54: LGBTQ Perinatal Mental Health

Elyse Springer, MFT

Elyse shares vital info and awareness in this focused conversation on LGBTQ perinatal mental health. There are many many facets to cover, so in this chat, we start with some basics and dig a little deeper into these aspects: 

-Elyse talks with us about LGBTQ fundamentals and how people identify themselves, sexuality, gender and attraction.

-Perinatal mental health is not just “maternal” or “paternal”, it’s everybody.

– LBGTQ parents having to “pass” in straight spaces and the stress that comes with that dynamic. 

– Intrusiveness of questions from others to explain pregnancy, sexuality and gender related to pregnancy and postpartum.

– Trauma related to the history of the person, coming out or other stressors as it can impact the carrier of the child.

-Not enough research or studies into the factors that may contribute to postpartum mood disorders for LGBTQ. 

-Lack of access to care, increased stigma, community inclusion, “fitting” into a category.

-Touch on current politics and how that stress could impact making and having a family.

– We touch on the intersection of LBGTQ and race

There is so much more depth that we can cover and need to cover as you can see from our talk. I’m so glad to learn from my guests and I hope you are too. Please write in to momandmind@gmail.com to send me your thoughts on this and any other episodes of Mom & Mind. 

Connect with Elyse:

http://www.elysespringer.com/

Twitter: @espringermft

Elyse Springer M.A., M.F.T. is a licensed marriage and family therapist
focusing on perinatal mental health, anxiety and depression, death and
loss, HIV/AIDS, substance abuse and creative blocks. Elyse is training
faculty and Governing Council for Maternal Mental Health Now, board member
for 2020 Mom and past co-chair of the Los Angeles County HIV Mental Health
Task Force.