Premature Menopause, High-Risk Pregnancy, and Fighting Maternal Stigma: Paula’s Story

Send us Fan Mail When you’re a high-achieving attorney and licensed therapist, you think you’ve got the research and prep work handled. But as guest **Paula Yost** discovered, pregnancy and parenting don’t care about your schedules or degree titles. In this episode, Paula shares her journey through two high-risk pregnancies, a sudden bilateral cleft lip and palate diagnosis, premature menopause at 34, and a terrifying bout with severe preeclampsia that nearly took her life.  We’re talking about the subtle signs of preeclampsia, the intense mental toll of the NICU, and the overwhelming guilt birthing individuals carry when a pregnancy goes off-script.  If you’ve ever looked at your child and wondered, *"What did I do wrong?"*, this conversation’s for you. You didn't do anything wrong, mama. Let’s talk about it.   **Key Takeaways** - **Preeclampsia Awareness:** Preeclampsia’s the number one physical health threat for birthing individuals in the US, yet so many aren’t taught the subtle symptoms (like early swelling or sudden, sharp neurological pain). - **Releasing Maternal Guilt:** When medical complications or birth differences arise, birthing individuals almost always blame themselves. Realizing that conditions like preeclampsia or cleft palates aren’t "your fault" is the first step toward healing. - **The Power of Community:** Whether it’s a spouse who stays calm in a crisis, a friend who gets tested to donate specialized neonatal blood, or a compassionate doctor who speaks truth into your fear—your support network is your anchor. - **Advocating for Early Intervention:** Access to occupational therapy, speech therapy, and early childhood resources shouldn’t be dictated by your socio-economic status. Protecting our zero-to-five population needs to be a legislative priority. <!--THE END--> - **Website:** paulayost.com - **Instagram:** @paulayost\_author Support the show  *Special Thanks to* Steve Audy *for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection* Want to be a guest on Quiet Connection - Postpartum Mental Health? Send Chelsea a message on PodMatch