Rising Phoenix Movement

Leslee here! We've been on a bit of a hiatus with recording episodes. But, that doesn't mean we aren't out doing as much as we can locally to help spread the message of maternal mental health. We are starting a new initiative to raise funds for parents to go through EMDR trauma therapy for PTSD. Follow us at our new IG handle @RisingPhoenixMovement! Same page, same stories, and same message. Just wanted to extend our reach outside of the podcast. Listen for a quick 10 min plug on where we are at, and message us if you know someone! 

Brielle is a passionate doula with a goal to create a safe space for moms to process their birth, prepare for the unexpected and have someone by their side to create a healing experience. No matter what challenges come up. Having experienced an unhealthy relationship in college that lead to sexual abuse - Brielle has learned that even a doctors exam can trigger emotions for her. She wanted to become a doula after always being fascinated by childbirth, but also to create a safe space for moms who have experienced trauma and want to feel heard. She has such a passion for holding space for moms, and partners. You can find out more at www.thecalmingdoula.com or visit her on Instagram at @thecalmingdoula. 

Lizzie Langston is a mom to three kids, wife to a bearded hunk, and an AZ native living in Denver. After struggling twice with postpartum anxiety and depression, and after trying antidepressants, therapy and postpartum support groups, Lizzie found healing through the cognitive-based tools of Life Coaching. In 2018 she became a Certified Life Coach and now offers remote, flexible coaching for moms in postpartum struggle. She’s absolutely passionate about helping moms stay afloat mentally and emotionally postpartum. She shares with us her story of finding strength to get out of the depths. Lizzie begs of moms to put themselves first, even though it seems impossible. 

You can follow her on Instagram @lizzielangston 

Yasmin has no history of mental illness when she got pregnant. When she had to adjust from having one child, to two... it hit her. She experienced postpartum anxiety, OCD and rage. She felt like there was something wrong with her, she sought help from medical professionals. However, Yasmin fell through the cracks. Despite that, she fought hard and kept pushing for help. Yasmin is a fearless advocate for maternal mental health on social media. She is a voice of strength, vulnerability and isn't afraid to speak the truth about the darkness that is called postpartum. 

Evi became a mom in her early 20's. After holding in her depression, anxiety and postpartum rage/anger - she started to have hallucinations. She realized she needed help.  She moved closer to her family and support system, went to a psychiatrist, started medication and was on her journey of healing. Evi's most powerful statement during this podcast was to love yourself. She urges any moms out there that have the slightest question that they are experiencing postpartum, of any kind, to get help! Speak up, tell someone how you are feeling so you can get the help you need. No matter what that help looks like. 

Nikki experienced some postpartum depression symptoms after her 3rd pregnancy. She felt a heavy load, and so much anger. After her family stepped in and mentioned their concern for her, she sought help.  She felt so much anxiety that she wasn't enough, and was failing. Throughout her healing process she became a sleep expert and coach. Nikki talks about how consulting for other mamas has really assisted her in the healing process. She urges mamas to communicate with their partner, and give your OB the details. Speak up - you don't have to keep suffering like this. 

Shelsie experienced a traumatic yet quick birth for her second born, Liam. After countless health struggles, and feeling like the doctors weren't taking them seriously, she came to a space of anger and resentment. Shelsie recognized it wasn't normal for her to be feeling that way, and went to her doctor for some support. She begs moms out there to get help the moment you feel off, there is no shame in taking care of it right away. There are so many options out there, and you have to be your own advocate. Speak up! 

Lindsay, the host of the KSL Mom Show, shares her story of motherhood in such a bold way. From her experience with postpartum anxiety and OCD to intrusive thoughts. Linsday felt like she was going crazy. What she expected motherhood to be like was the total opposite of what she experienced. We loved how Lindsay brought light to the perception we all have on media now days, that motherhood is perfect or easy. Lindsay finds fulfillment in being a working mom, and felt like she was broken because she didn't fit the mold of being a stay at home mom. Her final thoughts about it being okay to not love motherhood, and still love your children, are some magic words we will never forget. Please check her out at @kslmomshow on Instagram and at kslmoms.com. Lindsay truly turned her difficult experience in learning the ropes of motherhood, into getting real about motherhood and the expectations, to heal other women. She is doing incredible work with her radio show and podcast. Check it out! 

