Complex Medical Needs: Mental Health Support for Parents of Disabled Children (Ep 463)

Our focus in today’s episode is parenting a child with a disability, including the point of diagnosis, how the diagnosis might change over time, how it impacts pregnancy, birth, and postpartum, and the ableism parents can face in reproductive care. Join us to learn more from today’s expert guest.  Riley Blanton is a therapist specializing in reproductive mental health care in Kansas. She is passionate about the nuances within the perinatal space, including individuals parenting children with disabilities, abortion care, foster care, and adoption. Riley is the founder of the research-based website Postpartum Brain and of the perinatal-specific private practice Holding New Therapy. Her work includes publishing research-based articles on her website and appearing on various online media outlets. She is also the owner of Kansas Reproductive Therapy Center, which provides mental health professionals with specialized training in reproductive mental health, including ableism in reproductive care, pregnancy after loss, adoption, and foster care.  Show Highlights: Riley’s journey into this specialty, which began with the traumatic birth of her first child in 2019, followed by perinatal mental health challenges Riley’s foster care and adoption experience with a disabled child Meeting simple needs with accommodations for disabilities, like mobility issues and trauma-informed ways to deal with diagnoses Different ways parents receive a diagnosis for their child–and the impact on mental health Grief and a lot of ambiguous loss around a diagnosis that steals the expectations parents have for their child The learning curve for parents dealing with a child’s disability, along with feelings of isolation and loneliness Some diagnoses evolve over time, so parents must adjust and navigate new stages of the child’s needs. Common frustrations of parents who suddenly become disability advocates for their child Redefining self-care for parents Feeling out of control with burnout, anxiety, and depression that can come with caregiving Riley’s suggestions for avenues for help and support that are actually supportive The complexity of a parent with a disability who is also parenting a child with a disability–and how internalized ableism can show up The best ways for providers to support parents There is still research to do and work to be done! CEUs are available through the Kansas Reproductive Therapy Center. Resources: Connect with Riley Blanton: Holding New Therapy Website and @rileyrblanton IG Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.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 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