Today we take a deep dive into the current postpartum system; cracks and gaps included. What are the biggest misconceptions around pregnancy and childbirth, and how do they affect birth and postpartum in this country?
My guest to have this conversation on Yoga| Birth| Babiesis Dr. Jessica Vernon. Dr. Jessica is is a mom of two and a board-certified OBGYN for over a decade. She is an Associate Medical Director as well as the Director of Mental Health at Oula, a midwifery-led women’s health startup in NYC.
Additionally, in conversation we talk about her book, Then Comes Baby, where she shares vulnerable insights into her own experience as a birther, mother, and professional in the healthcare system.
In this episode, you will learn:
- About Dr. Jessica and what inspired her to write Then Comes Baby
- What she hopes readers- especially new parents- take away from her story
- Some of the biggest cracks in the perinatal system, and what small changes could make a big difference
- Some of the most common misconceptions around pregnancy or childbirth that Dr. Jessica wanted to challenge in her book
- How Dr. Jessica discusses the idea of birth plans with her patients, and what advice she offers to expectant parents who feel pressure to “get it right”
- Whelped Dr. Jessica personally through the new parent transition, and what she recommends to others navigating this transition
- How our culture is failing new parents, especially when it comes to emotional and logistical support in the postpartum period
- The part of Then Comes Baby that was the hardest for Dr. Jessica to write- and what part she is most proud of
- One final tip or piece of advice she would like to offer new and expectant parents
- Where you can find her work
**Get the most out of each episode by checking out the show notes with links, resources and other related podcasts at: prenatalyogacenter.com
About Dr. Jessica:
Dr. Dr. Jessica Vernon is a mom of two and a board-certified OBGYN with an emphasis on health equity and perinatal mental health. With over a decade of clinical experience, Dr. Vernon has cared for thousands of people throughout their reproductive years.
She has been a voice in the media, contributing to many podcasts and articles related to her specialty, and recently published her first book, Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation about Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood.
In her current role at Oula, she is an Associate Medical Director as well as the Director of Mental Health. In this role, she is working to expand access to emotional wellbeing and mental health support for Oula patients.
Dr. Vernon is the former Director of Perinatal Mental Health at NYU Langone OB/GYN where she spearheaded the development of an integrated perinatal mental health program in the OB/GYN faculty group practice, as well as the former Medical Director for Perinatal Mental Health at Hey Jane, where she launched a comprehensive digital perinatal mental health program. She is also a board member of Postpartum Support International (PSI).
Connect with Dr. Sterling:
Website: The Sterling Life
Instagram: @drsterlingobgyn
Oula: Dr. Jessica Vernon, MD
Check out similar Yoga| Birth| Babies episodes:
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