In this conversation, Dr. Suzanne Mungalez, aka Dr Zann, a perinatal mental health expert, shares her insights on the challenges faced by people during the perinatal period, the importance of seeking help, and the impact of personal experiences on professional practice. The discussion highlights the stigma surrounding mental health, the significance of sleep, and the need for community support. Dr. Zann emphasizes the importance of education and advocacy in improving mental health outcomes for new parents, particularly in marginalized communities.Keywords: perinatal mental health, postpartum depression, maternal mental health, doula support, mental health stigma, sleep and mental health, birth trauma, cultural influences, seeking help, community supporttakeawaysPerinatal mental health is deeply influenced by personal experiences.Many women feel isolated during the perinatal period, leading to shame and anxiety.Seeking help is often stigmatized, especially in certain communities.Education about mental health can empower individuals to seek support.Sleep deprivation significantly impacts mental health during the postpartum period.Community support is essential for new parents to thrive.Cultural and systemic issues play a significant role in maternal mental health.Healing should be viewed as a rite of passage, not suffering.It's important to validate the feelings of those experiencing perinatal challenges.Advocating for oneself and seeking help is crucial for mental well-being.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Perinatal Mental Health02:35 The Impact of Personal Experience on Professional Practice05:38 Addressing Loneliness and Shame in New Parenthood08:06 Navigating Cultural Expectations and Seeking Help10:55 The Importance of Sleep in Maternal Mental Health13:22 Overcoming Barriers to Asking for Help16:14 Experiencing Fear and Anxiety During Pregnancy19:03 The Intersection of Mental Health and Systemic Issues21:39 Healing as a Rite of Passage24:17 Validating Experiences and Systemic Challenges27:01 Conclusion and Resources for SupportAbout Dr ZannDr. Suzanne Mungalez, known by her clients as Dr. Zann, is a licensed clinical psychologist in California, a certified perinatal mental health clinician (PMH-C), a childbirth educator, a certified lactation education specialist (CLES), and a trained doula. She is Black, Congolese-American, queer, and a gender-expansive woman (she/they) who is also a mother. Dr. Zann’s diverse personal experiences deeply inform her clinical approach and the way she holds space for her clients.In her own words, she describes herself as "tender with people, tough on systems, and relentlessly committed to our collective liberation."Dr Suzanne Mungalez Website: ⁠https://www.itsthemamaspace.com/Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/its.themamaspaceDr Holly Batchelder⁠www.instagram.com/holly.phd/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.hollyphd.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠-Disclaimer: This podcast provides general information and discusses mental health and related subjects. The content provided in this episode is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you have heard on this podcast.

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