Podcasts about postpartum ocd

This week on ShrinkChicks, Emmalee and Jen are so excited to sit down with Alegra Kastens, LMFT! Alegra is the founder of the Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders. She specializes both in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) AND has her own lived experience with OCD. Alegra gives us all a greater understanding of what OCD looks like and the different ways it can present. The episode begins with Alegra's story of her onset and journey with OCD. Alegra, Em, and Jen discuss intrusive thoughts and the shame that can arise from them, the difference between intrusive thoughts vs. ruminating vs. OCD, and some different types of OCD, including Relationship OCD, Postpartum OCD, and "Just Right" OCD. Alegra shares the definitions of ego-syntonic and ego-dystonic and which of the two OCD falls under. The episode ends with the things Alegra is calling BS on! Tune in to gain insight, awareness, and action! PS: There is no intro for today's episode - join us right away for the content. Alegra's Website Alegra's Podcast Find Alegra on IG @alegrakastens Get Matched With One of Our Therapists at The Therapy Group! ShrinkChicks on Instagram Our Know Yourself Grow Yourself Journal!! Check out ShrinkChicks on YouTube by subscribing here! https://youtube.com/channel/UCrxuhDqoL4ML3UE8b2J2BBg A special thank you to this week's sponsors for supporting ShrinkChicks! We have these exclusive offers for our listeners: Wildgrain: Get $30 off your first box - PLUS free croissants in every box - when you go to Wildgrain.com/SHRINKCHICKS to start your subscription or use code SHRINKCHICKS at checkout Prose: See the difference custom care can make with 50% off your first haircare subscription order at prose.com/shrinkchicks Ibotta: Ibotta is offering our listeners $5 just for trying it! Go to the App Store or Google Play store and download the FREE Ibotta app to start earning cash back and use code SHRINKCHICKS when you register Quince: Go to quince.com/shrinkchicks for free shipping and 365-day returns on your next order Shopify: Sign up for a one-dollar-per-month trial period at shopify.com/shrinkchicks Manscaped: Get 20% off + free shipping with the code shrinkchicks at manscaped.com Hiya: Receive 50% off your first order at hiyahealth.com/shrinkchicks Bilt: Earn points by paying rent right now when you go to joinbilt.com/shrinkchicks

In episode 469 I chat with Rachael who has kindly agreed to share her OCD story with us.  We discuss OCD themes including harm, postnatal fears of developing psychosis, existential, religious, and health anxiety. We talk about exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), learnings from ERP, how her partner helped, shame and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/rachael-469  The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Join many other listeners getting our weekly emails. Never miss a podcast episode or update: https://theocdstories.com/newsletter   Thanks to all our patrons for supporting our work. To sign up to our Patreon and to check out the benefits you'll receive as a Patron, visit: https://www.patreon.com/theocdstoriespodcast 

Parenting is hard enough without OCD steering the ship. In this video, Dr. Patrick McGrath dives into perinatal and postpartum OCD, breaking down what it is, who it affects (hint: it's not just moms), and how it can disrupt your life. From intrusive fears to compulsive behaviors, OCD has a way of turning the joys of parenthood into constant anxiety.But here's the good news: help is available. Dr. McGrath shares practical insights and offers a message of hope for parents navigating this tough journey. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by guilt, paralyzed by what-ifs, or just unsure of what's going on, this guide is here to remind you—you're not alone, and you can take back control.Are you a parent struggling with OCD? We think we can help. Visit https://learn.nocd.com/podcast to book a free consultation with us.Follow us on social media:https://www.instagram.com/treatmyocd/https://twitter.com/treatmyocdhttps://www.tiktok.com/@treatmyocd

OCD and intrusive thoughts impact many but are often misunderstood.  Kristina Orlova, LMFT, and host of “The OCD Whisperer Podcast,” shares her personal journey and evidence-based strategies to manage OCD effectively. From differentiating OCD from anxiety to practical tips for navigating intrusive thoughts, this episode is packed with insights to help you take control of your mental well-being.   WE TALK ABOUT:  05:00 - Kristina shares her personal journey with OCD 07:00 - The differences between generalized anxiety and OCD 13:00 - Understanding postpartum OCD 18:00 - Coping strategies for postpartum OCD 23:00 - Practical techniques to manage intrusive thoughts 27:00 - ERP (Exposure Response Prevention) and how it helps individuals confront and reduce their OCD symptoms 31:00 - How to address rumination and spiraling thoughts 39:00 - How to focus on “what is” rather than “what if” to stay present and grounded during stressful times 48:00 - Resources and support for OCD   SPONSORS:  Save big on BiOptimizers supplements, including my favorites—digestive enzymes, probiotics, and magnesium. Get free gifts for every purchase at the BiOptimizers Black Friday sale this November! Use code BIOHACKINGBRITTANY for the best discount offer!      RESOURCES: Optimize your preconception health by joining my Baby Steps Course today!   Optimize your preconception health and fertility through my free hormone balancing, fertility boosting chocolate recipe! Download it now! My Amazon storefront Kristina Orlova's website and Instagram International OCD Foundation's website LET'S CONNECT: Instagram, TikTok, Facebook Shop my favorite health products Listen on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube Music

In this episode of Therapy Cafe, Marjorie Morrison, LMFT, LPCC, co-founder of Psych Hub, speaks with Dr. Nicole Pacheco Tchalim, a reproductive psychiatrist at Columbia Psychiatry and Program Director at the Women's and Reproductive Mental Health (WARM) Fellowship Program, about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs). They discuss the prevalence of PMADs, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and psychosis, which affect one in five birthing individuals. Dr. Pacheco Challam explains the significant impact PMADs can have on individuals and families, the challenges in identifying and treating these disorders, and the importance of early intervention and tailored treatment approaches. They also explore the importance of comprehensive support systems, from lactation consultants to mental health support groups, and the evolving treatments available, including medication and psychotherapy. The episode aims to raise awareness and provide valuable resources for clinicians supporting individuals affected by PMADs. Learning objectives: 1. Define perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)  2. Explain the impact of PMADs on parents and children. 3. Assess challenges in treating PMADs If you'd like to obtain continuing education as a psychologist, counselor, social worker, or therapist you can purchase a one-year subscription to Psych Hub's training center. Once signed up, you'll have access to earn CEs for this and every Therapy Cafe episode, plus access to our existing library of over 120 evidence-based practice continuing education courses created by expert clinicians. Go to psychhub.com/signup for more information.  Follow Dr. Nicole Pacheco Tchalim: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicole-pacheco-tchalim-40671263/  Find Dr. Nicole Pacheco Tchalim at: https://psidirectory.com/listing/nicole-pacheco-md.html  To learn more about the Columbia WARM program visit: https://www.columbiadoctors.org/specialties/psychiatry-psychology/our-services/womens-and-reproductive-mental-health-warm-program   To learn more about Project Teach, visit: https://projectteachny.org/

Hello our anxious mom friends! Alyssa and Nikki sit down with Jess, the successful business owner of The Jess Press, to discuss her emotional journey through motherhood. Jess opens up about losing her mom to cancer just weeks before becoming a mom herself, her traumatic birth experience, and battling Postpartum OCD, a deeply stigmatized topic. Despite the hardships, Jess has healed through therapy and self-work, and she's now helping other moms feel less alone. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about resilience, motherhood, and finding light after loss. You can find Jess on her website at https://www.thejesspressshop.com & www.instagram.com/@thejesspress_ & www.instagram.com/@jesspressplaypod ** Sponsor Spotlight ** Hey Moms! We know life can get overwhelming, and sometimes the last thing you want to do is tackle the house cleaning. That's where The Cleaning Diva comes in! They're on a mission to help you live your best life with more free time and less stress. Imagine having extra hours in your day to focus on self-care, spending quality time with your kids, or even just relaxing—without the worry of a messy home. Cleaning Diva gives you that time back, taking the stress of cleaning off your plate, so you can focus on what really matters. They understand that your time is precious, and their team is dedicated to making sure you get more of it. Say goodbye to cleaning anxiety and hello to more peace of mind! Reach out to Cleaning Diva today and start reclaiming your time! You can find them at www.njcleaningdiva.com & www.instagram.com/ @njcleaningdiva THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR TUNING IN! If you don't already, give us a follow on IG at www.instrgram.com/@mindovermom to stay up to date on all things Mind Over Mom! We'll chat again next week!

