“Then Comes Baby, Part One” – with Dr. Jessica Vernon
In a recent episode of the Healthful Woman podcast, “Then Comes Baby, Part One,” Dr. Nathan Fox discusses with Dr. Jessica Vernon, OB/GYN, her book “Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood,” and her advocacy for mental health care during pregnancy and postpartum.
About Dr. Jessica Vernon
Dr. Vernon is an OB/GYN who has practiced in Manhattan for over a decade. She grew up in Maryland, completed medical training in Texas and Maryland, and moved to New York City, where she has worked in both academic and private settings. She is also the mother of two daughters, and her own experience after childbirth has impacted her clinical focus.
Dr. Jessica Vernon’s Postpartum Mental Health Struggles
After the birth of her first child, Dr. Vernon developed mental health concerns. She shared, “I ended up with postpartum anxiety, depression, and OCD for almost two years before I even realized what was going on and got the help I needed, which kind of coincided with when the COVID pandemic was shutting down Manhattan. And so that stress, along with being a doctor in the hospital and worrying about my baby at home, just became overwhelming. I was like, “There’s something going on, and there’s something that I need to fix, and I didn’t quite know what it was.” Through receiving professional treatment and support, she learned how minimal attention was given to postpartum mental health in her medical training. This led her to adjust her care with those experiencing pregnancy, incorporating more support and screenings for patients.
Dr. Jessica Vernon’s Advocacy for Mental Health Pregnancy Care
Dr. Vernon has become an advocate for addressing mental health during pregnancy and postpartum. She trained with reproductive psychiatrists to manage moderate cases of anxiety and depression and worked to create more accessible therapy services for patients, including in-house counseling options. She also helped advance training initiatives so that OB/GYN residents learn to recognize and treat these concerns.
Dr. Jessica Vernon’s New Role at Oula
Dr. Vernon now practices at Oula, a New York City clinic that blends midwifery and OB/GYN care. Oula emphasizes a collaborative, holistic model, where Dr. Vernon is building mental health services. She shares, “I’m getting to build out mental health care there as well. And so I’m continuing the journey of being able to support more pregnant people and postpartum people during these difficult transitions in their lives.” The practice also utilizes technology to monitor both physical and emotional health, flagging concerns such as elevated blood pressure or severe mental health screening results so that providers can respond promptly. This approach allows patients to receive timely care and ongoing support throughout pregnancy and postpartum.
Dr. Jessica Vernon’s Experience Writing Then Comes Baby
Dr. Vernon had wanted to write a book for years and decided to move forward during her second pregnancy. She set a deadline to finish the book proposal before giving birth, which helped her commit to the project. With the guidance of book coaches and agents, she refined her manuscript and prepared to publish it. Dr. Vernon addresses both the physical and emotional aspects of pregnancy and postpartum.
Learn More
If you are interested in this podcast episode, listen to the full episode on the Healthful Woman podcast. For more information on mental health during pregnancy, read Dr. Jessica Vernon’s book, “Then Comes Baby: An Honest Conversation About Birth, Postpartum, and the Complex Transition to Parenthood.” For high-risk pregnancy care in New York, contact MFM Associates by completing our online contact form today.
Maternal Fetal Medicine blogs are intended for educational purposes only and do not replace certified professional care. Medical conditions vary and change frequently. Please ask your doctor any questions you may have regarding your condition to receive a proper diagnosis or risk analysis. Thank you!
