Perinatal mood disorders affect 1 in 5 women, postpartum depression impacts 1 in 7 and Black women are 3-4 times more likely to die from pregnancy complications. Helene Kusman sits down with the certified nurse-midwife and nationally recognized researcher Dr. Karen Sheffield-Abdullah to explore the truth about postpartum depression, perinatal mental health and maternal health equity.

Dr. Karen shares how stress, anxiety and structural inequities impact pregnancy and postpartum outcomes and offers evidence-based recommendations for meaningful change. Dr. Karen also opens up about her personal journey through three very different unmedicated births—with an OB, a midwife and a home birth—as well as her experience with miscarriage in her 40s.

We discuss:

• How stress, trauma and systemic factors affect pregnancy and postpartum outcomes

• Utilizing non-pharmacological integrative approaches in addition to medication for mental health conditions

• Understanding trauma and secondary trauma

• Maternal health inequities in the U.S. and why Black and Brown communities are at higher risk

• Research-backed strategies to improve perinatal mental health care for all

• What healthcare providers and moms can do to advocate for better care

• An inside look at the MomGenes postpartum depression research study

• Dr. Karen’s journey with her 3 births with an OB, midwife and home birth as well as a miscarriage in her 40s

• Self-care, mindfulness and nervous system support for busy moms

This eye opening conversation paints a picture of the current state of maternal health and what next steps are on both an individual and societal level. Dr. Karen’s calming voice paired with her in depth knowledge and expertise will leave you feeling informed, educated and empowered!

Connect with Helene and the Mind Body Mother Community!

Use code PODCAST for 15% off Helene’s 1:1 Integrative Health Coaching

You can connect with Dr Karen Sheffield Abdullah on Instagram and at https://www.beingdrkaren.com/

You can learn more about the Mom Genes study here

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

Helene sits down with Dr. Meredith Sweeney, weight loss surgeon turned longevity expert, to break down the real science behind women’s metabolic health, body recomposition and long-term longevity.

Dr. Sweeney explains how women’s hormones impact blood sugar regulation, insulin sensitivity, fat storage and muscle mass. We discuss key differences between women and men and for women at different stages of life when it comes to nutrition and exercise.

If you’ve ever wanted to understand the hype behind CGMs, VO₂ max and other longevity lingo from a women’s perspective, this episode is a breath of fresh air in a male dominated space.

We discuss:

-Metabolic health for women vs. men and for women at different phases of life

-How sleep, stress, nutrition, and exercise impact longevity

-Debunking “calories in, calories out” and the truth about what drives fat loss, insulin resistance and energy balance

-The impact of muscle on insulin and top exercise recs for longevity

-Everything you need to know about CGMs (continuous glucose monitors) and how both Helene and Dr. Sweeney utilize them for long term health

-How to rewire your brain and dopamine pathways to prioritize healthy habits

-Why V02 Max and fasted insulin are the number 1 predictors of longevity and what you can learn from these stats

-A full breakdown on weight loss versus body recomposition and what Dr. Sweeney works on with her patients

-Dr. Sweeney’s journey from bariatric surgery to longevity medicine, plus her powerful IVF story leading to her two sons

-The connection between spirituality and longevity

Listen in for how to improve your metabolic markers, build muscle and rewire your brain for long-term health—without counting calories, obsessing over the scale or forgoing your favorite foods this year!

Connect with Helene and the Mind Body Mother Community!

Use code PODCAST for 15% off Helene’s 1:1 Integrative Health Coaching

Get 2 months free on your annual Levels membership here

Connect with Dr. Meredith Sweeney here and Sano Longevity here

Learn more about Sano Longevity here

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.

Feeling the winter blues? You’re not alone. In this episode, Helene shares simple, realistic wellness habits to support your mood, energy and mental health during the cold, dark winter months.

From light therapy and vitamin D to nourishing foods, movement, and digital boundaries, listen in for tools that can help you embrace the seasonal changes and support your well-being all winter long.

You’ll learn:

-The benefits of bright light therapy + red light masks

-Vitamin D supplementation in Winter

-How to leverage short cardio bursts to boosts mental health

-The best winter foods + warming spices for feeling nourished and energized

-Understanding your “social battery” and setting boundaries

-The role of social media + options for managing it

-Realistic and judgement free tips for cutting back on alcohol

-The truth about seeking out professional support and why Helene went back to therapy

Download your FREE Nutrition + Wellness Journal

Get 15% off your Initial Integrative Health Coaching Session with Helene here using code: PODCAST

Connect with Helene here and the Mind Body Mother community here

This podcast is for informational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice.