In this candid conversation on Empowering Postpartum with Jessi Sletten, licensed marriage and family therapist Matthew Magiapane opens up about his personal journey supporting his wife through postpartum depression after the birth of their first child. He provides an insightful partner's perspective, offering practical tips for showing up, validating feelings, nurturing communication, and turning toward each other during this challenging transition. Matthew and host Jessi Sletten, a postpartum empowerment coach, delve into the added complexities of navigating perinatal mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. They discuss the importance of building a support village, embracing imperfection in parenting, and recognizing small victories. Whether preparing for postpartum or currently experiencing it, this episode offers hope and guidance for partners on how to be a compassionate, supportive, and empowering presence.

Guest Info:

Matthew Mangiapane is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in New York. He has over 14 years’ experience helping families, couples and individuals uncover coping skills they already have to live the life they desire. He is also a devoted husband to his wife of five years and a father to two toddlers and two dogs.
Connect with Matthew:
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Website
Podcast: Chat About That With Matt (found on all podcasting platforms)

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Show Notes:

Introduction (0:00 - 2:14 )

• Jessi Sletten introduces herself and the show

  
  



• Introduces guest Matthew Magiapane, a licensed marriage and family therapist

  
  

Matthew's Background and Personal Experience (2:15 - 4:04 )

• Matthew shares about his work and experience with clients

  
  



• Discusses his own experience with his wife's postpartum depression after having their first child

  
  

The Challenges of Postpartum Depression During the Pandemic (4:05 - 9:54 )

• Matthew describes the added challenges of navigating postpartum depression during the COVID-19 pandemic

  
  



• Highlights the importance of taking breaks and coming back to difficult conversations

  
  



• Emphasizes open communication between partners

  
  

Supporting Your Partner Through Postpartum Depression (9:55 - 22:20 )

• Strategies for partners to show up and be supportive

  
  



• The importance of being seen, heard, and validated

  
  



• Building communication pathways and nourishing the relationship

  
  



• Recognizing signs that a partner may be struggling

  
  

Seeking Professional Help and Therapy (22:21 - 35:07 )

• Addressing the stigma around therapy

  
  



• Tips for finding the right therapist and building a comfortable therapeutic relationship

  
  



• Acknowledging that therapy may not be a perfect fit initially

  
  

Breastfeeding Challenges and Impact on Mental Health (35:08 - 45:35 )

• Matthew and Jessi share their experiences with breastfeeding difficulties

  
  



• How breastfeeding struggles can contribute to postpartum mental health issues

  
  



• The importance of validation and removing pressure around breastfeeding

  
  

Building a Support Village (45:36 - 49:40 )

• The partner can't be the only support system

  
  



• Identifying community resources and building a support network

  
  

Embracing Imperfection in Parenting (49:41 - 53:09 )

• Learning from mistakes and giving yourself grace

  
  



• Recognizing small achievements and steps forward