Badass Matriarch
Motherhood Meets Medicine
Episode 150: Matrescence and the Maternal Brain with Dr. Nikki Pensak
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Episode 150: Matrescence and the Maternal Brain with Dr. 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. 

Disclaimer: This podcast does not provide medical advice. The information on this podcast is for informational purposes only. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. 

Subscribe to the podcast HERE if you have an iPhone – or check out this link if you want to listen on an Android or other devices.

Questions Throughout This Episode: 

Could you briefly explain what matrescence is and why it's such a significant aspect of motherhood?

In your research on the maternal brain, what do you think are some of the most fascinating things that happen in our brain during matrescence?

What are some common challenges that moms might face during this period, both psychologically and neurologically?

It seems like society has a big influence on how moms experience matrescence. How does societal pressure or support impact the maternal brain and overall well-being?

Dads often get a bit left out of the matrescence conversation. How does the paternal brain come into play during this time, and what can dads do to support the maternal journey?

Matrescence doesn't end with childbirth. How does this journey continue as kids grow, and what can moms expect as their children move through different life stages?

What influenced you to write your new book, 'Rattled'? What are some of the main takeaways?

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

Website:

https://www.drnicoleamoyalpensak.com/

Discount Codes from Our Sponsors:

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Discussion about this podcast

Badass Matriarch
Motherhood Meets Medicine
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 feeding babies to managing toddler tantrums. 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 12 years. You can connect with Lynzy on her Motherhood Life & Style Instagram account, @lynzyandco. This is where you'll have the chance to submit questions for guest experts.