Karla experienced a rough go when she became a mom. With a previous history of anxiety, her emotions were on full blown survival mode. Karla began to have intrusive thoughts that scared her, and then brought her to a place of feeling so much shame. After being so sleep deprived, emotions and all of the trauma and change - she finally started to do everything she could to get better. Karla shares some key advice she received, and says to please accept help from those who show up for you! "Don't lose your voice when you become a mom!" was our favorite part. She now has a small business with @Jot_Journals - "Journals Over Time". This has given her purpose, healing and does the same for everyone who has one of them in their hands. Check them out on Instagram for more info. 

Stephanie and her husband Jesse joined us to share their story about recurrent pregnancy loss. Stephanie talks about how people don't speak up enough on this topic. She feels that miscarriage is kept quiet because "I wasn't that far along". She wants to let women know that it is still a loss, no matter how far along you are. Loss is loss. She did not want to suffer silently and wanted to create a space where other moms can talk about their loss, struggles and infertility. She has created a beautiful social presence where we have followed her IVF process. She is now pregnant, and due in the summer of 2020. We are thrilled for her and Jesse. We loved hearing from Jesse the perspective of being on the partner's side of this struggle. We respect this couple so much for their ability to keep pushing forward, and fight for what they want. She encourages moms out there to be their own advocate, find the right doctors, speak up about your struggles and loss. Allow yourself to feel the pain, and process the emotions. 

Melissa did just about everything to prepare for an at-home birth. From hypno-birth classes, meditations, etc. She was surrounded by an RN, Doula and Midwife while she delivered her daughter, Lydia, at home. The baby was wrapped in the umbilical cord - which led to a very traumatic birth and the baby being rushed to the hospital. Melissa had to stay home while Lydia was rushed to the hospital and she did not see her baby for 3 days while she healed at home. Melissa talks about the harsh thoughts she had during her healing process, the postpartum treatment she sought and how she recognized what was going on. 

Melanie experienced a massive change going from one child to two. She had extreme depression, and realized she could not go through this on her own. Melanie was told by a friend that it was just as important to take medication for depression, as it is for diabetes. She learned that day how important it was to take care of herself. She has learned it does not serve her to hold it in, and try to do it alone. After a miscarriage, it broker her heart to try and explain to her two kids why mom no longer had a baby. She was able to get pregnant again after this loss, she had massive anxiety during that pregnancy because of her miscarriage. Melanie taught me that no matter how far along you are, having a miscarriage is a loss. You still get to take care of yourself, and allow yourself to heal. 

Krista has two sets of twins, and a five year old. After giving birth to her last set of twins, she has learned more than she ever wanted to about the trails of having NICU babies. Krista shares about the birth story, struggles of balancing life at the NICU for months - and having three children home as well. Krista and her husband have so much on their plate, and she wanted to share her story in the middle of it all in hopes to help other moms know things she wishes she had known. Krista shares tips for parents going through it now, as well as family members and loved ones. I loved how Krista gave us ideas on how to support friends or family who may be going through this. It's always hard to know how to support someone going through so much. This is a beautiful story of survival, grief, fear, persistence, strength and hope. Krista is a warrior, fighter and incredible mom. 

Kim's sister Mindy struggled with extreme postpartum psychosis, and seeing her sister struggle has changed her forever . Kim shares the story of how her sister did the best she could to fight through it. After many struggles, traumatic events and so much more, Mindy took her own life on December 6, 2017. Kim urges moms to seek help and to keep going. To find support, to hold on. Kim shared that Mindy had a supportive, loving family with no childhood trauma. That it was not the way she was raised that caused her to go into such a deep depression. Postpartum psychosis is real, and watching her sister go through her experience has changed her life forever.  Kim urges anyone with a loved one, friend or neighbor going through postpartum of any kind - to stay connected. To ask them questions, make sure they are okay and to do the best you can to love them even when it's hard. We are so grateful for Kim, and her ability to talk in so much detail about her beautiful sister, Mindy. We could feel her there with us that night, it was very sacred. We know Mindy would want other moms to know they are not alone. 

