Ep 241: Managing Mental Health during Pregnancy and Postpartum with Psychiatrist Dr. Stephanie Waggel

Pregnant women and people who need psychiatric medication are uniquely underserved. There’s a big knowledge gap and it’s not just the general public. Med school doesn’t teach much about mental health medication and pregnancy. Fortunately, today’s guest is here to share information and dispel myths!

Dr. Stephanie Waggel is a psychiatrist certified in perinatal mental health, specifically, advanced studies in perinatal psychopharmacology (medication for pregnant people). She’s one of very few experts in her specialty so she’s working overtime to spread the word. If you need pharmaceuticals, there’s a good chance you can do so safely. Tune in and learn how to explore your options with your doctor.

In this Episode, You’ll Learn About:

• Why Dr. Waggel uses the term “perinatal mood & anxiety disorders” (PMADs)
• What makes prescribers err on the side of a no-medication approach
• How common it is to suffer from PMADs
• When it’s the baby blues and when it’s time to seek help
• Why Dr. Stephanie encourages people to participate in medical studies
• How therapy factors into her treatment plans
• How medication can interact with breastfeeding
• When it’s time to restart medication postpartum

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Full website notes: drnicolerankins.com/episode241

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