection of mental health and parenting. Tune in to hear more about the critical role mental health plays in shaping the future of families and children. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. Becoming parents is one of life’s most joyful—and most challenging—transitions. Research shows that two-thirds of couples experience a significant dip in relationship satisfaction after the birth of a child. The Bringing Baby Home program, developed by world-renowned relationship experts Drs. John and Julie Gottman, offers practical, research-based tools to help couples stay connected, reduce stress, and build a strong foundation for their growing family. In this episode, we’re joined by Beth Goss, a Certified Gottman Educator and Bringing Baby Home specialist, to explore how couples can prepare for life with a new baby while also nurturing their relationship. We’ll discuss common pitfalls new parents face, strategies for maintaining intimacy and teamwork, and ways to foster healthy emotional development for children right from the start. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or already navigating life with little ones, this conversation offers encouragement, guidance, and tools to help your family thrive. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In this episode, we're joined by the remarkable Dr. Ruchi Garg, newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of Fairview Park Hospital, part of the HCA Healthcare system. With over 25 years of clinical experience, Dr. Garg brings deep expertise in gynecologic oncology, women’s health, and digital health innovation. Previously the Chair of Gynecologic Oncology at Cancer Treatment Centers of America (now part of City of Hope), Dr. Garg has cared for over 10,000 patients and performed more than 3,500 robotic surgeries. Board-certified in both Gynecologic Oncology and Obstetrics & Gynecology, she is a passionate advocate for prevention, personalized care, and technology-driven health solutions. We explore her journey through top institutions like Johns Hopkins, the University of Washington, and the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern. Dr. Garg also shares her insights on leadership in medicine, her work with health tech startups, and how she balances a high-impact career with motherhood and a love for travel and culture. Whether you're in healthcare or just passionate about women’s health, this conversation will leave you inspired. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. In Part Two of our conversation with Debbie, we delve deeper into the emotional aftermath of involuntary childlessness and what it means to reclaim identity and purpose beyond motherhood. Debbie shares how her healing journey evolved over time—from silent grief and societal pressure to finding empowerment through community, advocacy, and storytelling. We explore the nuanced realities of life after fertility loss: the quiet milestones, the unexpected triggers, and the process of redefining fulfillment in a world where parenthood is often seen as the default. Debbie also reflects on the ways pronatalist messaging continues to shape public discourse, healthcare practices, and even well-meaning relationships. This episode offers a powerful continuation of Debbie’s story and a compassionate look at what it takes to live a full, visible life outside traditional narratives of womanhood. Whether you’re childless, childfree, or simply seeking to better understand this often-silenced experience, Debbie’s insight brings validation, solidarity, and hope. Support the show

Thanks for stopping by! We'd love to hear from you. After coming to terms with the end of her journey to motherhood, Debbie has spent years processing the emotional impact of being labeled “childless” in a society that often idealizes parenthood. Her recent work focuses on sharing her personal experience and raising awareness about the prevalence and influence of pronatalism in modern culture. Debbie was diagnosed with unexplained infertility following three years of unsuccessful attempts to conceive. Later, with a different partner, she endured the loss of four pregnancies due to early miscarriage, again without a clear medical explanation aside from age-related factors. Her story highlights a broader societal gap in how we address and acknowledge the experiences of those without children. Debbie is committed to advocating for greater visibility and understanding, encouraging a cultural shift where women's lives and choices—regardless of motherhood—are respected without unsolicited advice or attempts to "fix" them. Through her work, she aims to build community and connection among women navigating the grief, stigma, and isolation often associated with being childless or childfree. Support the show