Feeling like you constantly need to check on your baby? Having scary thoughts that make you anxious? You are not alone. In this episode, we explore postpartum OCD and anxiety, shedding light on these common yet misunderstood struggles for new moms. Join Arielle as she shares her personal experience with postpartum OCD and anxiety. This episode is for any new mom who feels overwhelmed, anxious, or has intrusive thoughts about herself or her baby. It's time to break the silence and find support. Take Action: Visit ariellewozniak.com and schedule a free consultation to discuss your specific needs. Share this episode with a friend who might be struggling. Leave a review and let us know what you thought! Disclaimer: This episode is for informational purposes only and should not be a substitute for professional medical advice.

Working to feel ready to allow others to help care for your baby can be hard for any new parent. And, if you have any Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum OCD, this can be a huge challenge! In this episode, I talk about what this can look like, ways we can work our way up to feeling confident accepting help in caring for our baby, and a bit of my own experience to normalize the struggle.    Check out these links for my other relevant offerings! My Therapy Website Where you can find my therapy services as well as services from others in my practice! My Ground & Grow Website Where you can find all the additional good stuff: my workbooks and worksheets, online yoga classes, and other offerings. Minnesota Attachment Collective Instagram My Own Professional Instagram

In this episode, Carrie interviews Sarah Brown about her experience with postpartum OCD. Sarah shares her struggles with intrusive thoughts and compulsions after childbirth and how she found ways to cope and heal.How Sarah identified early symptoms of OCD throughout her life, even as a child.Sarah's initial experiences with therapy and the challenges of finding appropriate treatment.The impact of postpartum OCD on daily life and motherhood.Practical advice for family members on how to support someone dealing with OCD, including managing reassurance-seeking behaviors.Practical advice for new mothers who may be experiencing similar challenges.Subscribe to our newsletter: https://hopeforanxietyandocd.com/free Explore our courses: https://hopeforanxietyandocd.podia.com/Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hopeforanxietyandocdpodcast and like our Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/hopeforanxietyandocd for the latest updates and sneak peeks.

Hello Mamas, welcome back to The Night Feed. Tonight I'm talking about Postpartum OCD and the debilitating impact it can have on new mamas. I'm also sharing some questions from new mums with answers from experienced mums. If you enjoyed the episode, be sure to leave me a review and hit subscribe. As always, if you have anything to share or ask, please email thenightfeedpodcast@gmail.com. Goodnight!

Join our Patreon Community!https://www.patreon.com/badassbreastfeedingpodcastToday on the Badass Breastfeeding Podcast, Dianne and Abby are discussing postpartum mood disorders.  Postpartum mood disorders are really common, but it is not talked about enough.  Let's change that! Listen today to learn more about postpartum mood disorders and learn if you are at risk. If you are a new listener, we would love to hear from you.  Please consider leaving us a review on iTunes or sending us an email with your suggestions and comments to badassbreastfeedingpodcast@gmail.com.  You can also add your email to our list and have episodes sent right to your inbox!Things we talked about:How common are postpartum mood disorders? [5:05]Risk factors [7:48]Traumatic birth = higher risk [11:15]Post partum mood disorders are a spectrum [12:00]We are seeing more anxiety than depression [16:26]The Edinburgh for depression [23:10]Postpartum OCD [24:07]Bipolar [24:26]Psychosis [25:07]Partners [29:11]What can you do to help [29:51]Problems with breastfeeding [34:35] Today's episode is brought to you by Milk and Honey Jewelry!  Milk and Honey is a keepsake jewelry company specializing in heirloom-quality jewelry made with your own breast milk. Head to milkandhoney.jewelry and use code BADASS for 20% off your order!  Links to information we discussed or episodes you should check out!https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/post-weaning-depression/https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/episode/how-birth-impacts-breastfeeding/ Set up your consultation with Diannehttps://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.com/consultations/      Check out Dianne's blog here:https://diannecassidyconsulting.com/milklytheblog/Follow our Podcast:https://badassbreastfeedingpodcast.comHere is how you can connect with Dianne and Abby:AbbyTheuring ,https://www.thebadassbreastfeeder.comDianne Cassidy @diannecassidyibclc,  http://www.diannecassidyconsulting.com  Music we use:Music: "Levels of Greatness" from "We Used to Paint Stars in the Sky (2012)" courtesy of Scott Holmes at freemusicarchive.org/music/Scott Holmes

Through the sharing of our stories, we educate ourselves and others about perinatal mental health challenges, and we normalize the fact that we should not feel shame for needing professional help and support. For so many people, shame over what they are experiencing keeps them from admitting the truth of their struggles and reaching out for help and support. We want to change that scenario! Join us for a candid conversation with today's guest.  Dr. Ellen Chance is a counselor educator and the founder of Whole Counseling and Wellness, a mental health private practice based in Florida. Her practice specializes in women's and maternal mental health and support through all stages of motherhood, from trying to conceive to beyond the empty nest. Dr. Chance has advanced training in perinatal mental health and is passionate about empowering women and mothers to prioritize their whole wellness, and she works from the belief that all individuals deserve to feel whole: complete, fulfilled, grounded, and connected. Her motivation to serve the perinatal population came from her lived experience with postpartum anxiety and OCD and the shame that kept her from getting the help she needed and deserved.  Show Highlights: Shame drives and perpetuates the symptoms of anxiety and OCD. Ellen's story of fear and worry dominating her emotions during pregnancy–and dealing with breastfeeding struggles with her newborn Ellen's experience with concealing how she felt and where her thoughts were going OCD, for Ellen, manifested itself through excessive worry and prevention of every bad thing that could possibly happen to her child—and the shame she felt as a trained mental health professional who could not admit that she needed help Ellen's fears of opening up, being judged for her compulsive behavior, and burdening someone else with her mental health struggle Is it still intrusive thoughts if they aren't about harming myself or my baby? Steps that helped Ellen “clear the fog” and start to be herself again Being open, transparent, and vulnerable about postpartum OCD didn't happen until Ellen volunteered with PSI and started leading support groups. Things that were helpful to Ellen on her healing journey Resources: Connect with Dr. Ellen Chance and Whole Counseling and Wellness: Website, Instagram (Ellen), Instagram (counseling practice), and Facebook Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!  Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Att livet förändras när en blir förälder vet väl alla, men i det här avsnittet pratar Smeity om hur hon efter att ha blivit mamma, lever med tvångsmässiga tankar som hon kämpar för att inte begränsa sig av. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/mellanoss/message

In this episode, I'm joined by Hannah, OCD warrior and advocate as well as mom to 3 kids. We talk about her OCD symptoms that started after her third child that involved harm intrusive thoughts, difficulty trusting herself, and more. We also discuss ... Her experience with exposure and response prevention (ERP) How she has made ERP a lifestyle as a stay at home mom with 3 kids Her advice and words of hope for others

In this episode, I'm joined by Molly Vasa Bertolucci, a licensed clinical social worker who has also experienced postpartum OCD. We discuss.. - what OCD felt like for her during her postpartum experience - the ways in which birth trauma and minimizing of symptoms impacted her OCD and anxiety - how to differentiate "normal parenting worries" from OCD obsessions and compulsions

In this episode, I'm joined by Torey, an OCD advocate and mom who overcame postpartum OCD - not once but twice. We discuss.. - Her first experience with postpartum OCD, harm intrusive thoughts, and eventually going to an emergency psychiatric unit - Her decision to have another baby 9 years later - Her experience with postpartum intrusive thoughts again with baby #2 and how self-help and basic online support helped her through

My guest today helps us understand reproductive trauma, what it looks like, and how to recognize it. She explains the difference between trauma and PTSD, how these conditions can show up in the reproductive period, and how they can impact individuals, partnerships, and families. Most importantly, her message is one of hope because there are proven ways to heal from reproductive trauma, and that's the overriding theme of today's episode. Join us to learn more! Bethany Warren is a psychotherapist in private practice in San Diego who has worked in reproductive mental health for 25 years. She has authored The Pregnancy and Postpartum Mood Workbook and Healing from Reproductive Trauma. She is certified in EMDR therapy and perinatal mental health, specializing in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, birth and reproductive trauma, pregnancy loss, and infertility. She's also an EMDRIA-approved consultant and facilitates EMDR training. She is a current member and previously served as the President of the Board of the Postpartum Health Alliance. Beth joined us for three previous episodes: 15-Postpartum OCD, 107-EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health, and 216-Understanding Attachment and Bonding. Visit our podcast archives to find these episodes.  Show Highlights: Understanding trauma vs. PTSD How psychological and trauma-related words are often overused and misused in pop culture What PTSD might look like How people can experience trauma in the perinatal journey Why we need to recognize and validate ALL reproductive trauma—not just birth trauma Thoughts on triggers—and why some people are triggered by the word “trigger” How to be mindful of social media posts and the tendency to dissociate How partners can also experience reproductive trauma and shouldn't be overlooked How reproductive trauma impacts people through grief and loss How to begin the healing journey with treatment, therapy, new skills, and support groups Resources: Connect with Beth: Website and Instagram Visit our Mom & Mind podcast archives to find other episodes with Beth: 15-Postpartum OCD, 107-EMDR for Perinatal Mental Health, and 216-Understanding Attachment and Bonding.  Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!  Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, I am joined by one of my best friends whom I met through our postpartum experience. We have a candid conversation about Postpartum OCD and how not to lose yourself in unrelenting hamster wheel that is parenthood!

