What happens when a perinatal psychologist — who supports women through fertility and birth trauma — becomes the patient herself?In this honest and heartfelt episode, I chat with Dr. Allison Altman, a Bay Area psychologist who specializes in women’s mental health and trauma, about her deeply personal journey through infertility, IVF, and an unexpectedly fast hospital birth. Allison opens up about the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy after infertility, how her professional training shaped her experience, and why advocacy and flexibility made all the difference.In this episode, you’ll learn:What it’s really like to go through IVF — and how uncertainty takes a toll on your mental healthHow anxiety can show up during pregnancy after infertility (and what helps)What an IUGR (intrauterine growth restriction) diagnosis means and how to navigate induction decisionsHow Allison balanced her birth preferences with hospital protocols — and why she said “no” to breaking her water earlyThe surprising speed of her labor (from 4 cm to baby in 20 minutes!) and how she processed it afterwardWhy setting up postpartum support before birth matters more than you thinkResources Mentioned:Dr. Allison Altman’s websiteThe Birth With Power Pathway — my online childbirth classOur Sponsors:* Check out Uncommon Goods at get 15% off! : https://uncommongoods.com/drnicoleAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
