More than half of new mothers report feeling lonely or isolated after giving birth. Research shows that strong social support during the postpartum period is one of the most protective factors against perinatal depression.
Gwen Latendresse, PhD—a certified nurse midwife and perinatal mental health researcher—joins Katie Ward, DNP, in the social domain of the fourth trimester to explore how social connection shapes postpartum recovery. From family and peer support to community care and digital interventions, they examine how a person's social environment can either buffer or intensify the emotional demands of new parenthood.
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E88: The Emotional Domain of the Fourth Trimester
Up to 80% of new mothers experience “baby blues” within the first two weeks after birth, and an estimated 15–20% go on to develop more serious conditions such as perinatal depression or anxiety. These emotional shifts stem not only from major life changes, but also from the dramatic hormonal drop that occurs after delivery—as the brain begins recalibrating for the demands of caregiving.
Perinatal mental health expert Lauren Gimbel, MD, joins Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, in the emotional domain of the fourth trimester to explore how hormones, neurobiology, and human evolution shape early parenting. The conversation delves into maternal-newborn bonding, postpartum mood disorders, and why identifying emotional distress in new mothers is critical for the health of the entire family.
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E87: The Physical Domain of the Fourth Trimester
Pregnancy does not end at birth—the body continues to recover and readjust for at least three more months, a period that can be referred to as the "fourth trimester." While the typical pregnancy lasts about nine months, it takes roughly a full year—including postpartum recovery—for the body to reach a new state of equilibrium.
In the physical domain of the fourth trimester, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, explore the physiologic changes that occur after childbirth. From shifting hormones to healing tissues and resetting body systems, they discuss what truly happens in the months following delivery—and why some changes may be lifelong. The fourth trimester reframes recovery as a vital part of the pregnancy timeline, not a footnote to it.
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E86: The Spiritual Domain of Pap Smears
Nearly one in four women in the U.S. does not receive recommended cervical cancer screening, and for some, faith and cultural beliefs play a significant role in that decision. In communities where modesty, chastity, and the sacredness of the body are emphasized—such as among members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints—reproductive health care can carry added spiritual weight.
Rosemary Card joins Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, in the spiritual domain of Pap smears to explore how LDS values influence women's experiences with gynecological care. From premarital exams to evolving conversations around reproductive health, they reflect on how faith traditions can both complicate and support access to care.
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E85: The Environmental Domain of Pap Smears
Roughly 90% of cervical cancers are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), yet not everyone exposed to the virus develops disease—why? The answer lies partly in the body's environment. From immune health to smoking habits and hormonal exposure, the internal conditions HPV encounters play a key role in whether the virus is cleared or progresses to cancer.
In the environmental domain of Pap smears, Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, explore how the body’s physical environment influences HPV infection and cervical cancer risk. They break down how smoking, immune suppression, birth control use, and even early-life exposures shape the body's response to the virus.
Conversations for all the women in your life. Women's health encompasses far more than the issues discussed in a doctor's office—it is deeply intertwined with the unique experiences, challenges, and joys that shape a woman's life. Every medical concern is influenced by the complexities of a woman's life, for better and for worse. Kirtly Jones, MD, and Katie Ward, DNP, WHNP, look at women's health through the seven essential domains of well-being: physical, emotional, social, intellectual, financial, environmental, and spiritual health. Together, they offer insightful, compassionate conversations designed to empower women in every aspect of their lives. These discussions are not just for women, but for anyone who cares about the women in their lives. Join us as we embark on this journey together and foster an understanding of women's health in all its dimensions.
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