Hi guys! I hope you all are having a nice summer at home. As always, I wanted to be open with you about some of the things that I have been struggling with postpartum this time around. I am so grateful that I have this safe space to share about my life and hope that I can help someone with this episode.   How I was diagnosed with Postpartum OCD + Anxiety I talk about some of my triggers and how I have experienced "impending doom" and ruminating thoughts How my hypochondria has sky rocketed this time around and how I am overcoming it How I found a therapist that I LOVE How you're not crazy, it's the hormones   Some things that have helped me: This podcast + this Instagram account has thoroughly helped me with this journey https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-the-hard-things/id1526993843   This episode specifically: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/all-the-hard-things/id1526993843?i=1000577362483 

The third topic we discuss during Maternal Mental health month is postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD. This disorder includes obsessing about the baby's safety as well as having a compulsive need to double-check safeguards or seek reassurance about the baby's health and safety.Sarah and Whitney break down what postpartum OCD is, risk factors, real life examples, and treatment options. Please help us to continue to fight for moms mental health by downloading and sharing!Follow Previa Alliance!Previa Alliance (@previa.alliance) • Instagram photos and videosPrevia Alliance Podcast (@previapodcast) • Instagram photos and videosKeep the questions coming by sending them to info@previaalliance.com or DM us on Instagram!

Jenna Overbaugh, LPC joins me to discuss all things OCD. She shares her personal experience with postpartum OCD along with her wealth of knowledge as a licensed therapist working with people who have OCD & Anxiety for 15 years. This episode is your guide to better understanding the inner process of OCD and how to get support. In this episode you'll hear:- Similarities and differences between anxiety and OCD- Jenna's experience with PP OCD- Postpartum OCD vs. intrusive thoughts- Mental v. Physical compulsions - Evidence-based treatments for OCD - Why is talk therapy harmful for OCD?Find Jenna on Instagram @jenna.overbaughFind Jenna's website here. Guest Bio:Jenna Overbaugh is a licensed professional counselor based in Wisconsin and has been working with people who have OCD and anxiety since 2008. Previously, she worked at world renowned facilities including Johns Hopkins Hospital and Rogers Memorial Hospital, where she treated some of the most debilitating cases of OCD and anxiety in the world.  She has contributed to several peer reviewed literature articles as well as spoken at national conferences on OCD, anxiety, hoarding, and related issues.  She's also mom to a 5 year old and has lived experience with postpartum OCD, anxiety, and depression.  

Welcoming a new baby into the family is a joy-filled event. However, human brains can pose challenges. You already know about postpartum depression. In this podcast episode you will learn about postpartum OCD. My guest, Jenna Overbaugh, is a licensed professional counselor and NOCD therapist. Jenna shares her own experience with postpartum OCD and demystifies this taboo condition. Do you know someone who might be struggling with postpartum OCD? Here are some helpful resources.Contact NOCD to speak with a therapist who treats OCD--and postpartum OCD-- with the evidence-based clinical intervention ERP. Click here to learn more about ERP.Listen to Jenna's podcast All The Hard Things. Join Jenna's Facebook mom's support group Lake Country Moms of Wisconsin.

Postpartum OCD can be a scary thing, especially when it's a certain type of illness called Harm OCD where you have intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or others (your baby). This topic is not one that is well publicized because of the shame and guild its sufferers feel, leading them not to talk about it. Harm OCD does not just affect moms in Postpartum. It can come at any point in a person's life. I'm thankful to Dr. Shahana Alibhai, licensed physician and keynote speaker, for joining me to discuss this delicate topic.

On this week's episode of Purely OCD, Lauren and Kelley explore harm obsessions in this multiple part series. In part 1 of the series, the two identify intrusive thoughts that commonly present for those living with this particular sub-type of OCD. First they explain what harm OCD is and how harm obsessions can be categorized through violent intrusive thoughts, moral OCD, Postpartum OCD, contamination OCD and many others. Next they dive deeper into “traditional harm” obsessions and triggers. Lastly, they briefly touch on intrusive images, sensations and “urges” that often times come up with this subtype.

**Trigger Warning** In this episode we discuss topics including sexual abuse, eating disorders and miscarriage In our second episode of Motherhood Confessions we're anonymously interviewing a beautiful Mother and listener who has shared her personal and honest experience of parenting with us. This week's Mum tells us she experienced a challenging pregnancy which included being diagnosed with HG. After the birth of her daughter she was diagnosed with postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, with compulsions centering around sexual abuse. The HG diagnosis was so severe that she was required to go to hospital each morning for a scan to check that bub was ok due to lack of nutrients being delivered to the baby. After what was a slightly traumatic birth this Mum took her baby daughter home and started having intrusive thoughts around sexual abuse that quickly became obsessive. She was eventually able to seek help and was put on mental health watch for postpartum OCD. Four years on she is now a career woman, an amazing Mother to her daughter, and has paid some of her friends to remind her to never fall pregnant again! If you have a story you'd like to tell anonymously, we'd love to hear from you. Send us a message on instagram @babybrain.podcast or via email babybrainpodcast@gmail.com we will keep all of your details completely anonymous and confidential. If you want to keep up to date with all things Baby Brain, make sure to follow us on socials: Instagram: @babybrain.podcast Tiktok: @babybrainpodcast Facebook: Baby Brain PodcastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Rebecca, a perinatal mental health advocate, joins me to share her story of Tokophobia and Postpartum OCD. We discuss postpartum mental health, inpatient treatment, and the shortcomings of current care models in both Australia and the U.S. You can find Rebecca on Instagram at @perinatalstoriesaustraliaIf you or someone you know needs support in pregnancy or postpartum, please reach out to Postpartum Support International's Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (4PPD)If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of postpartum psychosis, this is an emergency. Please take them to the ER immediately or call 911. For more birth trauma content and a community full of love and support, head to my Instagram at @birthtrauma_mama.Learn more about the support and services I offer through The Birth Trauma Mama Therapy & Support Services.

In this episode we are shedding light on the often misdiagnosed experience of Postpartum OCD. I invited Licensed Therapist Jenna Overbaugh to share her professional (and personal!) experience with postpartum OCD. Together we open the door to the internal experience of living with OCD and discuss the symptoms, impact, treatment and how to get the support you need from your healthcare team. Jenna doesn't hold back and you'll leave this episode informed and feeling less alone. Connect with Jenna: @jenna.overbaugh on Instagram All The Hard Things Podcast Resources mentioned in the episode: IOCDF.org (International OCD Foundation)Postpartum.net (Postpartum Support international)Treatmyocd.com (evidence based treatment in and out of the US) This episode is brought to you by Cozy Earth. Visit https://cozyearth.com/ and use code DRCASSIDY35 for 35% off your order sitewide. I have their joggers and pull-over crew in Ivory! To connect with Dr. Cassidy or learn more about her private practice, visit www.drcassidymft.com.

Trigger warning: In today's episode we talk about Postpartum OCD. If you are struggling with postpartum, please speak to your doctor asap. Today I am chatting with Rachel. Rachel was always the party girl before she had kids. After becoming a mom, though, her relationship with alcohol grew darker. She leaned heavily on alcohol to cope with postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts… but it did the opposite of helping. About 5 months ago, Rachel hit her rock bottom.  After a long night of drinking she got sick in front of her daughters. The fear and worry in their eyes served as a major wake up call: She never wanted her girls to remember her like this. She had to be done. Since getting sober, Rachel has been able to find healthier ways to deal with the issues in her life. And just as importantly - she feels good about the example she is setting for her girls.We now have a Patreon! Please consider supporting the show by becoming a patron. Learn more here: http://patreon.com/user?u=84021397Join The Sober Mom Life FB group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1542852942745657 We have merch!!!!  Check it out here! Click here to follow The Sober Mom Life on Instagram Love this show? Let me know by rating and reviewing the show on Apple Podcasts! Check out our sister podcast, Brand New Information!

In this episode, I talked with Lauren, a mom who has been struggling with OCD since she was a young child. She recently had an increase in OCD symptoms when she had her first baby. We discuss.. - her symptoms of postpartum OCD as well as false memory OCD - her difficulty finding a therapist who can treat OCD and how she worked on helping herself with tools online - her advice to new moms and anyone out there struggling with unwanted, intrusive thoughts This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation. Head to my website at www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com to sign up for my free e-mail newsletter and grab your free "Imagine Your Recovered Life" PDF. Course and more coming soon.

*CONTENT WARNING* : This episode includes discussions of Perinatal Anxiety and Mood Disorders, including scary  intrusive thoughts and thoughts of suicide.Jenn and her husband were married in 2018, and knew they wanted to start a family soon after. In 2020, they became pregnant and were very excited to embark on this journey of parenthood together! While going through a pretty easy pregnancy, they found out the baby was breech at their 20 week anatomy scan, but they weren't too worried as they still had 20 weeks to go. As time went on, baby never flipped and they believed it was due to baby's large head. Although Jenn was really hoping for that “ah-hah!” moment and scheduled a c-section, she did get her “ah-hah” moment when she believed what to be her water broke at 38+5 weeks. Her and her husband drove 45 minutes to the hospital to learn it was not her water, or urine, and still do not know what it was to this day! They drove 45 minutes home and as she got out of her husbands truck, her water truly broke. They drove 45 minutes back and were ready to meet their baby boy! Jenn and her husband welcomed their son, Noah, and everything was going well.  As she was praying over her son later that day, she started experiencing very scary and unwanted intrusive thoughts. Jenn had never heard of intrusive thoughts before and had no idea how to cope with them. After being home with her son and experiencing more intrusive thoughts,  Jenn thought she was experiencing postpartum psychosis and started to thinking of ways to end her life to protect her son. She finally decided to share her visions with her husband. She went to her doctor and was put on medication that helped drastically. Once she researched intrusive thoughts and was diagnosed with Postpartum OCD, things made sense and she was able to bond with her son.These days Jenn is doing much better and managing her Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through therapy and medication. She is very passionate about helping other parents through the postpartum period and is the State Lead Coordinator with Postpartum Support International. You can connect with Jenn Holmes by email at psijenn@yahoo.com or follow her on Instagram @JennnholmesCheck out Postpartum Support International at www.postpartum.net for resources. Visit our website and blog: www.goldenhourbirthpodcast.comFollow us on Instagram here and hereFollow us on Facebook here.Intro Song by Carpathians (Donny Rodgers): https://carpathians.bandcamp.com/track/lavamanIf you are feeling anxiety or depression, please seek professional help.

In this week's episode, women's health expert and pelvic floor physical therapist Dr. Marcy Crouch along with motherhood wellness expert Alyson Hempsey sit down with Dr. Mia Nuñez, a licensed clinical psychologist and leading expert when it comes to complex Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).Currently, Dr. Nuñez works as the West Regional Clinical Director at NOCD, the #1 telehealth provider for the treatment of  OCD, where she closely helps to develop clinicians who can deliver exceptional ERP treatment and outcomes, while also providing an excellent customer experience for @treatmyocd members. OCD is one of the most severe, prevalent, and misunderstood mental health conditions.Basically, Dr. Nuñez knows her stuff… and guess what? Even though she is an expert when it comes to OCD and has spent years treating patients with this disorder, even she suffered from postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts. It happens to everyone, Mama.Dr. Nuñez is here to share with us the difference between postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts, what's considered normal, and when it's time to speak to a professional. Selected Links From the Episode:Learn more about postpartum intrusive thoughts and anxiety in our episode, No That Knife Isn't Going to Fly Off the Counter and Hurt Your Baby. Our Sponsors and Affiliates:Shop Shine Cosmetics and save 10% off your order with the code NMLB.Check out Mixhers -All-natural remedies made by women for women to help with periods, libido, PMS, anxiousness, sleep, & more. Use code NMLB10 at checkout!SRC Health: Medical compression wear for every stage of a woman's journey. Use code NMLB at checkout for 10% off.Use code NMLB for 15% off our favorite lubricant, Coconu!Need more support, Mama?- Use code "NMLB" for $5 off Alyson's SOULtime guide here- Sign up for early access to Dr. Marcy's Birth Prep and Postpartum coursesConnect With Us:We love to hear from you! Share your birth and postpartum stories or just say hi!Support the Show | Website | Send us an Email | Instagram | Subscribe  WE'RE DOING A GIVEAWAY!Steps to enter:1. Leave us a review on Apple Podcasts! That's it!2. Listen to see if you have won.  ***One winner announced each month!***WHAT YOU GET IF YOU WIN1. Dr. Marcy's Postpartum and Delivery Prep Courses2. Alyson's e-book, "SOULtime: A Guide on Reclaiming Your Identity in MotherhoodSupport the show

Your host, Nicole Morris, LMFT and Mental Health Correspondent, is joined by Jenna Overbaugh, LPC. Jenna is the Clinical Marketing Director for NOCD and a licensed therapist who specializes in OCD treatment using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Join the conversation as Jenna courageously shares about her journey with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, as well as tips and resources for you and your loved ones.

Check out my Coping Skills and Self Care course: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/coping-skills-and-self-care-for-mental-health Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/store The number one most common complication after giving birth is postpartum anxiety- but almost no one is talking about it. It's more common than infection, hemorrhage, or postpartum depression, but no one mentions it. But postpartum anxiety is super duper common. About 1 in 5 women experience heightened anxiety to the point of distress post partum. And it can make a new mom feel like her world is falling apart. But PPA is not your fault and it is treatable, so let's talk about it and what we can do about it. One study showed that at least 18% of women experienced postpartum anxiety, it's probably much higher because it's underreported. And of the women with anxiety, 35% of them had postpartum depression as well. So let's help people learn the signs of Postpartum Anxiety so they know to get the support they need. Signs and Symptoms Constant worry or dread- Worry about the baby's safety, health and development Feeling on edge, like something is about to go wrong Excessive worry about your ability to handle being a parent. Irritability Sleep disruption- you can't sleep because you're worried (not just because that little munchkin wants a snack every 45 minutes) Racing thoughts Intrusive thoughts-like that you might harm a baby Physical symptoms like: feeling shaky, trembly, jittery, stomach aches, headaches, sweating, short breathing, etc. It usually occurs within the first couple weeks after birth, but can be triggered much later, even when you wean the baby. Some women experience symptoms of panic attacks or OCD Over 50 percent of new parents have recurrent intrusive thoughts of them harming the baby, like “What if I drop the baby?” so this is pretty normal, but for some people this leads to Postpartum OCD when obsessive thoughts become compulsive and overpowering. Compulsions are actions that are repeated to stop the anxiety and include frequent checking, cleaning or ordering things. Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com?utm_medium=YTDescription&utm_source=YouTube Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction. And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services. Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Hi Friends! Today I chatted with Leah DeRose, M.S., LMFT, she is a local SLO County therapist and works with individuals who are experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders. Here is her bio: Leah DeRose, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with over 12 years of experience as a therapist. Leah owns a psychotherapy group practice in San Luis Obispo with several skilled therapists with multiple specialties. Leah is a mother to three girls, two of which who are in college and the last one starting middle school this year. Leah was a teen mom and understands the struggles of being a new mom while experiencing stress and mental health symptoms. She is passionate about educating and supporting mothers/birthing individuals who may be struggling with their mental health or just need support through this new chapter as a parent. I hope you enjoy this very informative episode! If you would like to reach out to Leah and her group you can find them at: website- www.derosetherapygroup.com Instagram- @derosetherapygroup email-leahderose@derosetherapygroup.com As always reach out to us at talkbirthypodcast@gmail.com or on IG at @slobirthcollective or Aryel at @centralcoastlactation or Brittany @beyondthebumpcoaching --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/slobirthcollective/support

