Can I be honest for a sec? Becoming a mom can be a total mindfuck. From the identity shifts to the battle with perfectionism to mom guilt and postpartum depression, it is FAR from easy. So how are you, really?
Dr. Aparna Iyer is a board-certified psychiatrist in Frisco, Texas, with a special interest in reproductive psychiatry and working with pregnant and postpartum women.
In this episode, Dr. Aparna and I discuss all things postpartum and mental health. If you're a mom-to-be or current mama, you do not want to miss this episode!
Topics Covered:
- The common concerns Dr. Aparna sees with first-time mothers
- The postpartum experience and when a new mom should consider professional help
- How new parents can support each other
- The identity shifts and transitions that women go through when having a child
- How Dr. Aparna navigates perfectionism and mom guilt with her clients
- Her perspective on medications during pregnancy
- The impact of breastfeeding on mental health
- The idea of getting back to how you were before pregnancy
- Untreated postpartum depression, its effect on family, and postpartum OCD
What has your experience been as a new or expecting mom? I would love to know! Message me on Instagram to let me know and tell me what topics you want to hear more about or who I should have on the show.
Listen on:Spotify
Connect with Dr. Aparna Iyer
Connect with Nathalia
Thanks for joining us on the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave us a rating and review on Apple & Spotify to help us reach even more women ready to simplify their fitness journey so they can lose weight, regain their confidence, and feel sexy AF!
More about the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast
Ever wish you had a fit and straightforward BFF with over 15 years of experience to help you filter through all the information regarding fitness, nutrition, and life?
That's exactly what you'll get when you listen to the Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast.
Join Former Bikini Olympia Champion, mom of 2, and fitness coach Nathalia Melo each week as she shares fitness, nutrition, and life tips to help busy working moms simplify their fitness journey so they can learn easy and simple strategies on how to lose weight and feel sexy AF.
After helping over 5000 busy working moms, Nathalia has found the blueprint to fitness, nutrition, and life success, which she will share in this podcast: actionable tips to help busy working moms be more present at work and home.
This show is for you if you realize that nothing good comes from your comfort zone and are ready to challenge yourself to achieve great things. Follow Unfiltered Fit Life wherever you are listening to join us each week for a splash of sass, humor, and a whole lotta truth.
The podcast transcript for this episode of the Unfiltered Fit Life podcast follows
[Nathalia Melo]
Hello, hello there, fam! Welcome back to The Unfiltered Fit Life Podcast. Today’s episode is packed with valuable insights because we’re joined by a very special guest, Dr. Aparna Iyer.
Dr. Iyer is a psychiatrist specializing in reproductive psychiatry, with impressive credentials to back it up. She completed her residency in psychiatry at Albany Medical Center in New York, where she served as chief resident. She’s also been an assistant professor at both Albany Medical Center and the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.
Dr. Iyer has been recognized as one of Dallas’ best doctors and best in Collin County, and now she runs a private practice in Frisco, Texas. Her focus? Supporting patients—primarily women—through the mental health challenges tied to reproductive health.
Welcome, Aparna!
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
Thank you so much, Nathalia!
What Is Reproductive Psychiatry?
[Nathalia Melo]
Let’s dive right in. For those who don’t know, what exactly is reproductive psychiatry?
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
Reproductive psychiatry focuses on the mental health of women across the lifespan, particularly around reproductive transitions. That includes everything from menstrual cycles, infertility, pregnancy, postpartum, and breastfeeding to pregnancy loss, menopause, and more.
It’s about supporting women through the emotional and psychological challenges tied to these stages.
The Mental Health Challenges Moms Face
[Nathalia Melo]
You work with a lot of mothers, especially first-time moms. What are the most common struggles you see in your practice?
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
First-time moms often struggle with the transition to motherhood. Social media paints this picture of pure bliss, but the reality is more complex. Yes, it’s beautiful, but it’s also exhausting, overwhelming, and, at times, isolating.
The loss of your “village”—the community that traditionally supported new mothers—makes this transition even harder.
New moms also face a lot of internal pressure to live up to unrealistic ideals of motherhood. They wrestle with guilt, regret, and the challenge of redefining their identity.
[Nathalia Melo]
I couldn’t agree more! I remember feeling like, “They gave me a baby, and now what?!” It was such a shock. Let’s talk about postpartum mental health. What’s “normal,” and when should a mom seek help?
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
That’s a great question. Many postpartum symptoms—like low energy and mood swings—overlap with typical experiences of early motherhood. However, if these symptoms persist beyond two weeks, worsen over time, or interfere with daily functioning, it’s time to seek help.
Postpartum blues are common and usually resolve within two weeks. But postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD can develop when symptoms escalate. If you’re feeling persistent sadness, guilt, or even thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, reach out for help immediately.
Supporting Your Partner in Parenthood
[Nathalia Melo]
It’s tough for partners too. How can they support a new mom while navigating their own adjustment to parenthood?
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
Partners play a vital role. It’s about teamwork—supporting one another while acknowledging your individual struggles. Sometimes individual counseling or couples therapy can be beneficial, especially if communication has broken down.
Identity Shifts and Mental Flexibility
[Nathalia Melo]
Many of my clients are high-achieving women who struggle with losing control after becoming moms. They’re used to structure and find it hard to adapt when everything changes. How do you guide women through this?
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
I call it “mental flexibility.” Motherhood often forces us to let go of rigid plans. For example, your perfect birth or breastfeeding plan might not go as expected. It’s okay to grieve that loss of control, but the key is focusing on what truly matters—your health and your baby’s health.
I also remind moms to redefine success. It’s no longer about checking off a to-do list but about staying present and adapting to new circumstances.
Balancing Career, Motherhood, and Self-Care
[Nathalia Melo]
Working moms often sacrifice self-care because of guilt. How can they overcome this?
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
Self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. When a mom prioritizes her mental health, she’s better equipped to care for her family. Research shows that children thrive when their mothers are mentally healthy.
Taking time for yourself isn’t about choosing yourself over your kids; it’s about ensuring you’re the best version of yourself for them.
Medication and Mental Health
[Nathalia Melo]
Let’s talk about medication. There’s so much stigma around mental health meds, especially during pregnancy or breastfeeding. What’s your perspective?
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
Medication is one tool in the mental health toolbox. For some women, it’s necessary to achieve stability. Many medications are well-studied and safe for use during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
Mental health conditions like depression and anxiety can harm both mom and baby if left untreated. The goal is always to weigh the risks and benefits to ensure the best outcomes for both.
Final Thoughts and Where to Find Dr. Iyer
[Nathalia Melo]
This has been such an insightful conversation. Dr. Iyer, where can our listeners find you?
[Dr. Aparna Iyer]
You can find me on Instagram at @AparnaIyerMD or visit my website at DrAparnaIyer.com.
[Nathalia Melo]
Thank you so much, Aparna. Your work is invaluable, and I know our listeners will benefit from everything you’ve shared.
To everyone listening, if this episode resonated with you, please share it with a friend and leave a review. Let’s keep these important conversations going. Until next time, stay strong, stay unfiltered, and keep thriving!
