408: Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love with Dr. Rebecca Thompson, MD

One of the primary reasons for this podcast’s existence is that sharing stories and experiences is a powerful means of healing and partnership. Today’s guest has created a beautiful book that embodies the spirit of collaboration and community in healing and moving forward. Join us to learn more! Dr. Rebecca Thompson is a family medicine and public health physician in Portland, Oregon. She specializes in women’s and children’s health and is the author of Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love. Dr. Rebecca shares how her medical practice and perspective on parenthood were shaped by the complicated pregnancies and losses she experienced while training to become a doctor. Those experiences led her to collaborate with patients, friends, and medical colleagues in sharing their stories of the many ways that creating and sustaining families can take unexpected turns.  Show Highlights: Sharing your truth openly encourages others to tell their stories. Dr. Rebecca’s efforts to work collaboratively to craft the most compelling version of others’ experiences Dr. Rebecca’s goal in conveying the “bigger themes” in people’s stories There is magic in learning new things about yourself through reading and hearing stories from others. Relating to others on a very human level is powerful. Imposter syndrome and its antidote The word “clinician” implies a partnership beyond the word “provider.” Telling your story can be more healing each time you share it. Common themes and messages that emerged from Dr. Rebecca’s collaborative writing experience Resources: Connect with Dr. Rebecca Thompson: Website and Held Together: A Shared Memoir of Motherhood, Medicine, and Imperfect Love Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services.  You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices