Episode - 19: Shattering the "Breast is Best" Myth: Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, and Advocating for Yourself

Are you a working woman navigating the complexities of motherhood, career transitions, and mental health challenges? Then this episode of the RAA Talks podcast is for you!

Join host Raihana as she engages in a candid and insightful conversation with experienced professional Anna Turnbull, who shares her personal journey through a challenging postpartum recovery

Join host Raihana as she engages in a candid and insightful conversation with experienced professional Anna Turnbull, who shares her personal journey through a challenging postpartum recovery, her mental health struggles with postpartum depression and anxiety, and her successful return to a fully remote job after a three- to four-year caregiving sabbatical.

What can you expect from this episode?

• An honest look at postpartum recovery and mental health: Anna discusses the physical pain of a significant tear and blood loss during her first delivery, needing a blood transfusion, and the emotional toll of postpartum depression and anxiety.
• A critical discussion on the "Baby First" narrative: Hear about the intense pressure Anna felt to breastfeed despite having a congenital breast deformity, and how the "breast is best" mandate in hospitals can be dehumanizing to women, sharing a powerful story about a breast cancer survivor being forced to prove she couldn't breastfeed.
• Strategies for framing a caregiving break on a résumé: Learn how Anna translated stay-at-home skills, such as time management, resource management, and supply chain logistics (managing diapers and snacks) into corporate lingo to make her return to work marketable.
• Insider tips for finding fully remote work: Anna details her rigorous job search, which involved submitting approximately 400 to 500 applications, and how she stayed motivated during the process, ultimately landing a job in edtech.
• A reminder about self-advocacy in healthcare and career: The episode emphasizes the need to advocate for oneself during postpartum care (Anna wished she had pushed back on being discharged before her son) and the importance of trusting your instincts regarding fertility treatments.

What can you gain from the episode?

• Inspiration to "shoot your shot": Learn the crucial job-seeking philosophy that a "no is not personal" and how applying for positions even if you don't meet 100% of the requirements can lead to success.
• Tools for resilience: Understand how to overcome the slump of hundreds of application rejections and how to bounce back even when faced with disappointment in your job search.
• Validation of diverse life paths: Anna stresses that every woman's journey is unique, whether they choose to have children or not, or if they choose to breastfeed or formula feed, reinforcing that your ability to take care of your child is paramount.
• The value of virtual connection: Anna shares how returning to fully remote work provides the intellectual and academic "stimulation" and adult interaction she missed while maintaining the flexibility necessary to be present for her family.
• A push toward self-worth: Gain insight into the bad habit of putting yourself last and the reminder that focusing on yourself is necessary for effective caregiving ("You can't pour from an empty cup").

This episode of RAA Talks offers a powerful blend of personal vulnerability and practical career advice, reminding listeners that there is no limit to what they can achieve.

Tune in to hear Anna's incredible story of shifting from full-time caregiving back to the professional world, securing a fully remote role as a Digital Communication Specialist, and learning to balance family needs with professional fulfillment.

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Follow host, Raihana on:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfaggarwal  Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rfaggarwal  Instagram: https://instagram.com/raacoaching YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@raacoaching   Visit me at: https://www.raacoaching.com/raihana

- Join Raihana's community for working mothers, Working Momma Sanctuary: https://www.raacoaching.com/community

- Join Raihana's community for working mothers as an expert: https://www.raacoaching.com/community-experts

About Anna Turnbull:

Anna Turnbull is an experienced professional driven by her passion for community engagement and project management. Her professional journey reflects her leadership in program development, education, and customer support, demonstrating her ability to inspire others. Anna has successfully developed and expanded volunteer programs, enhanced community outreach, and implemented inclusive, technology-driven curricula that nurture academic and personal growth. Her skill in managing multiple responsibilities with precision and empathy has flourished during her caregiving experience.

Based in Central New York, Anna finds joy and balance in the outdoors. She thrives in nature with her husband, two children, and their beloved dog, embracing the adventure of remote camping, hiking, snowshoeing, and boating. Her dedication to fostering connections, curiosity, and inclusivity extends beyond her professional life, making her a true community builder and an inspiring mother.

Dedicating the last four years to a caregiving sabbatical, Anna is ready to reenter the workforce. She is eager to find roles in project management or executive assistance, particularly in the nonprofit sector, where her commitment to meaningful work can create a lasting impact.

Connect with Anna: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annaturnbull15/