279: An OB's Postpartum Journey: Healing and Helping Others with Dr. Jessica Vernon

Sadly, many moms fall through the cracks in the field of perinatal mental health because healthcare providers don’t have the proper knowledge about perinatal mental health conditions. Today’s guest is a doctor dedicated to making a difference in the lives of women and families. Join us to learn more! Dr. Jessica Vernon is a mom who experienced a perinatal mental health condition. As an Ob-gyn, she is dedicated to helping educate residents in her field with adequate training and information about perinatal health and wellness so they can identify, assess, and make referrals for appropriate treatment. She is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology at NYU Grossman School of Medicine. She also is an advocate for maternal mental health and is the Director of Perinatal Mental Health at NYU Langone Ob-gyn. In addition to mental health, Dr. Vernon is passionate about health equity and is the physician advisor for the NYU Black Motherhood Matters Committee and the physician director of the NYU Holistic Care Program for Black Mothers. She has been quoted in the media as an expert and has shared her personal experience with postpartum anxiety and depression on national television. When she gave birth to her second daughter, she was able to implement the lessons and tools she learned with her first child. She utilizes social media, along with her website and blog, Metamorphosis to Mom, to connect and share supportive, authentic content and curated resources related to the reproductive journey.  Show Highlights: How Dr. Jessica felt hyper-vigilant as a first-time mom and later saw that she had severe anxiety and OCD with sleep deprivation, intrusive thoughts, and feelings of isolation How medication helped her after two long years of suffering How obstetric training falls short in dealing with all the nuances of PMADs How Dr. Jessica changed to focus more in her practice on those who are struggling and suffering with PMADs How Dr. Jessica’s passion to help her patients is providing extra care and support for many How Dr. Jessica and a colleague developed a curriculum for trainees, created a lecture series, and are equipping the next generation of Ob-gyns Why it’s difficult for some Ob-gyns to screen and treat patients with a more holistic approach Highlights of Dr. Jessica’s program and initiatives at NYU, including holistic care for Black birthers How Dr. Jessica’s second pregnancy went differently with planning, medication, supportive resources, and self-care How we can work for big system changes Why Dr. Jessica thinks Obs should strive for better human connection with their patients and find ways to allow space for them and their feelings Resources: Connect with Dr. Jessica Vernon: Website, Instagram, and on TikTok Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!  Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!