The perinatal period (from pregnancy up to 1 year postpartum) is one of the MOST vulnerable times in a woman’s life. Globally, 1 in 5 women will experience a mental health condition related to pregnancy or postpartum. That can seem scary—but the great news? YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
Hello! 👋🏻 I’m Amanda. I’m a birth trauma and IVF survivor (x2) and I was inspired to start my private peer support practice, Weeding the Garden, after suffering personal experiences of perinatal trauma that led to both physical and mental health complications.
100% VIRTUAL peer support—I can see you anywhere! In your car, at a park, or while you’re nap-trapped on the couch.
I specialize in birth trauma, lactation grief and trauma, and infertility-related trauma because I have LIVED experiences in those areas, but I can help support with any kind of mental health struggle you’re having!
I am certified (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International, the gold-standard in perinatal mental health
I am ALSO a Certified Lactation Specialist, and I understand the intersection of breastfeeding/pumping and its impact on mental health! I GET IT!
Follow me on Instagram and Facebook for evidence-based mental health guidance, relatable mom shenanigans, and links to incredible resources for parenting and mental health!
I regularly collaborates with Momentum Lactation, my family's private lactation practice, on mental health provider referrals, collaborative care, screening, and facilitating peer support events among the local postpartum community in the STL Metro area.
SPEAKING, TEACHING, AND MEDIA CREDITS:
(2026) From Trauma to Hope: Amanda Wilkinson’s Mission to Support Mothers Through Perinatal Mental Health Challenges | National Alliance on Mental Illness Southwestern Illinois
(2026) Fed with Joy: Education, Community, and the Breastfeeding Journey | Centering Joy in the Black Birthing Experience | The Doula Lab, Missouri PQC, and St. Louis Integrated Health Network | Edwardsville, IL
(2026) More than Milk: A Peer Support Specialist’s Approach to Breastfeeding Grief and Trauma | Missouri Hospital Association Maternal Infant Convening, Chesterfield, MO
(2025) Coping with Birth Trauma | Momentum Lactation, Edwardsville, IL
(2025) Inspiring Conversations with Amanda Wilkinson of Weeding the Garden: Peer Support & Coaching for Perinatal Mood Disorders | Voyage STL Magazine
(2025) A Model for Addressing Mental Health in Lactation Practice (co-presented with Momentum Lactation) | Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative Maternal & Infant Symposium, Blue Spring, MO
(2025) My Story of Birth Trauma in a Missouri Hospital | Missouri Perinatal Quality Collaborative Maternal & Infant Symposium, Blue Spring, MO
(2025) Let’s Talk About It: The Mental Load of Breastfeeding & Pumping | Navara: Real Support for Real Moms, Virtual
(2025) Talking Breastfeeding and Mental Health with Mother-Daughter Team Amanda Wilkinson, MFA, CLS, PMH-C and Alisa Williams, RN, MSN, IBCLC | Postpartum Support International Blog
(2025) The Intersection of Breastfeeding and Mental Health: Why Collaborative Care is the Way Forward (Poster Exhibition) | Postpartum Support International National Conference, New Orleans, LA
(2024) A Model for Addressing Mental Health in Lactation Practice | Illinois State Breastfeeding Task Force
(2024) Cultivating an Ecosystem of Maternal and Infant Care | Riverbend Wellness Festival, Alton, IL
