The Postpartum Edition

I’m back — with a baby and a board exam behind me

It’s been a few weeks since I’ve written to you, and a lot has happened.

As many of you know, it wasn’t guaranteed that I’d even be able to sit for my psychiatry board exam (the board exam I take after residency to become board-certified). The test was scheduled for the exact same day as my wife’s due date.

But our little guy decided to cut me some slack. I made it through the nine-hour board exam without any frantic phone calls or water breaking updates. In fact, he was so comfortable in there that he stayed put for another WEEK.

Leo Patrick Goodman was born on the night of September 14 — a healthy baby boy. My wife, Ari, was an absolute warrior through a prolonged and challenging labor. I’m in complete awe of her strength and resilience. Healthy Momma, healthy baby.. couldn’t ask for more.

Leo Patrick Goodman

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Postpartum Boot Camp

We spent a few days in the hospital, which felt like crash-course parenting school:

• How to breastfeed

• How to change a diaper

• How to swaddle

• How to put on a onesie (shockingly so hard)

• And maybe most important: how to stop checking every 3 seconds to make sure he’s still breathing

Since coming home, it’s been a blur. Good moments and tough ones. We’re slowly finding our rhythm, and now that Leo is giving us a few hours of sleep at a time (on a good day), I wanted to check in with you all — and say thank you. We’ve felt your encouragement, your positivity, and I’ve actually used a ton of the parenting tips you sent in.

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6 Lessons From My First Week as a Dad

1. If you’re changing a baby boy — be ready.
   You might need a pair of goggles or a hazmat suit. One minute you're wiping, the next you're under fire from a high velocity urine stream.

2. If your newborn is smiling… they’re probably pooping.

3. Babies can feel your stress.
   When we’re panicking, they know. We’re learning to slow down, breathe, and stay present.

4. Two steps forward, one step back.
   Celebrate the small wins. Hold onto the sweet moments. The hard ones pass.

5. Raising a newborn is the ultimate teamwork test.
   Ari and I supported each other through med school and residency, but this is next level. We’re learning to trade off, tag in, and lean on each other more than ever.

6. It’s okay to ask for help.
   Between the sleep deprivation and the constant giving, this stage is intense. I’ve cared for many patients going through postpartum anxiety and depression, and I now have an even deeper appreciation for how it develops. If you’re struggling, reach out — to a doctor, a therapist, a friend, or a family member. You don’t have to do this alone.

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Let’s Talk About Postpartum Mental Health

This is also a good moment to share something I want everyone to know:

👉 Perinatal or Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) affect 1 in 5 moms and 1 in 10 new dads.

These include postpartum depression, anxiety, PTSD, and in rare cases, postpartum psychosis.

It’s more common than most people think — and it’s treatable.

What’s the difference?

• Baby blues
  Happen in the first 2 weeks. VERY common. You might feel weepy, irritable, or overwhelmed — but it usually goes away on its own.

• Postpartum depression
  Lasts longer and hits harder. You might feel hopeless, disconnected from your baby, guilty, or numb. You might not enjoy anything, struggle to sleep or eat, or feel like you’re failing. This one doesn’t go away within a week or two and tends to get worse unless treated.

• Postpartum anxiety
  Constant worry. Racing thoughts. Trouble relaxing or sleeping, even when the baby’s asleep. You might feel like something bad is about to happen — even when everything seems fine.

• Postpartum psychosis
  Rare but serious. I’ve seen it a few times during my training. It can include confusion, hallucinations, paranoia, or thoughts of harming yourself or even your baby. This is a medical emergency — but with fast treatment, recovery is absolutely possible.

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If you’re in the thick of it, please know this: you’re not alone.
I’ve seen so many new parents experience these conditions and fully recover — therapy, medication, support groups — these things work. You don’t have to do this alone.

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Goodman Psychiatry Practice Update: I’m Accepting New Patients Again Soon

Many of you have reached out while I’ve been on leave, and I’m so grateful for your patience.

I’ll be accepting new patients in October.

If you're in California or Florida (or New York coming in the next few weeks), and looking for support — whether you're a healthcare worker, a new parent, or just someone working hard to keep it together — I'm here for you.

✅ You can set up a free 10 minute consultation call with me in the link below - and I’d love to see if I can help. And if you know someone experiencing depression, anxiety, PTSD, ADHD, burnout or any other mental health condition, please send them my way.

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Thanks for sticking with me during this beautiful chaos. I’ll be back in your inbox soon with more updates, more lessons, and probably more poop stories than you ever asked for.

Talk soon,
Dr. Jake & Leo

Source:

World Health Organization (Perinatal Mental Health)

Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The content is based on evidence-supported research and personal experience, and is not intended to replace professional medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider before beginning new treatments or making changes to your health routine. This newsletter does not establish a doctor–patient relationship. While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, I make no guarantees as to the completeness or accuracy of the information presented. Content is general in nature and may not apply to your specific situation. Please note, submitting the intake form for my practice does not guarantee a response from our office. Completion of this form does not establish a client–patient relationship. I will respond to all qualified inquiries as promptly as possible.