What is this?

When I became a parent I had no idea what I was doing. So, like any good academic, I turned to the science. As a clinical psychologist and researcher, I had made it my life’s mission to better understand and address the emotional and social difficulties of people living with a variety of mental health conditions. Now, it was time to use that expertise to help me learn all about what it’s like to be a parent.

Is baby brain real? Are parents happier than nonparents? Is breastfeeding related to better or worse mental health? And why do I have the urge to poop when I breastfeed?!

Becoming a parent changes you in so many ways. For me, it also opened the doors to an entirely new career. Alongside my job as a researcher, I’m now a therapist who specializes in helping parents adjust to their new normal.

This newsletter is my attempt to share what the science says about pregnancy, parenting, and everything in between. Honestly, I still don’t know much about being a parent. But trying to find answers to these questions helps me deal with my own struggles, and sharing what I find helps me feel less lonely on the journey. I hope it does the same for you, too.

About Me

I have a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, but I’m by no means a parenting or child behavioral expert. I’m just another parent learning things as I go. In my professional life I’m a Research Assistant Professor at Boston University and a private practice therapist. You can follow me on Bluesky. In my personal life I like to binge-watch too much TV, go on brunch-and-movie-dates, and bake. I live in Somerville, MA with my husband, cat, dog, and children.

Logos designed by North Light Works.