The links between OCD and Anxiety are fascinating and OCD Therapist Jenna Overbaugh chats with me about Postpartum OCD, the fears we often have as women and as mothers as well as touching on some of the darker thoughts that may scare us. More about Jenna: Jenna Overbaugh has been a licensed therapist since 2014, with many years of experience at an OCD residential unit at Rogers Memorial Hospital where she saw some of the most debilitating cases of OCD. She learned about Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the most effective form of OCD treatment, in college and decided to focus on ERP in both undergrad and grad school. It's her intent to help people with OCD get through their challenges  and show patients how to manage OCD on your own with confidence. Do you feel like you could benefit from a call with Jenna and her team to learn more about OCD, obsessive thoughts and behaviors? Check out her website: https://www.treatmyocd.com/ Be sure to subscribe to the podcast by clicking here. Liked what you heard? Take a moment and share it with your friends on social media and be sure to tag @itskaseypotts. Why don't you give me a follow over there while you're at it too. Want to learn more about Kasey Potts? Check out www.kaseypotts.com --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/kaseyskorner/support

Welcome to the SYNC Your Life podcast episode #59! On this podcast, we will be diving into all things women's hormones to help you learn how to live in alignment with your female physiology. Too many women are living with their check engine lights flashing. You know you feel "off" but no matter what you do, you can't seem to have the energy, or lose the weight, or feel your best. This podcast exists to shed light on the important topic of healthy hormones and cycle syncing, to help you gain maximum energy in your life.  In today's episode, I'm interviewing Dr. Shahana Alibhai about all mental health and self awareness. Dr. Shahana Alibhai is a professional Speaker, Family Physician and Mental Health Expert. She has worked with a multitude of national organizations including the University of British Columbia, Scotiabank and Remax to help the audience gain more clarity into their mental health. As a lead physician at one of British Columbia's largest youth health centres, much of Dr. Shahana's career is focused on those struggling with mental health. Her insights are highly sought after, as she's been featured in multiple major media including CTV and Global. She is best known for her “Emotional Literacy for Better Mental Health” TEDx talk and as a panelist at International Women's Day. She has served on the UBC Faculty of Medicine Residency training program and is currently a National accreditor for the College of Canadian Family Physicians. Dr. Shahana is passionate about shaping policy around child and youth mental health by bridging the gap between health-care and social-emotional education. Dr. Shahana is a master at blending her personal story of postpartum anxiety and the resulting shame, denial and mental health challenges with her professional background in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness meditation. Her candour, humour and refreshing honesty will shine light on a topic that is too often stigmatized and inspire authentic dialogue to keep the conversation moving forward. In this episode, Dr. Shahana shares her own journey with postpartum OCD and what the signs of postpartum OCD look like in mothers. She also shares her perspective on youth mental health in today's post-COVID world.  On the show, Dr. Shahana references three supplements: Omega 3 fatty acids, L-theanine, and magnesium biglycenate. As always, be sure to check with your doctor when starting any supplementation. We also reference Carol Dweck's book, "Mindset." To find Dr. Shahana, you can visit her website at drshahana.com or find her on LinkedIN @thedrshahana. Her Instagram is https://www.instagram.com/thedrshahana/. You can email her at info@drshahana.com. You can watch her TEDTalk here. If you feel like something is "off" with your hormones, check out the FREE hormone imbalance quiz at sync.jennyswisher.com.  To learn more about the SYNC Digital Course, check out jennyswisher.com.  Let's be friends outside of the podcast! Send me a message or schedule a call so I can get to know you better. You can reach out at https://jennyswisher.com/contact-2/. Enjoy the show! Episode Webpage: jennyswisher.com/podcast 

Traumatic delivery, genetic predisposition, trusting yourself. Discover the risk factors of OCD and how to better advocate for your mental health. Celeste presents some definitions and symptoms of OCD, and shares her own personal experience with healing. Licensed Therapist, Jenna Overbaugh, speaks to the moment she knew she had postpartum OCD, the benefits of exposure and response therapy (ERP), and signs to identify OCD in children. SHOW NOTES: Jenna Overbaugh IG Jenna Overbaugh Website ‘All The Hard Things' Podcast Celeste Busa IG Dave Hill IG THE SHOW: Please rate and review the show on iTunes. It helps the show grow and be discovered. Follow WEEK BY WEEK on Instagram, @weekbyweekpodcast Check out our playlist on YouTube Browse our blog at weekbyweekpodcast.com You can contact us at WeekByWeekShow@gmail.com © 2022 Gumption Pictures

In this episode, I meet with Jenn Holmes, a mom who struggled with anxiety that turned into intrusive, unwanted thoughts once she had her baby. In this episode, we discuss... - her experience with anxiety in general - how her intrusive thoughts started during the first few days of being a mom - her difficulty finding the right support and mental health treatment - the importance of learning about postpartum OCD as a new mom and parent This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation. To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to NOCD.com, IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com, or nami.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

Studies suggest almost ALL women experience distressing, unwanted intrusive thoughts during the postpartum period. Listen in as psychiatrist, Dr. Jennifer Reid, discusses these common but frightening events with OCD therapist, Jenna Overbaugh, LPC.  Topics we Discuss:*What difficulties did Jenna experience during her own postpartum period?*How common are intrusive thoughts in the postpartum?*What places women at risk of postpartum OCD?*How do we find support if we are experiencing these thoughts?Jenna Overbaugh is a licensed professional counselor who has been working with those who have OCD, anxiety, and related conditions since 2008. Her experience includes work at all levels of care including residential, where she worked with some of the most debilitating cases in the world. She is the Clinical Marketing Director at NOCD, a teletherapy platform providing services to those who have OCD, and also has her own podcast called “All The Hard Things”. She struggled additionally with her own postpartum OCD, anxiety, and depression after having her son back in 2018. Jenna Overbaugh on Instagram: @Jenna.OverbaughJennifer Reid, MD on Instagram: @TheReflectiveDocReferences from Episode:International OCD Foundation NOCD TelehealthPostpartum Support InternationalTreat My OCD AppLooking for more from The Reflective Doc? Subscribe today so you don't miss out!Also check out Dr. Reid's regular contributions to Psychology Today: Think Like a Shrink**********************Seeking a mental health provider? Try Psychology TodayNational Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255SAMHSA's National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP (4357)-a free, confidential, 24/7, 365-day-a-year treatment referral and information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental and/or substance use disorders.Thank you to Brendan Callahan for the original music featured on the podcast.Disclaimer:The information and other content provided on this podcast or in any linked materials, are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images and information, contained on or available through this website is for general information purposes only.If you or any other person has a medical concern, you should consult with your health care provider or seek other professional medical treatment. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something that have read on this website, blog or in any linked materials. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services (911) immediately. You can also access the National Suicide Help Line at 1-800-273-8255

If you would like to join the CIT ECHO please email CITECHO@cabq.gov or check it out online here. Don't forget to follow us on Facebook or Twitter.If you are enjoying these episodes that means someone else might as well so please share them with others and let us know you are enjoying them, leave a review on Apple Podcasts! Contact UsDon't forget to contact us to be on the podcast at Ask@goCIT.org Music used in this episode is the song Cheese by David Szesztay from the Free Music Archive.Support the show

Content Warning: Intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, OCD, postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts/compulsions around sleep and food, challenges with nursing, rage, trauma, fear, NICU experience, some swearing Today is the 2nd part of my conversation with Lisette and Catherine from Together Waterloo. Together came out of a desire to increase the services available to families struggling with perinatal mental health in Waterloo Region. Their goal is to increase support systems, educate health care providers, and build a village so that no parent is left behind. In part 2 of this episode Catherine and Lisette share how they started Together Waterloo, advocating for more PMH supports, building a community of survivors and parents and how they're making shit happen in Waterloo! Lisette Weber is a postpartum doula, the Social Media Manager for The Climb for PSI and co-founder at Together Waterloo along with Catherine Mellinger an expressive arts therapist. They are both trained in Perinatal Mental Health and are making things happen in this space!Highlights:2:50 - Lack of supports, seeking support at our breaking point10:32 - Experiencing postpartum mental illness as a traumatic event 11:00 - Fear of another pregnancy11:58 – Grieving the Postpartum period13:45 - Lisette's experience with being diagnosed with a PMAD and having her second child with supports in place16:13 - NICU experience26:32 - The importance of being trained in Perinatal Mental Health36:51 - How Lisette and Catherine and providing supports and building community in Waterloo and making things happenResources: Togetherhttps://togetherwaterloo.ca/ @togetherwaterlooThe Climbhttps://togetherwaterloo.ca/cotd-waterloo/ @psiclimboutLisette https://postpartumsidekick.ca Instagram @postpartumsidekickCatherine https://catherinemellinger.com Instagram @catherine_mellingerReproductive Life stages Program at Women's College Hospital Torontohttps://www.womenscollegehospital.ca/care-programs/mental-health/rls/  You can find us at www.perinatalwellbeing.ca on Instagram @perinatalwellbeing_ontario or by email info@perinatalwellbeing.ca 

