412: From Postpartum Depression to Creating Connections for Moms with Allison Kushner, founder of BeeKyn

It’s always uplifting to hear how some people are inspired to turn the worst experience into something positive to help others. Join us to hear Alli’s story of postpartum depression, healing, and a remarkable avenue of support and connection for other moms.  Alli Kushner is an entrepreneur, community builder, and passionate advocate for parents navigating the complexities of modern life. As the founder of⁠ BeeKyn⁠, an innovative platform that reimagines how families connect through meaningful playdates, Alli is on a mission to make parenthood less isolating and more fulfilling. Alli is the mother of two young girls and shares her deeply personal journey through postpartum depression. The challenges she faced became the opportunity to create a supportive space for parents everywhere in BeeKyn.  Show Highlights: Alli’s story: what she expected vs. her reality in becoming a mom An unexpected identity crisis  Pregnancy problems that threw “the plan” out the window for Alli’s first pregnancy Knowing things weren’t “right”  Alli’s recognition of “baby blues” (which later turned into PPD) The gap in Ob-gyn and pediatric care when a healthy baby arrives, but mom is not okay Alli’s experience in returning to work earlier than necessary, because that was the world she understood and could control Feeling numb, angry, and unsure about motherhood, just wanting to get away (for the first six months) Feeling like “everyone would be better off without me” How Alli’s husband insisted that she get professional help because he didn’t know how to help her Alli’s “Aha moment” on an outing in NYC, realizing that this is “not normal” How Alli noticed the slow unfolding of improvement as the result of a daily therapy/rehab program Sharing her story helped Alli realize the need for more attention on postpartum depression and the feelings of isolation and loneliness The benefits of BeeKyn’s platform for families Resources: Connect with Alli Kushner and BeeKyn:⁠ Website⁠ and⁠ LinkedIn⁠ Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit⁠ cdph.ca.gov⁠ 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 more supportive 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! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me⁠ about openings for private pay clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices