Infertility During the Holidays: How to Cope, Part 1 (Ep. 455)

Infertility During the Holidays: How to Cope, Part 1 (Ep. 455)

Author: Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C November 13, 2025 Duration: 24:33
Today’s episode marks the beginning of a four-part series on coping with specific holiday scenarios, including infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and pregnancy loss. We will discuss tips and tricks that can also be useful at other times of the year when emotional challenges arise. I’ll offer coping skills that can help you, especially in your interactions with others. Today’s focus is on infertility and how to navigate the holidays when you are struggling. Join us! Show Highlights: Handling the inevitable questions from friends, family, and acquaintances The “preloaded” expected feelings that come with the holidays–and the pressure they bring Navigating family gatherings when the spotlight is on you It’s okay to feel jealous, angry, sad, and resentful when others are experiencing what you desperately want. Intrusive questions are coming your way—for sure! (Everyone has an opinion on what you should do!) Understanding the emotional landscape you’re in Gentle reframes to use as coping skills: It’s okay to feel however you feel, as opposed to how you think you should feel. (Shift from judgment to compassion and understanding.) When things get busy, it’s harder to pay attention to what you need. (Take time for grounding, centering, and self-care.) Don’t be afraid to set boundaries as a way to honor your needs. When it comes to attending holiday events, set the following boundaries: Say NO. Have an exit strategy. Protect your energy and peace.  Resources: 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, including Instagram, Facebook, andother 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 seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Hosted by psychologist and perinatal mental health specialist Dr. Katayune Kaeni, the Mom and Mind podcast creates a vital space for conversations that are often left in the shadows. While postpartum depression is a critical starting point, this series explores the entire spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, from anxiety and OCD to the complex emotions that many new parents experience but feel unprepared to discuss. Dr. Kat, as she’s known to listeners, brings both professional expertise and deep empathy to each episode, sitting down with mothers, fathers, clinicians, and advocates to share real stories and practical strategies. You’ll hear honest dialogues about coping, managing daily life, and the nuanced path to recovery, all framed within the understanding that mental health is foundational to family health. This isn’t about quick fixes, but about building resilience and finding community through shared experience. The Mom and Mind podcast consistently goes beyond surface-level advice, delving into the raw, complicated, and hopeful realities of parenting’s early stages. It’s a resource that acknowledges the full picture of becoming a parent, offering validation and evidence-based guidance when it’s needed most. Tune in for conversations that are as informative as they are genuinely supportive.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Mom and Mind | Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression & Anxiety
Podcast Episodes
Breastfeeding and Mental Health After Birth Trauma (Ep. 484) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:15
We talk about a lot of things that people don’t want to talk about or even hear. Still, they are very real, challenging, and difficult circumstances surrounding pregnancy, birth, and postpartum. It’s important to share t…
Foundations in Paternal Perinatal Mental Health (Ep. 481) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:40
I’m excited to welcome Dr. Daniel Singley back to the show. He joined me years ago when we were a brand-new podcast, and he’s been busy doing meaningful work in the world around paternal mental health. Join us to learn m…
Birth Trauma: Gaps in Care and Advocacy for Change (Ep. 479) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:46
If you’re one of the many mothers who has experienced birth trauma, you’ve likely battled shame, anger, confusion, among other emotions. Today’s guest discusses her story of birth trauma, including the effects of the exp…
A Postpartum Psychosis Journey: From Healing to Advocacy (Ep. 478) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:24
Today’s guest shares her personal story of postpartum psychosis with an underlying bipolar disorder. Her experience has inspired her passion for advocacy on behalf of other mothers who need support and the assurance that…
Embodied Motherhood: Postpartum and Beyond (Ep. 476) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:06
Today’s episode takes a deep dive into learning to listen to your body and understanding how this knowledge can support you through motherhood. Trusting your body with a deep connectedness can help you heal your relation…