S1. E. 4 Cara Strange A Devastating Perineal Tear Leads to Postpartum OCD Today on the podcast we welcome Cara Strange, a Licensed Mental Health Clinician turned patient. Having worked previously in the mental health field, Cara's challenge with PPMDs came as a bit of a surprise to the first time mom. The physical damage caused during the pushing phase of labor led to an extensive struggle during her postpartum recovery period. Tune in to find out about the mental and physical hardships Cara endured! **Trigger Warning** Today's episode describes some very hard to hear situations. We do not share this information to scare people. We share in hopes to bring awareness. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/cathy-garrett/support

In episode 321 I chat with Jenna Overbaugh. Jenna is a therapist who specialises in OCD, and is the clinical marketing director over at NOCD.  We discuss Jenna's OCD story, postpartum OCD, how the US healthcare system could do more to recognise postpartum OCD, how her husband helped her, Jenna shares some of her intrusive thoughts, and some of her exposures (Exposure and Response Prevention - ERP), we discuss what Jenna wants you to know about OCD, finding time for exposures when you also have to raise a child, working at NOCD, and much more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/jenna-overbaugh-321 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. NOCD offers affordable, effective, convenient therapy available in the US and outside the US. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans, if they currently take your insurance, or to download their free app, head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories

When expecting a new child, our hearts and minds can be overrun with thoughts of boundless love – but what happens when postpartum disorders interfere with that perfect love we imagined? For today's guest, her unexpected struggle with multiple postpartum mood disorders forced her to reexamine everything she thought she knew about becoming a mother. Emily Phelps, a Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Doula, joins me to discuss her personal struggle following the birth of her son, the loss of identity that new mothers experience, and why we need to normalize the wide range of responses we have after childbirth.  Quotes “I had postpartum depression, anxiety, postpartum onset OCD, and birth trauma so I would joke that I had the trail mix of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders because I had all of them.”  [04:25] “I had a healthy baby, and I was fine…but in the months following his birth, I didn't feel really connected to him.” [07:45] “I felt emotionally evaporated. There was nothing left.” [10:38] “If I had a good day, I felt like I imagined the whole thing. On my good days, I would gaslight my reality with the bad days.” [13:30] “The village that surrounds us is a huge piece of what allows us to find our way back home.” [18:04] “We are not good about honouring that an immense experience has happened that has a hugely acceptable range of emotional responses. It does not have to be all happy.”  [18:12] “People feel like they are defective. [They think] “What am I doing wrong? I'm not a good parent, I'm not a good mom, or dad, or partner. I'm not able to do it right. It's me.” And it is not true. [20:36] Notes Emily's role as a Prenatal, Birth & Postpartum Doula [2:08] Why Emily became a Duola [04:15] The pregnancy struggles Emily experienced [05:58] The emotions that Emily felt after giving birth [09:53] Postpartum OCD is explained [11:06] The limitations of diagnosing mental health and perinatal disorders [13:00] The feelings Emily had for her son initially [14:28] Developing love for a child after postpartum [17:10] Loss of identity with motherhood [19:18] Learning to be compassionate with ourselves [21:40] Having a baby during the pandemic [23:00] Biggest lessons Emily learned through two pregnancies [27:05] Advice for postpartum women [29:08]  Emily's Socials:https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-meade-phelps-mld-296157127/https://www.matrescenceproject.comhttps://www.ted.com/talks/emily_phelps_more_than_just_depression_a_postpartum_mental_health_journeyGillian Socials:https://fullcircleglobal.comhttps://www.instagram.com/the.master.coach/  https://www.facebook.com/GillianMcMichaelMasterCoachhttps://www.linkedin.com/in/gillian-mcmichael/https://www.linkedin.com/company/full-circle-development-consultancy/https://www.facebook.com/fullcircleglobal/

Today's episode is all about the common experience of intrusive thoughts. We'll define what these are, the reasons they are so distressing and how they can impact our lives, and how to use psychological tools to reduce their impact. I'll also share information and resources about treatment, including information about postpartum OCD. To learn more about me and my reproductive psychiatry clinic helping patients across California, please visit - AnnaGlezerMD.comLinks:To learn more about the group for Anxiety of Parenting in COVID: https://annaglezermd.com/announce-anxiety-parenting-groupBooks by Karen Kleiman: "Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts" and "Dropping the Baby and Other Scary Thoughts." 

In this episode, I talk with Ben Eckstein, a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in treating OCD and related conditions at his private practice, Bull City Anxiety, in North Carolina. We talk about .. - how postpartum OCD can affect dads and paternal figures, as well as other caregivers - not just moms and maternal figures - common symptom presentations for paternal figures who have OCD around their baby, child, and/or parenting - barriers that dads, paternal figures, and other caregivers face in getting treatment for OCD - how hormones, societal influences, genetics, and other environmental factors can impact OCD and the misappraisal of normal, typical intrusive experiences in parenthood You can follow/learn more about Ben and Bull City Anxiety here: https://www.instagram.com/bullcityanxiety/ https://www.bullcityanxiety.com/ For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention. NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more. This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation. To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com, or nami.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

In this episode, I talk with Megan, a mom of two and a nurse who experienced perinatal and postpartum OCD. We talk about .. - how her symptoms showed up both in the perinatal and in the postpartum period - difficulties associated with OCD including a sense of urgency, how symptoms snowball and get worse, and the intolerance of uncertainty - barriers, red flags, and frustrations about the maternal mental health/medical system For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention. NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more. This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation. To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com, or nami.org. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/jennaoverbaugh/support

Talking about postpartum ocd in this podcast we talk to Jenna Overbaugh, a therapist who experienced postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder after her first child was born. Hear her experience now... #signsofpostpartumdepression #signsofpostpartumocd #postpartumocd #postpartumobsessivecompulsivedisorder #postpartumdepression #postpartumanxiety #postpartumdepressiontreatment #postpartumblues

Birth can have traumatic effects on women and cause postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety and in many cases postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder. So what are the signs of postpartum depression, anxiety or OCD? Listen now to this informative podcast talking about postpartum ocd... #signsofpostpartumdepression #signsofpostpartumocd #postpartumocd #postpartumobsessivecompulsivedisorder #postpartumdepression #postpartumanxiety #postpartumdepressiontreatment #postpartumblues

This week's episode of Parent Tell dives into the topic of perfection and many parents' urges to be the most perfect parent for their children 24/7/365. Kaila and her guest, Onnie, talk about why we feel as if we have to be perfect in life, but especially parenting, and where it manifests and how to cope with it. Onnie Michalsky is a therapist, wellness coach, & mom of 6 who helps moms rediscover and fall in love with who they are under their Super-Woman cape. She specializes in helping her clients become aware of their perfectionist tendencies as well as initiate the internal work necessary to embrace the fact that no life or person is perfect.You can join Onnie's wellness coaching Facebook group here and her Moms Without Capes Community hereOnnie is also on Instagram For more information about Kaila, episode topics and behind the scenes details, and of course painfully relatable memes follow Parent Tell on InstagramIn the mood to tell about your parenting? Shoot Kaila an email at parenttellpod@gmail.com

This week Kelley Franke, LMFT and Lauren McMeikan, LMFT, discuss common obsessions and compulsions in Postpartum OCD. Kelley discloses her own battle with perinatal/ postpartum OCD. As always, they discuss basic exposures used for this type of subtype and answer your questions. To read the full show notes, click here.

