151: Matrescence and the Maternal Brain with Nikki Pensak

Your postpartum brain is amazing. Not only is your body going through the physical changes that come with motherhood, but your brain is processing a ton of hormones and inputs that help you take care of your new baby.  Matrescence is essentially the process of becoming a mother. It’s a word that describes what your brain and body are going through as you leave the world of pre-motherhood and prepare to usher life into the world. Here to share more is Dr. Nikki Pensak. Dr. Nikki is a Clinical Psychologist, author and researcher specializing in treating postpartum, mental health, anxiety, OCD and depression. She provides evidence based therapy to her patients and is certified in postpartum mental health. She also serves on the expert review board for Parents Magazine, her new book Rattled:How To Calm New Mom Anxiety With the Power of the Postpartum Brain is now available for pre-order.  As you listen, remember that one of the most important things for you to take care of as you become a mom is your mental health. Protect your sleep. Protect your brain. Protect your mental health and get together a team to help you in advance.  In this episode, we discuss:  What Matrescence is The wonders of the maternal brain Pregnancy and giving birth during COVID   Resources:  Connect with Nikki: Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain Nikki’s TedX talk - The Power of the Maternal Brain Discount Codes from Our Sponsors: Apostrophe: Get started for only $5 when you go towww.apostrophe.com/lynzy and use the code lynzy Factor: Get 50% off when you go towww.factormeals.com/lynzy50 and use the code lynzy50 Questions: What is your new book about? What inspired you to write this book? What are some main takeaways from this book? What kind of patients do you see in your private practice? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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The Motherhood Meets Medicine Podcast is a space that brings all women together. It's for those who hope to be a mom one day, those who are already mothers, and mothers of mothers. This podcast will give you candid, informal interviews on motherhood topics that you can listen to while you're driving to work, folding laundry or whatever else your busy day may bring. Each week, Your host, Lynzy Coughlin, will be focusing on topics ranging from postpartum issues to parenting teens. She's bringing in experts with formal training to cover everything motherhood! So grab your coffee and join us for a weekly chat on your time. All are welcome! Lynzy is a Physician Assistant in the Emergency Department where she has practiced medicine for the last 15 years. You can connect with Lynzy on her Substack account, Badass Matriarch.