Ask Dr. Michelle

I collaborate with motherhood brand Totum Women to bring heartfelt and constructive advice to women as they navigate their new identity as a mom.

Totum, which means "whole" in Latin, is devoted to acknowledging the woman as she enters motherhood, whether for the first or fourteenth time. Totum's mission is for women to feel heard, supported and strong in the fullness of their fierce and beautiful identities.

COLLABORATIONS

I am available for brand partnerships and consultations, speaking engagements, articles and contributions related to motherhood specifically and psychology in general. Please be in touch with any inquiries.

Contact

The Latest From Ask Dr. Michelle

On Wednesday of each week, we accept questions related to motherhood via direct message on the @totumwomen instagram account. The following Monday I post my answers below and on the Totum blog. Please share your questions - we want to hear from you!

Featured

The Family Separation Crisis and What It Teaches Us About How To Respond To Our Own Children's Trauma

In recent weeks, the media has been inundated with disturbing pictures, videos, and audio recordings of distraught children and parents having been forcibly separated from one another.

Week Four: Answers to your Questions About Working From Home + Hysterectomies

"How does one navigate life being a stay at home mom and trying to pursue passion projects / working from home?" and "I'm 36 and about to have a hysterectomy. What can I expect as far as emotions and aftermath?"

Week Three: Answers to your Questions About Checking on Your Baby at Night

"I've been waking up in the middle of the night in a panic about the baby. I wake up and frantically search for her or jump out of bed "to catch her." I eventually realize that she is safe and sound in her crib in our room, but for a few seconds I am terrified. What causes this? How do I stop or ease it? Will it go away?"

Week Two: Answers to your Questions About Parenthood + Political Views

"Prior to having children, I was a Republican. Three children later, I find myself addicted to CNN and MSNBC, attending marches and wanting to have come-to-Jesus talks with friends who are Trump supporters. What caused the drastic political change?"

Week One: Answers to your Questions about Postpartum

Postpartum OCD (ppOCD) is an anxiety disorder characterized by intrusive, unwanted, and repetitive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions), which may or may not be accompanied by compulsive behaviors.

Good Enough

Becoming a mother was one of the first major lessons I received in acceptance, losing control, and appreciating the beauty of imperfection.