In the middle of her grieving, Amanda reached out to us wanting to share her story for all the moms out there who need to hear from someone going through it right this moment. Rather than later, after some healing and time. Amanda was just 24 weeks pregnant when she went into pre-term labor. Milo was born a few days later on August 1, 2019. Amanda and her husband Skyler went through a roller coaster of emotions and experiences during the few weeks they were at the hospital fighting for Milo's life. After a hard battle, Milo passed on from this life. This left Amanda and Skyler leaving the hospital without a baby, and a long road of healing ahead of them. Amanda talks about being angry with God, yet still loving God and understanding. She talks about walking through grief, and the details of how to support someone you love through this. Amanda opened up about details that aren't talked about enough, this topic is kept so silent. So many parents suffer alone. Amanda and Skyler are out to help reach out and heal others going through this traumatic heartache. 

Brooke and Justin have faced so much adversity during their years of having babies. Job loss, anxiety, living with Brooke's parents, hospitalizing their newborn, breastfeeding struggles and more. They both experienced anxiety and depression as a result of the crazy whirlwind of becoming parents. The perfect storm of chaos caused Brooke's postpartum depression and anxiety to be so intense she finally had a breakdown. Brooke is not one to ask for help, and finally going to the doctor made all the difference for her. Justin talks about how being a dad and dealing with the aftermath of all of the adversity caused him to have anxiety to this day. Hearing how they are both so open to talk to each other about their mental health, and how they are preparing for her to have a baby again has inspired us to communicate with our partners even more! 

After an emergency c-section, Courtney experienced extreme sadness. She didn't feel like taking care of her son, or doing anything at all. Her son, Cael, had multiple health problems and surgeries. After all of this, Courtney and her husband decided to try for a second child. For the last several years they have tried just about every route of infertility treatments and none have been successful. Courtney shares her journey through all of it, and her hope that something has to give. 

Lena and Brigham share with us their journey together through postpartum anxiety/depression. It took Lena almost 6 years to seek help for her depression. Lena talks about how she didn't seek help because of her fears of having her baby taken away, or judgement. Or the doctors not believing her. After she sought help, she urges moms to keep looking for the right therapist or doctor. To not give up because you don't click with your current provider.  That it is worth the search. Brigham, her husband, shares some real talk to all the husbands and partners out there on how to support and show up for your partner when they have a newborn. They both talk about how easy it is to pass off the way you feel because "it's just because I'm tired" "she must have had a bad day" and so many other excuses we use to downplay our situation and not seek help or communicate with each other.  Hearing the dynamic between husband and wife, and how they navigate mental health together, was so empowering for us! We loved how Brigham gets real, and says to partners out there to just listen, instead of fix. And to pay attention to their triggers, and support them in avoiding them or walking through it. So many goodies in this podcast, definitely a MUST listen with your partner or spouse. The best advice is to just hold on, and it will get better. And to have weekly mental health check ups with your partner. 

Kate is a mama of two, NICU RN, certified CPR instructor, breastfeeding counselor +certified sleep consultant- a "mom coach" dedicated to making the road to motherhood a bit smoother.  She combines her expertise in these areas + her experience as a breastfeeding and supplementing mom to best prepare new parents for parenthood with a realistic and non-judgemental approach.  She offers services in sleep consulting, breastfeeding counseling, infant and child CPR, and one-on-one coaching.  

Kate tells us about how she came to start her business, Bumble Baby, and also shares with us her own experience with postpartum depression.  She reminds us not to compare ourselves to anyone else.  You matter and your emotions matter. 

