Dr. Amna Shabbir's Experience with Pregnancy, Postpartum Depression, and Self-Compassion as a Physician Mom
The Holistic Physician Coaching Podcast
In this episode of The Holistic Physician Coaching Podcast, Dr. Jessica Singh is joined by Dr. Amna Shabbir, MD, NBC-HWC, CPC, for a deeply moving conversation about pregnancy, postpartum depression, and her experience navigating motherhood within the demands of medicine. Dr. Shabbir is a TEDx Speaker, Top Podcast Host, and dual board-certified physician with advanced training in integrative well-being, performance, and leadership development. She speaks, coaches, and consults on perfectionism, sustainable success, and the well-being of high achievers.
Through the lens of motherhood, Dr. Shabbir reflects on the personal and professional experiences that have shaped her path from medicine to entrepreneurship. She speaks to the influence of cultural identity, high expectations, perfectionism, burnout, and adversity, and how those experiences informed not only the work she does now, but also the way she understands herself as a physician, mother, and leader.
She speaks candidly about postpartum depression, including the complexity of recognizing it, the weight of holding multiple identities, and the quiet ways physicians can struggle without naming what is happening.
With remarkable honesty, she explores the fear, shame, isolation, and inner pressure that can accompany suffering, especially in environments where strength and composure are often expected. She also shares what helped her move toward healing, including support, medication, self-awareness, and a growing relationship with self-compassion.
The conversation also explores the emotional and practical realities of returning to work after childbirth, the shifting priorities that come with motherhood, and the challenge of trying to honor both professional identity and personal well-being. Dr. Shabbir offers thoughtful reflections on judgment, compassion, asking for help, and redefining success in a season of life that can feel both meaningful and overwhelming. Her reflections offer reassurance not only to physician mothers, but also to anyone supporting them.
This episode is a powerful reflection on motherhood, medicine, healing, and what becomes possible when vulnerability is met with honesty, compassion, and support.
Timestamps:
0:00 - Introduction
2:14 - Dr. Shabbir Reflects on Her Journey From Medicine to Entrepreneurship Through the Lens of Motherhood
7:10 - Dr. Shabbir Reflects on Her Experience with Pregnancy, Postpartum Depression, and Healing
18:43 - Dr. Shabbir Reflects on Letting Go of Judgment and Choosing Compassion
24:04 - Dr. Shabbir Reflects on Returning to Work After Childbirth and Navigating Motherhood and Medicine
34:19 - Dr. Shabbir’s Advice and Takeaways on Navigating Motherhood and Medicine
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