245. From Infertility To Postpartum Depression: Therapist Neha Kumar On Motherhood’s Hardest Moments And Finding Strength The Courage To Change: A Recovery podcast

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245. From Infertility to Postpartum Depression: Therapist Neha Kumar on Motherhood’s Hardest Moments and Finding Strength

7d ago 1:06:25

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Therapist Neha Kumar opens up about infertility, IVF, endometriosis, and postpartum depression. We talk about cultural expectations in South Asian families, the reality of new motherhood, what “natural” doesn’t mean, and practical ways to support women through fertility treatment and postpartum mental health. It is honest, grounded, and full of hard-won perspective.

This episode is sponsored by Reconstruction Unlimited, a recovery-focused organization that provides coaching, interventions, and holistic support to help people and families thrive in long-term recovery.

Guest

Neha Kumar, LMFT Private practice therapist focusing on women’s mental health, postpartum, and culturally informed care.

Website: https://prosandpsyche.com

Growing up as the youngest of three girls in a South Asian immigrant family and the “son preference” context
Film school to therapy (why service work in India changed her path)
Undiagnosed inattentive ADHD, chronic fatigue, and how symptoms were missed
Endometriosis finally diagnosed after years of severe cycles
IVF at 28, grief around repeated negatives, cost, and stigma
Postpartum depression after baby one, spinal headache after baby two, and what “hopeless” actually feels like
Why “it is natural” does not mean “it is easy” for conception, birth, or breastfeeding
Practical support for friends in fertility treatment (what helps, what hurts)
Advocating for yourself in healthcare and pushing for answers
Building resilience, redefining “enough,” and finding a new normal

Validation matters. Delayed diagnoses of ADHD and endometriosis can fuel years of self-blame.
Support should be operational. Rides to monitoring, meal trains, childcare, and help with logistics beat platitudes every time.
Language counts. Avoid “just relax,” “have you tried…,” or fast fixes. Try “I am so sorry. I am here. What do you need today?”
Postpartum depression often feels like hopelessness more than sadness. Sleep loss and medical complications can intensify risk.
Community reduces harm. Modern parenting often lacks the “village” that many cultures build by design.
Resources:

Neha’s practice: https://proseandpsyche.com
Postpartum Support International (find local help, warmline): https://www.postpartum.net
ADHD information and screening overview (inattentive type): https://chadd.org
Endometriosis basics and patient guides: https://www.endofound.org

If you are in crisis, contact your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department.
Postpartum Support International helpline (US): 1-800-944-4773 (call or text “HELP”)

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