87: Postpartum Depression and Sleep with Dr. Harvey Karp

We recently learned that there is a higher chance of postpartum depression for women with poor sleep quality. This doesn't come as much of a surprise because we know that sleep is vital to a person's mental and physical health. It's also not a secret that sleep deprivation is inevitable when welcoming home a newborn. So, how can new parents prepare for parenthood and combat this statistic? Because new parents need to care for their babies at all hours, how can they prioritize sleep to help avoid postpartum mood disorders? We're chatting with Dr. Harvey Karp to learn more. Dr. Harvey Karp is one of America's most-trusted pediatricians and child development experts. He is on the USC School of Medicine faculty and a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics. Dr. Karp practiced pediatrics in Los Angeles for over 25 years and is the best-selling author of The Happiest Baby on the Block and The Happiest Toddler on the Block. His landmark discoveries and unique ability to translate complex science into effective techniques to empower parents have revolutionized our understanding of the needs of young children. He is the founder and CEO of Happiest Baby, a smart-tech and parenting solutions company that invented the SNOO Smart Sleeper, a responsive bassinet that mimics the sounds and motions of the womb. In this episode, Dr. Karp shares his experience as a parent and pediatrician. We discussed sleep's role in maternal and pediatric health, changing the mindset that mothers also need sleep, his advice for tired new moms, and more! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices