When Postpartum Packs A Punch with Kristina Cowan

When Postpartum Packs a Punch with Kristina Cowan » Listen

Date: November 20, 2017

Episode Description

When struggling with postpartum, most women feel shame, fear and guilt.  Often feeling they will be invincible at the beginning and expecting to find joy in their new baby, postpartum depression can sneak up and take a new mother by surprise.  In her book “When Postpartum Packs a Punch,” Kristina Cowan addresses these issues, and lets new mothers know that they are not alone.  Listen to this interview and learn about the Baby Blues, what they are, and how you can cope.

Dr. Risk’s Thoughts

One week after this show aired, I had a conversation with a patient who had just had a baby.  She was suffering from Post-Partum depression and PTSD from the birth, but wasn’t even aware of what was going on.  I was able to direct her to this show, and Kristina’s book and get her the help we need.  I have often felt that women’s health issues, especially when pertaining to after birth care, are over looked, or considered normal.  This information is important for any new mom, anyone with a new mom, or mom-to-be in their lives.  Since we can have these issues without a full understanding of what they are, it is possible to go undiagnosed because we don’t even know there is an issue.

Guest Information

Kristina Cowan started writing when she was 5. It’s still her favorite thing to do–and thanks to her two degrees from Northwestern University, it’s how she earns a living. Cowan graduated from the former School of Speech in 1996, and from the Medill graduate journalism program in 2000. She has 20 years of experience as a reporter, writer, and editor. These days the heart of her coverage is in mental health and women’s issues. Earlier this year, her debut book published, through Praeclarus Press: When Postpartum Packs a Punch: Fighting Back and Finding Joy. The book has received strong reviews, including one from Publishers Weekly, and continues to draw praise from those in the healthcare arena and parents. Cowan lives in the Chicago area with her husband and their two children, ages 8 and 6.