Maternal Mental Health: One Mom's Story About Her First Year of Motherhood – Podcast Ep 65
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Maternal Mental Health: One Mom’s Story About Her First Year of Motherhood – Podcast Ep 65

On this episode, we are talking to filmmaker and mother, Erin Bagwell, about the importance of maternal mental health and her film, Year One.

Published August 3, 2021

by Nina Spears

The Baby Chick®: Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Expert
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A woman with a tattoo on her arm is holding a small child. The woman is looking at the child and smiling, while the child, wearing a denim jacket and a polka dot outfit, looks to the side. The background is a solid reddish color, evoking themes of maternal mental health through serene connection.


We know that in many countries, as many as 1 in 5 new mothers experience some type of perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMADs).1 These illnesses frequently go unnoticed and untreated, leading to tragic and long-term consequences for both mother and child. With so many mothers experiencing PMADs, we wanted to talk to an amazing mom who knows the importance of maternal mental health all too well, Erin Bagwell.

Erin is a documentary filmmaker, blogger, and new mom. In 2018, Erin became a mother and started filming her new documentary, Year One. The film is an intimate look at the first year of motherhood through Erin’s eyes. It addresses the identity shifts, the challenges of experiencing postpartum depression, and the extraordinary everyday moments of being a new mom. Year One is out now and available on YouTube.

Erin’s story has been featured in Forbes, TED, Vogue, and The Washington Post. She was named one of Oprah’s SuperSoul100, a list featuring extraordinary individuals who live life intentionally, create great social impact, and inspire others. Erin was also featured in Apple’s Behind the Mac campaign, which highlighted some of the most creative people in Brooklyn.

We love how Erin’s latest film, Year One, shows the significance of maternal mental health and motherhood. Having experienced postpartum depression herself, we’re grateful to have talked to her about her experience, have her answer our questions, and share her thoughts on this important topic. Click the play button above to listen to our interview with Erin and watch her touching documentary below.

Also, check out a list of Erin’s recommended resources for mothers here!

Related article: Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs): What Are They?

We hope you found this episode helpful. If you did and enjoyed it, please subscribe to our podcast, Chick Chat, and leave us an honest review. Links below!

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Nina Spears The Baby Chick®: Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Expert
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Nina is The Baby Chick® & Editor-in-Chief of Baby Chick®. She received her baby planning certification in early 2011 and began attending births that same year. Since then, Nina has received her birth doula and postpartum doula certifications from DONA International, her childbirth educator certification from ICEA, her Hynobabies Hypno-Doula certification, and her infant massage instructor certification from Loving Touch, among other certifications. Nina has used her knowledge and expertise to teach and support families during their pregnancies, at their births, and throughout their postpartum journeys for over a decade.

Early in her career, Nina acquired her nickname from one of her birth doula clients, who lovingly referred to her as “The Baby Chick.” The “chick” who knows all about babies.…

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