Reimagined Motherhood
Join us for an intimate journey through the transformative world of perinatal mental health and wellness. Hosted by a licensed mental health counselor, this groundbreaking series peels back the layers of the pregnancy and postpartum experience.
Each episode illuminates the complex intersection of mental health and motherhood, exploring everything from pregnancy anxiety to postpartum depression, birth trauma to maternal wellness.
Episode 11: How One Father's Grief Turned Into Reproductive Justice Advocacy
Reimagined Motherhood Podcast
Episode 11: How One Father's Grief Turned Into Reproductive Justice Advocacy
Maria Clemente Morresi speaks with attorney and father, Hirsha Venkataraman about the death of his daughter Thalia, the grief he and his wife Mamta carried, and how that loss shaped both their family and his legal work in reproductive justice. The conversation makes space for the often-unspoken experience of fathers in perinatal loss while also addressing systemic failures that affect birthing families.Maria and Hirsha discuss grief, partnership, fatherhood, and how personal loss can become advocacy, community care, and action. After losing Thalia at 32 weeks of pregnancy, Hirsha found himself navigating profound grief alongside his wife, Mamta. He reflects on how fathers’ grief can be overlooked, the different ways partners process loss, and how his family keeps Thalia’s memory present in everyday life. He also shares how the experience influenced his work in reproductive justice and family defense, and how he honors his daughter through Run for Thalia, an annual fundraiser supporting bereaved parents and more compassionate pregnancy care.
RUN FOR THALIA FUNDRAISER: givebutter.com/thalia2026 (givebutter.com/thalia2026)
Find Hirsha on Instagram @hirsha_v
Contact Maria: reimaginedmind.com (reimaginedmind.com)
Timestamps:
00:00 - Maria introduces the show’s mission in perinatal education
01:09 - Hirsha introduces himself, his family, and life in Long Island City
02:07 - How Maria and Hirsha reconnected and why they’re discussing perinatal loss
03:16 - Becoming parents during law school and career-building
04:09 - Hoping for a daughter and imagining life with Thalia
05:09 - The first sign something was wrong at 32 weeks
07:07 - Hearing there was no heartbeat in the hospital
08:35 - Breaking down and facing the reality of stillbirth
09:49 - Saying goodbye to Thalia
10:56 - Why uncertainty makes grief even harder
13:22 - Why fathers’ grief is often overlooked
15:11 - Coming home to an eerily quiet apartment after loss
17:29 - Talking about Thalia as a way to make the loss real
18:27 - Masculinity, bravado, and why many men stay silent
20:48 - How couples can support each other through grief
22:38 - Keeping Thalia present through sunsets and everyday beauty
25:03 - A moment when grief began to shift
26:29 - Choosing to try for another child after loss
27:27 - Raja’s birth and the meaning of a rainbow baby
28:17 - Pregnancy after loss and the weight of anxiety
32:58 - How loss revealed systemic problems in birth care
34:37 - Why mothers of color are often dismissed
35:34 - From law school to reproductive justice work
38:28 - Bodily autonomy and the meaning of reproductive justice
40:22 - Turning loss into advocacy for others’ choice
46:38 - Building community through the Perinatal Resource Collaborative
47:38 - Advice for parents who feel isolated in grief
51:00 - The story behind Run for Thalia
54:04 - The nonprofit work supported by the fundraiser
57:50 - How to support Run for Thalia
59:25 - What Hirsha hopes people remember about Thalia
60:28 - Closing reflections on grief, advocacy, and legacy
7 May 2026
Episode 10: The Power of a Midwife - Using Midwifery Care During Pregnancy and Labor
In this enlightening conversation, Maria Clemente Morresi and Ellen Sidles explore the world of midwifery care, discussing its benefits, the importance of emotional well-being during pregnancy, and the limitations of the one-size-fits-all model in healthcare. They delve into the differences between midwives and obstetricians, the role of doulas, and the impact of the birthing environment on outcomes. Ellen shares her extensive experience and insights into how midwifery can empower women during their perinatal journey, emphasizing the need for personalized care and education about options in childbirth.
Contact Ellen Sidles:
https://www.sunflowermidwivesny.com/
Contact Maria Clemente Morresi:
reimaginedmind.com
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Midwifery Care
03:02 Understanding the One-Size-Fits-All Model
06:11 The Role of Midwives in Pregnancy
09:04 The Importance of Emotional Well-Being
12:24 The Medicalization of Birth
13:50 Midwifery vs. Traditional Medical Care
18:06 The Benefits of Midwifery Care
21:00 Addressing Misconceptions about Midwives
24:04 The Spectrum of Care Options
30:07 Preparing for Birth: Education and Support
32:57 The Impact of Environment on Labor
36:09 Fear and Anxiety in Pregnancy
38:59 The Importance of Individualized Care
44:43 Potential for Future Conversations
56:36 Birth into Being Program
27 Mar 2026
Episode 9: Navigating Pregnancy and Motherhood with Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
Episode 9: Navigating Pregnancy and Motherhood with Internal Family Systems (IFS) Therapy
In this episode of the Life Psych Podcast, Maria Clemente Morresi and Lindsay Costello explore the transformative journey of motherhood through the lens of Internal Family Systems (IFS) therapy. They discuss the importance of understanding and integrating the various parts of oneself, especially during the perinatal period. Lindsay shares her personal experiences with trauma, motherhood, and the challenges of navigating mental health while raising children. The conversation emphasizes the significance of self-compassion, intuition, and the ongoing process of healing as mothers confront their fragmented selves and strive for holistic well-being.
Connect with Lindsay HERE (reimaginedmind.com/lindsay-costello)
www.reimaginedmind.com (reimaginedmind.com)
00:00 Introduction to IFS and Perinatal Mental Health
06:11 Personal Journeys: Lindsay's Path to Motherhood
15:14 Fragmentation and Integration in Motherhood
21:56 The Role of Trauma in Parenting
29:27 Reframing Motherhood and Self-Care
37:43 Intuition and Calmness in Parenting
45:38 Healing Through Understanding and Compassion
16 Mar 2026
Episode 8: Navigating Birth Trauma - Insights From a Pelvic Floor Physical Therapist
In this episode, Dr. Maria Muto Rodriguez and Maria Clemente Morresi discuss the significance of pelvic floor health, particularly in relation to pregnancy, birth trauma, and postpartum care. The conversation explores the holistic approach to treating pelvic floor conditions, emphasizing the interconnectedness of physical and mental health. Dr. Muto shares insights on the common experiences of birth trauma, the importance of postpartum care, and how women can advocate for their health during and after pregnancy.
Contact Maria Clemente Morresi:
reimaginedmind.com (reimaginedmind.com)
Contact Dr. Maria Muto Rodriguez through her website:
https://holisticphysiodoc.com/about/ (https://holisticphysiodoc.com/about/)
Chapters
00:00Introduction to Pelvic Floor Health
14:56Understanding the Pelvic Floor's Role in Pregnancy
17:40Pain in Pregnancy is Common But Not Normal
24:00Healing Birth Trauma and the Pelvic Floor
29:59Birth Trauma: Physical and Emotional Perspectives
31:34The Importance of Prevention in Birth Trauma
32:53Laboring at Home: Reducing Interventions
34:51Accepting the Unpredictability of Birth
36:21Understanding Physical Trauma Post-Birth
41:07Perineal Pain and Healing
45:17The Need for Rest and Recovery
47:48The Role of Support in Postpartum Healing
50:12Creating Action Plans for Healing
52:27Addressing Common Postpartum Issues
54:21Rebuilding and Mindset Shifts
56:15Creating Awareness and Support Systems
20 Jan 2026
Episode 7: Medical Trauma and Narcissism in Perinatal Care
In this episode of the Life Psych Podcast Baby Bump Edition, host Maria Clemente Morresi speaks with Anne Wallen from Maternity Wise Institute about the critical role of doulas in maternal health. They explore the impact of narcissistic abuse in medical settings, the importance of informed consent, and how fear can influence maternity care decisions. The conversation emphasizes the need for education, support systems, and trauma-informed care to empower women during their perinatal journeys.
Resources:
Reimagined Mind Counseling & Consultation: The MAMA Method (reimaginedmind.com/the-mama-method-program)
MaternityWise Institute (https://www.maternitywise.com/)
Perinatal Resource Collaborative (jointheprc.com)
Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Doulas and Maternal Health
01:38 Understanding Narcissism in Maternal Care
05:09 The Impact of Narcissistic Relationships
10:11 Defining Narcissism and Its Effects
13:56 Manipulation and Compliance in Medical Settings
19:37 Fear and Its Role in Perinatal Experiences
24:06 Informed Consent vs. Implied Consent
30:46 The Historical Shift in Birth Practices
35:49 The Business of Birth and Its Implications
39:49 Embracing Vulnerability in Pregnancy
44:33 The Importance of Consent in Labor
49:25 Understanding Trauma-Informed Care
55:33 Navigating Narcissism in Medical Settings
01:01:41 The Power of Positive Birth Narratives
01:06:47 Finding Support Through MaternityWise, the PRC, and the MAMA Method
25 Jul 2025
Episode 6: Finding or Creating Your Village
In this heartfelt episode, we explore the journey of building connections during pregnancy with Angela Doolin, a food scientist and expectant mother, alongside hosts Maria and Steph. Join us as we delve into the importance of finding your "belly buddy" and creating a supportive village during this transformative time. Angela shares her personal experiences, the emotional rollercoaster of early pregnancy, and the invaluable support of having a close friend like Maria going through the same journey. Maria and Steph contribute their insights on the significance of intentional connections, offering comfort, reducing anxiety, and enhancing the joy of expecting a new life. Together, they discuss the challenges and triumphs of pregnancy, the power of shared experiences, and the role of community in navigating this unique phase. Tune in for insights, laughter, and a celebration of the bonds that make the journey to motherhood a little less daunting. #PregnancyJourney #BellyBuddy #SupportiveVillageIf you're looking for a wellness practice to be a part of your village, check out our incredible perinatal team of therapists, nutritionists, and doulas at REIMAGINEDMIND.COM (reimaginedmind.com).
6 Jun 2025
Episode 5: The Emotional Toll of Pregnancy Loss
Maria Clemente Morresi and Vanina Clemente explore the emotional toll of pregnancy loss, discussing personal experiences and the importance of community support, in this interview episode.
28 May 2025
Episode 4: Navigating the Journey of Miscarriage Part 2
Maria and Stephanie explore the emotional and physical experiences of miscarriage, emphasizing grief processing, healing, and the need for supportive conversations in this interview episode.
25 Apr 2025
Episode 2: How a History of Trauma Affects Pregnancy and Postpartum
Psychologists Maria Clemente Morresi and Vanina Clemente explore how past trauma impacts pregnancy and postpartum, revealing the need for support and healing during these significant life transitions in this interview.
10 Apr 2025
Episode 3: Navigating the Journey of Miscarriage Part 1
The hosts of Life Psych Podcast explore the emotional and physical challenges of miscarriage, emphasizing community support and open dialogue for women experiencing loss in this interview.
4 Apr 2025
Episode 1: Introduction to the Baby Bump Season
Licensed mental health counselors introduce "The Baby Bump Season" of Life Psych, which explores perinatal mental health and wellness through expert insights and honest conversations about the pregnancy and postpartum experience.
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