355: An OB’s Perinatal Mental Health Story and Helping other Physician Moms with Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson

Obstetricians play an important role in perinatal mental health, and hearing their perspective is always informative. It makes my heart happy to learn that more and more OBs are getting trained in perinatal mental health so they can offer more help to their patients. My guest shares her story to help normalize the perinatal mental health issues that many women face. Join us! Dr. La Toya Luces-Sampson (Dr. Toya on social media) is a wife, mother, coach, and board-certified obstetrician and gynecologist. Her work is geared to physician moms who are postpartum and beyond to help them go from feeling anxiety and resentment to feeling confidence and joy. She does this through private coaching and as the host of the Stethoscopes and Strollers Podcast. Show Highlights: Dr. Toya’s story of her second pregnancy and delivery, dealing with unusual pain, complications, and family stress Marriage issues, couples therapy, and working through challenges on a trip to Mexico Dr. Toya’s pursuit of her perinatal mental health certification to help other physician moms How the system fails moms who need help Starting her podcast, Stethoscopes and Strollers  to tell her story and help others What Dr. Toya wishes she had done differently Dr. Toya’s efforts to prioritize her wellness in pivotal life choices The need to temper our opinions on social media to respect others’ choices Dr. Toya’s perspective on the gaps in our healthcare system for perinatal mental health conditions An unsustainable healthcare system in which people (patients AND doctors) cannot thrive Dr. Toya’s message to moms: “Asking is your superpower. You deserve the care, rest, and support that you need, and it is setting you up for the rest of your motherhood journey.” Resources: Connect with Dr. Toya: Website, Instagram, YouTube, and Stethoscopes and Strollers Podcast 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 be a better support in offering 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!