343: Innovative Trauma Informed Care for High-Risk Pregnancy with Parijat Deshpande

Hearing the words “high-risk pregnancy” strikes fear in the heart of every parent. Even though we may not understand all the ramifications of that designation, we know it means that an unpredictable journey is ahead. I’m excited to welcome back today’s guest and learn more about her work in the field of high-risk pregnancy. Join us! Parijat Deshpande is the founder and CEO of Ruvelle, the only trauma-informed wellness company specifically dedicated to improving high-risk pregnancy outcomes, reducing preterm births, and supporting parents on the entire high-risk pregnancy journey. Parijat is a high-risk pregnancy expert who has a storied history of phenomenal work in this often-overlooked space. Her specialization in this field combines the somatic, mental, and emotional elements of the high-risk pregnancy experience. On a mission to end the high-risk pregnancy crisis, Parijat has served and supported thousands of clients through her live events, one-on-one work, and her bestselling book,  Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy. She has also written the Body Language Journal.  Show Highlights: Understanding the “high-risk pregnancy” designation–and why it does NOT guarantee a horrible outcome! The need for more communication in the healthcare system about the likely reasons for a high-risk pregnancy designation, such as advanced age, recurrent pregnancy loss, asthma, depression, kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, pregnancy with multiples, etc. Empower yourself by asking the right questions! Highlights of Parijat’s work with clients who have lived through a bad pregnancy experience The truth: Stress physiology affects reproductive health. It’s important to return to baseline after experiencing chronic or traumatic stress. We can learn how to control what we CAN control. Parijat’s work with clients to empower them to be seen and heard, find balance, and re-create the narrative in subsequent pregnancies How Ruvelle supports people in their high-risk pregnancy journeys The impacts Parijat has seen in clients through improved health, newfound confidence, and lived experiences of empowerment Resources: Connect with Parijat Deshpande and Ruvelle: Website and Instagram Get Parijat’s books:  Pregnancy Brain: A Mind-Body Approach to Stress Management During a High-Risk Pregnancy  and the Body Language Journal Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to better support people for whom they provide services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms 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!