241: From Pregnancy Anxiety to Making Impactful Change for New Parents with Anne Wanlund

Even in our modern world, we still have progress to make in terms of education around pregnancy, motherhood, and maternal mental health. Education and information are key in keeping parents from feeling blindsided and helping them feel supported when issues arise. Out of her personal motherhood experience, my guest is making an impact in the world for today’s new mothers. Join us to learn more! Anne Wanlund is a new mom who has been working in maternal/child health for most of her career, primarily in East Africa. Besides her work in maternal and child nutrition, she has been active in other humanitarian work in various corners of the world. She’s with us to share her story of being caught off guard in trying to manage her anxiety and mood during her pregnancy and postpartum. Through her experiences, she realized there was a huge neglected part of maternal mental health of which she was not aware, so Anne decided to dedicate her life to this issue through Canopie, a social impact company focused on preventing and addressing common maternal mental health conditions. In this episode, she shares her work today and what she wishes other moms knew about maternal mental health. Like me, Anne desires for more parents to know about these conditions so they know what options they have and what help is available.  Show Highlights: How Anne came to the work she does today with nutrition programs for mothers and babies in East Africa and the US Highlights of Anne’s personal pregnancy experience in managing her anxiety How pregnant Anne was shamed by her doctor upon returning to the US from Rwanda How Anne felt much compassion for other moms and babies but didn’t allow herself the same compassion Why we don’t realize the distinction between those who are there to clinically assess and those who provide care How Anne realized that something wasn’t right in her pregnancy but never found the support she needed at the time How society pressures us into thinking we aren’t supposed to ask for help What Anne wishes every mom knew about motherhood and support What Anne wishes our society would do differently around maternal mental health A look at the work of Canopie to prevent isolation and offer support in motherhood Resources: Connect with Anne and Canopie:  LinkedIn and Canopie Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! 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!