Maternal mental health issues is steadily on the rise. About 1 in 7 women experiences depression during or after pregnancy. Raketta, talks candidly about her experience with postpartum depression. She owns her private practice where she focus is on perinatal mental health and relationship therapy. Raketta discuss the signs and symptoms of Postpartum Depression and Postpartum OCD. Social Media: IG @arisecounseling- Therapy/ Book @rspconsultingboutique - Consulting @Prolificmindpodcast Postpartum Support International Call: PSI HelpLine: 1-800-944-4773(4PPD) Text: 503-894-9453 (English)

Stephanie Phillips joins Nicholette Leanza in discussing the important topic of Postpartum OCD, the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed of the perinatal disorders.  Learn more about Women's Mental Health Learn more about Lifestance Health: Lifestance.com Follow LifeStance Health:  Instagram Facebook LinkedIn  

On this episode, Stephanie Phillip's shares her knowledge of Postpartum OCD.

Learn all things OCD with the OCD Whisperer Podcast.   Today I interview India Haylor from OCD Excellence on Postpartum OCD   1. What are signs and symptoms   2. What do you say to the question of why me? How did I get this?   3. One message you want to leave for anyone with this OCD subtype.   Social media: IG: @ocdexcellence Website: OCD Excellence ___ Kickstart your OCD healing with my free 5 day challenge (click here) Mastering OCD Membership (your questions answered by me) YouTube Channel Facebook Podcast Community OCD Whisperer Instagram   To work with me regardless where you live, email me: info@masteringocd.com   Disclaimer: This podcast is for educational purposes.  Though I am a licensed marriage and family therapist in California & specialize in OCD and Anxiety Disorders, this does not replace therapy.    See you in the next episode!   Keep going.  Keep growing.  Keep glowing.   *Episodes come out out bi-weekly on Mondays.

In this episode, Lola Light speaks to the components of perinatal obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) including common presentations, examples of scary and intrusive thoughts,  and evidence-based treatments. **Trigger warning*** some examples described in this podcast episode may be disturbing to some listeners. Please proceed with caution. 

In this episode, Lindsey asks, "Has that ever happened to you? You don't even know how far you've gotten away from yourself? Have you ever gone months without feeling true joy? Months with your growing, healthy, happy babies…without feeling true joy? Fear and panic taking over your every thought? So much so that you don't even realize it anymore? It's just become the norm."Most of us are familiar with the struggles mothers can experience during pregnancy and during the postpartum period. We've heard about the baby blues, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, etc, but postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is also experienced by 3-5% of new mothers. By definition, postpartum OCD is characterized by intrusive thoughts and behaviors that are in response to a perceived danger toward your baby. These thoughts and behaviors are constant and repetitive, and they can severely disrupt daily life. Tune in to this episode to hear Lindsey's story of anxiety, postpartum OCD and finding True Joy in the midst of it all.Real people. Real stories. Real life.Visit www.kellybargabos.com to listen to all past episodes and/or connect with Kelly.

Listen as Anna gives us a look at her walk with postpartum anxiety, ocd and intrusive thoughts.  Now in recovery is an active volunteer with PPSM helping others through the journey to healing. Meet Anna Seiger: I have a bachelors degree in Music Therapy but currently am a billing/payroll manager for a home healthcare agency. I love spending my summers on the lake with a good book and my family. Quote: "This too shall pass and things will get better. Never stop advocating for yourself until you get the help you need. You are not alone".Support the show

This episode features Kaci, a mom who experienced harm intrusive thoughts with compulsive rumination as a mother. We talk about... - her experience of intrusive thoughts, rumination, and getting therapy for these issues - her experience of going through exposure and response prevention (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD - her recommendations for stopping rumination and what to do instead For OCD treatment, check out NOCD - head to www.treatmyocd.com and schedule your free 15 minute phone call to get connected with a licensed therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention. NOCD is a mobile therapy platform and includes video sessions with a therapist, in addition to peer support, ERP tools, and more. It is available in all 50 states and the United Kingdom and Australia. Self-pay, sliding scale, and insurance options accepted. This podcast should not be substituted, nor is meant to act as a substitute, for legitimate mental health treatment/a legitimate mental health treatment provider. This podcast and any information in it is solely the reflection of general knowledge and cannot be taken as a personal therapeutic recommendation. To find a therapist near you to work more directly with these issues, head over to IOCDF.org, psychologytoday.com, or nami.org.

Amanda is joined by licensed therapist Jenna Overbaugh to discuss Postpartum OCD.Included in this episode:What is postpartum OCD vs PPD and PPA?Doubt - how doubt plays a huge part in OCD and whyIs Postpartum OCD temporary?How OCD is treated and no its not just meds and therapyHow mental health is not prioritised for moms at allFollow Jenna on instagram @jenna.overbaugh and access help at www.treatmyocd.com

In episode 276 I interviewed Rachel Huber. Rachel has kindly agreed to share her story with us.  In this episode, we talk about her OCD story, maternal (Postpartum) OCD, worrying about the health and safety of her children, her therapy journey, and much more more. Hope it helps.  Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/episode/story-rachel-276 The podcast is made possible by NOCD. To find out more about NOCD, their therapy plans and if they currently take your insurance head over to https://go.treatmyocd.com/theocdstories Next monthly zoom hangout with Stuart is on Saturday 5th June. Come chat about the show. Pay what you can/want: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-ocd-stories-monthly-zoom-catchup-with-stuart-ralph-tickets-153180630389 See you then. 

In this episode I am welcome my wife as a co-contributor to the Invisible Wheelchair Podcast as we discuss Postpartum OCD. My wife gives her own experience and perspective on this subject. We delve into what it is like to have postpartum depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. Join us now to find out more... #PostpartumOCD #Postpartumobsessivecompulsivedisorder #Postpartumdepression #childbirthdepression #childbirthocd

Listen to Chelsea's story about postpartum obsessive compulsive disorder and her journey through treatment and now as a peer support professional helping other new moms.   "Perinatal OCD, anxiety and depression can be scary, but I promise there's hope and there are people out there who understand your struggle and who will hold your hand through recovery".Meet Chelsea:I have been at PrairieCare as a Psychiatric Technician for over a year and a half. My job has a lot of different aspects to it, but one of the most important is being a peer support person for our moms as who has been in their shoes and understands their struggle. My main goal is to show them that recovery is real and can be them.@not.your.mamas.ocd  (instagram)Support the show

This episode is all about an aspect of maternal mental health that doesn’t get enough spotlight. So this episode raises awareness about Postpartum OCD, it’s causes, prevalence plus signs/symptoms and treatment

Listen to the PrairieCare Perinatal Intensive Outpatient's staff talk about their personal connection to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders and their roles in the IOP.  Hear first hand a story of recovery of perinatal OCD as Lisa walks us through her journey.PrairieCare  612-274-7494prairie-care.com/services/perinatal-mental-health-clinic/ Lisa Cross, LMFT, PMH-CLisa is the program therapist for the Prairie-Care Perinatal Mental Health Program in Brooklyn Park.  She served for 5 years as the Co-Director of PPSM and fought for legislative awareness of PMADs in our state.  She also served as one of the MN PSI State Coordinators for 4 years.  Her sole practice is focused on Perinatal Mental Health.Rena Sugarbaker, MD Dr. Sugarbaker is an Adult Psychiatrist specializing in Perinatal Psychiatry at PrairieCare.Sogand Ghasshemi, MD Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate?token=vblZSuHu8pG-N5SwBtRcDUcCaWtwzWJusvEAAnrC7FXTD8re8fsLkKK_PKon5LtwuhiCeeZeXm3j3Szr)

Amber is a certified life coach, a minister in training and heads up a prayer team, she is an author of the book “Prayer Progress Deliverance: Learning How To Pray Your Way Through Post-Partum Disorders And Gain Ultimate Victory” and she is a mom of 6. Her passion is to share her journey and sharing with others the healing of God and his word. She tells me about her journey through her Postpartum Depression and Postpartum OCD, and how she came to a holistic healing approach. Amber tells me about her journey to writing her book and the groups she is in to help her community to be more accepting of postpartum mental illnesses. Prayer Progress Deliverance Book Amazon Kindle BarnesandNoble Prayersprogressdeliverance.org Connect with Amber Facebook Instagram --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/carpediemliving/support

