In this episode of The Birth Hour, Dr. Sarah Oreck, a reproductive psychiatrist and mother of three, shares her personal journey through pregnancy and motherhood, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. She discusses the challenges of trying to conceive, the impact of hyperemesis gravidarum on her mental health, and the anxiety surrounding her first pregnancy amidst the uncertainties of a global health crisis. Sarah reflects on her decision to have a planned C-section, emphasizing the importance of bodily autonomy and the emotional complexities surrounding childbirth choices.
As she navigates her subsequent pregnancies, Sarah highlights the unique challenges of postpartum mental health, especially during a pandemic. She candidly discusses her experiences with anxiety, the importance of therapy, and the support she found in her community.
Dr. Sarah Oreck experienced pregnancy and postpartum as both a patient and a reproductive psychiatrist. During both of her pregnancies, she struggled with perinatal anxiety—an experience that deepened her understanding of how isolating and under-supported reproductive mental health can feel, even for women with medical expertise. Navigating these challenges firsthand reinforced her belief that mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum must be specialized, validating, and accessible. Her lived experience ultimately shaped her clinical approach and inspired the creation of Mavida Health to ensure other women don’t have to navigate these transitions without expert support.
Sarah Oreck, MD, MS Bio
Sarah Oreck is a board-certified reproductive psychiatrist and the co-founder and CEO of Mavida Health, a digital mental health platform dedicated to supporting women through pregnancy, postpartum, and reproductive life transitions. Columbia University–trained, Dr. Oreck specializes in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and has spent her career caring for women during some of the most vulnerable moments of their lives. Drawing from both her clinical expertise and personal experience navigating perinatal anxiety, she founded Mavida Health to close the gap in specialized reproductive mental health care and expand access to evidence-based, compassionate psychiatric support nationwide. Connect with Sarah @sarahoreckmd on Instagram or @mavidahealth.
Resources
Check out resources from Mavida by downloading the Mavida app in the app store or google play.
Motif Medical
This episode was sponsored by Motif Medical. Motif designs insurance-eligible products for busy moms. With a focus on innovation and empowerment, Motif’s line of breast pumps and maternity compression garments are sophisticated, yet discreet, and made to support mothers as they navigate new motherhood. Discover why moms are reporting more milk in less time with the Luna breast pump, and see how you can get it covered through insurance at motifmedical.com/birthhour.
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