You can follow Kate and learn more about the services that she offers on instagram @bumble.baby or on her website at bumblebabychicago.com 

After a devastating loss of her son Keith, at 22 weeks, Jessie struggled to move on. Jessie is candid about how difficult it was to leave the hospital with no baby. In the thick of grief, Jessie finds strength to continue growing her family. One year after the loss of her son, she had a newborn. This is when her postpartum depression set in. She thought it was regular grief, and didn't see what it really was. She was secluding herself, not talking to her husband about her feelings, or anyone. She felt totally numb and wanting to protect herself from the pain of losing another baby. After finding herself in a serious funk, she found strength in therapy and life coaching. Sharing her feelings made all the difference for her. There is power in talking to somebody who she didn't need to comfort. Everyone in her life was grieving that loss, and having someone to talk to that was outside of it all, was exactly what she needed. Jessie is now a life coach, and assists others in walking through life as you heal. 

In this episode, Sam talks about how the overwhelming life change of having her baby rocked her.  We talk about everything from her birth experience to feeding her baby to going back to work.  Sam shares how deciding to stop breastfeeding was the best decision she ever made for her family.  It helped her to not feel trapped and allowed others in her family to build a special bond with her daughter.  Sam offered great insight about how you don't have to do things the way your mom or your sister did.  It's OK to do it your way.  And our favorite quote of the episode, "It's not on a college application if you were breastfed or not. "  

Kelsie suffered from postpartum depression and anxiety with all three of her daughters.  She shares how the guilt and shame she felt from her anger led to self hate, and intrusive/suicidal thoughts. She found support through friendships in her community and healing through finally opening up to just one person, and then another and another. Kelsie reminds us that we have the right to fight for ourselves and if we can't do it for ourselves ask someone else to fight for you.   You are worth fighting for and your family wants you to fight!

We got to sit down with Leesa, our host Leslee's mom and best friend. Leesa shares her side of Leslee's postpartum experience. Leesa and Leslee have been very close all of her life. Yet, when it came time for PPD to hit, neither of them noticed. How did we both miss it? And how did Leslee hide it so well that she didn't catch on? Leesa shares how that has taught her a few things about how to pay attention to those around you just a little better. How to be more conscious of new moms, dads, grandparents and anyone involved. Leesa also shares about her women's retreats she hosts in Arizona for healing. She talks about how menopause has sort of become the "maternal mental health" type of topic for women her age and how it needs to be addressed more often.  This podcast is full of goodies on all things women and healing.  Check out "The Happiplace Podcast" episode 9  for more details on healing circles. Email us for more info on Leesa's retreats! (risingphoenixpodcast@gmail.com)

Brooklyn shares a very vulnerable story about intrusive thoughts, severe anxiety, traumatic childbirth, a faith crisis and doing all of the research she can to figure PPD out. Through some of that research Brooklyn found out changing her diet and finding ways to provide self care, were crucial to her survival. Brooklyn is fresh out of the darkness of PPD, her son is 7 months old and she has come a long way in those months. She begs moms to speak up, to talk about this maternal mental illness and support each other! 

After a rushed C-Section birth, neglected hospital care and a frustrating first 6 months with her pediatrician, JorDan learned to stand up for herself and advocate for her baby. She shares about her son's Asperger's diagnosis and how she navigated her way through finding the best care for him, while battling her postpartum depression.  Through the right therapy and hard work with her son she found the bond they were missing.  JorDan tells us about how medication, therapy and taking time for herself as an individual has helped her heal. 

Brook Dorff is PSI Utah's Maternal Mental Health Specialist. She shares statistics about maternal mental health, misconceptions related to postpartum depression/maternal mental health mood disorders, surprising stats about who is at risk for mood disorders and when. Brook is an activist for maternal mental health and has already done so much good for this topic in our community. We are honored to have her along our journey.  

PSI/ Postpartum Support International has a support hotline if you need someone to talk to and for resources local to you. PSI has international support, call their help line at 1-800-944-4773 or TEXT for support at 1-503-894-9453. 

Fifteen years after the birth of her 4th child, Mary finally sought the therapy and help that she needed to take care of herself. She shares about divorce and losing children and how that effected her mental health. She tells us the practices that she continues to do to stay healthy.

Toni shares with us her experience with have a premature emergency C-Section which left her baby in the NICU for several weeks.  She shares the struggles of blaming herself, guilt associated to things that were out of her control and the anger that came from it. This is the first time Toni has shared her story and she realized the therapy behind being open and talking about her experience.