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In this episode of A Mother Is Born, Kaila Mackenzie sits down with Dr. Larry Andrew of East Bay Fertility and Hormone Therapy Center in Payson, Utah to discuss an alternative approach to treating postpartum depression (PPD): bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT).

Dr Larry Andrew - HRT for PPD

Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are commonly treated with SSRIs and talk therapy — but what if hormone imbalance is a major root cause? Dr. Andrew explains how the sudden drop in estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone after delivery (when the placenta is expelled) can trigger significant mood changes. He outlines how bioidentical hormone therapy may help restore hormonal balance and relieve symptoms of postpartum mood disorders.

Dr Larry Andrew - HRT for PPD

In this conversation, you’ll learn:

• Why hormone levels plummet after birth and how that impacts mood
• The role of the HPA axis and cortisol in postpartum depression
• How estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone affect postpartum recovery
• What bioidentical hormones are and how they differ from synthetic hormones
• Treatment timelines, testing, and expected symptom improvement
• Safety considerations for breastfeeding mothers
• When hormone therapy may be contraindicated
• How postpartum anxiety and PMDD relate to hormone imbalance
• Lifestyle factors that influence hormone health, including nutrition, vitamin D, environmental toxins, and endocrine disruptors

Dr. Andrew also shares how he evaluates candidates for hormone therapy, what recovery typically looks like (often within days to weeks), and how long treatment may be needed.

Dr Larry Andrew - HRT for PPD

If you’ve struggled with postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, PMDD, or hormone-related mood changes — and feel like SSRIs are your only option — this episode explores additional perspectives on hormonal treatment approaches so you can make informed decisions about your care.

As always, this episode is educational and not a substitute for personalized medical advice.

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Postpartum depression is more than “just the baby blues.” In this episode of A Mother Is Born, birth mentor and doula Kayla Mackenzie shares her raw, personal journey through postpartum depression — from those first dark weeks after birth to finding hope and healing.

You’ll learn:

• How to recognize the difference between postpartum depression and the baby blues
• Common risk factors (history of depression, stressful life events, poor sleep, nutrient deficiencies, breastfeeding struggles, and more)
• How to recognize postpartum depression and tools professionals use to screen for it
• Treatment options, from therapy and SSRIs to lifestyle and nutritional supports
• The real risks of untreated depression versus the risks of medication while breastfeeding

Whether you’re a new mom, a birth worker, or someone supporting a loved one, this episode offers validation, practical tools, and hope. Postpartum depression is common — and it’s highly treatable.

Instagram: @kaila_mikenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kailamikenzie.com

Send a text

Seriously… why would anyone skip the epidural? In this episode, I unpack the surprising reasons women say no to pain relief—and why it’s not as crazy as it sounds.

In a world where pain relief is right there for the taking, it can seem wild that some women actually choose to give birth without it.

Listen in to hear some surprising reasons that you may have never considered. From personal stories to common motivators like fear of needles, frustration with hospitals, wanting the full rite-of-passage experience, or avoiding the hidden risks of epidurals—you’ll hear the full picture behind this misunderstood choice.

This isn’t about shaming women who get the epidural (there are just as many valid reasons for that). It’s about pulling back the curtain on why unmedicated birth appeals to some and building more understanding across the birth spectrum.

If you’ve ever wondered why in the world someone would say no to pain relief—or if you’re weighing your own options—this episode is for you.

✨ Resources + Links:

Instagram: @kaila_mikenzie_birth

Values-Based Birth Planning Workbook

Explore In-Person or Virtual Birth Support

Book a virtual consultation

email: hello@kailamikenzie.com