In this episode, Lola Light shares her honest and hilarious experiences and tips of getting back into the dating world as a single parent. Thank you for Listening to the Spotlight on Motherhood The Podcast!From one mother to another, please help spread the word by telling another mom or mama to be and help promote further growth of the podcast.Subscribe, rate, and review on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Play, or on your favorite podcast platform.Follow us onInstagram @spotlightonmothersFacebook @spotlightonmothersTwitter @spotlightonmoms

Therapists and counselors also struggle with mental health. Licensed mental health professional Jenna Overbaugh treats anxiety disorders for a living, but after the birth of her son she struggled with postpartum anxiety, depression and OCD. For full show notes on this episode, visit theanxioustruth.com/137 Jenna always assumed that her training and profession would have her well prepared to handle anxiety and depression issues in own life. After a traumatic delivery experience, Jenna began to experience intrusive thoughts centered on accidentally harming her newborn. The thoughts expanded and against her own professional advice, Jenna found herself unwittingly engaging in the avoidance and safety behaviors that she logically knew fuel the problem. Jenna’s experience taught her that there is giant hole in our society where the basics of mental health for new mothers should be. Without having the benefit of the knowledge Jenna has, the average new mom is totally lost and terrified when confronted with the common mental health struggles that can pop up after childbirth. There is plenty of information about the nuts and bolts of delivery and caring for a newborn but virtually no discussion of even basic postpartum mental health concepts. My books, podcast, and social media links: https://theanxioustruth.com/links Music Credit: "Afterglow" by Ben Drake (https://facebook.com/BenDrakeMusic) with permission --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/theanxioustruth/support

“A lot of people have the idea that if you’re in therapy or if you’re using extra help, then it’s a weakness and it’s not. It’s a strength. It really is. It’s okay to need support and to need help.” Gretchen is a licensed professional counselor, a marathon runner, and a mom of two boys from Marietta, Georgia. She also has battled severe anxiety throughout her life. As Gretchen shares her unique obstacles from both of her pregnancies and births, her story is sure to be a message of inspiration and hope. Throughout her birth journeys, Gretchen experienced unexpected stressors like infertility, medical complications, and a pandemic that threatened to let her anxiety take over and win. But Gretchen didn’t let it. She chose to strengthen herself and made a plan. Through bi-weekly therapy, education, and a powerful birth team, Gretchen found the support she needed to stay well. She trusted her intuition, found her courage, and had a victorious VBAC, confirming to herself something she already knew-- that she is stronger than her anxiety. We get very vulnerable in this episode as we talk about the importance of asking for help and how much we all need extra support, especially in the birth space. Additional links Antepartum Depression Blog ( https://tinyblessingsdoulaservices.com/antipartum-depression/ ) Better Help Therapy ( https://www.betterhelp.com/ ) Episode sponsor This episode is brought to you by Nourisher. Whether you are in the prenatal, postnatal, or nursing stage of motherhood, Nourisher bars have your nutrition covered without sacrificing flavor. Their delicious flavors include Blueberry Coconut, Chocolate Banana, Maple Walnut, Papaya Turmeric, Spirulina Ginger, and Strawberry Rosehip. Check them out at thevbaclink.com/go/nourisher ( https://www.thevbaclink.com/go/nourisher ). Full transcript Meagan: Hello, hello. It is Wednesday and you’ve got Julie and Meagan with you today. We’re so excited as usual. I don’t feel like we’re ever not excited to be recording. Julie: We’re kind of a happy couple of people. Meagan: We are, and it’s so fun to get to know all these people from all over the world. Today we have our friend, Gretchen. She is going to share her story. She’s actually from Georgia. Is that correct, Gretchen? Gretchen: Yes. Marietta, which is a suburb of Atlanta. Meagan: Yes. So, she is going to share her story with us today. I want to tell you a little bit about her. She calls herself an “old mom”. I don’t think she’s old. I do not think she’s old. Julie: Um, we’re the same age, Gretchen, and I also feel old. Meagan: No! You guys are not old. But anyway, she’s got two boys. One is two months and one is two years. She’s actually a licensed professional counselor but has, of course, been wanting to be a mom. She’s been taking some time off. We’re excited to hear her story and if you guys have not seen this amazing picture of her, please go to Instagram right now @thevbaclink ( https://www.instagram.com/thevbaclink/ ) and check it out. It is so awesome. It gives me the chills. Go check it out and let us know how it makes you feel. The raw photos after birth or right as birth happens are so amazing. A lot of people are like, “Oh, I was so ugly crying.” And when I say that, that was me. I said that. I was like, “I’m such an ugly crier.” But I love it. I love it because it is so true and raw. It gives you the feeling of what that moment felt like. This is definitely one of those images that I just feel it. But Julie has a review of the week of course so we want to pass the time over to her and then we will get into Gretchen’s awesome story. Review of the week Julie: Yeah. We’ve been reading a lot of reviews from Apple Podcasts ( https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-vbac-link/id1394742573?l=ca ) lately. So I’m going to take it back to Google this week. Most podcast apps don’t allow you to write a review, except for Apple Podcasts. So if you don’t have Apple Podcasts, go and Google The VBAC Link. Our business will pop up right there. You can leave a review on Google ( https://www.google.com/search?ei=QF2zX-SGLoqPtAbU3qg4&gs_lcp=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&gs_ssp=eJzj4tVP1zc0TMtKykkuTM42YLRSNaiwMDdJMU8zAVKJ5gapRilWBhWWaUYWaclmiZaJZmZpKWbGXrwlGakKZUmJyQo5mXnZALyXFJs&oq=the+&q=the+vbac+link&sclient=psy-ab&source=hp&sxsrf=ALeKk02kZ87iDBCYmJJZ3mb5ytfDmIt6eQ%3A1605590336809 ) for us. That’s pretty awesome because when those reviews come in, it really makes our day. It brings a smile to our face and it helps us push through the screaming children and the hot chocolate all over our counters and the little pieces of cut-up paper on the floor and the parmesan cheese mixed up with cocoa pebbles thrown all over the couch. I mean, hypothetically here. Meagan: Yeah, that doesn’t happen at my house. Julie’s kids-- I don’t even know. Julie: I don’t know if they’re smart, if they’re super problem solvers and figure out how to get what they want, or if they just want to live on the edge… Meagan: Every time you send me pictures I’m like, “Holy cow.” Like, whoa. They’re fun. Julie: My kids are not well-trained. That’s probably it. Okay, so my oldest, when he was 20 months old, when I was pregnant with my VBAC baby-- he figured out how to move a chair over to the countertop, climb on the chair, climb on the countertop and climb up on top of the fridge to get the Halloween candy down. He wasn’t even two yet. And now my current two-year-old is climbing up on the fridge. Anyways, holy cow, that was a big digression. You guys, it’s been a rough day at my house. Let’s just get on to the warm and fuzzies, shall we? Alright, this is from Hayley Killpack on Google. She says, “The VBAC link made a world of difference for me in achieving my successful VBAC!! Because of the VBAC Link, I was able to arm myself and feel completely confident in my choices for MY birth. I was able to determine that my hospital midwife was only VBAC tolerant and made the switch around 28 weeks to a VBAC supportive midwife at a birthing center. I listened to every single episode as I prepared for the birth of my second baby after a very traumatic first hospital birth. With the knowledge, I gained, and the support I felt, I was able to achieve my unmedicated VBAC water birth just over one month ago! Thank you Meagan and Julie for supporting, caring, and providing us the information and tools to have a successful VBAC! I now feel like the woman of strength that I am, and knew I always could be!!” Yes! I love that so much. Thank you, Hayley Killpack, for giving us some warm and fuzzies to get us through the terrorist childhood days. Mine. Meagan’s are obviously angels. Meagan: Mine are definitely not angels, but man. I don’t have cocoa powder all over my house. Julie: Yeah, that was awesome. It was a good day. I need to lock the pantry. We have a lock on our pantry and the fridge for these reasons but sometimes we leave them unlocked and it’s like a spidey sense. They just know. They just know when the pantry’s unlocked. Episode sponsor This episode is brought to you by Nourisher. Formerly known as Milkful Nursing Bars, the company has rebranded and expanded to bring you new bars. New flavors to meet all of your needs throughout the motherhood journey. Nourisher products are made to “nourish her.” Each of the products are super nutrient-dense while still being a very tasty snack that moms can look forward to. Their delicious flavors include Blueberry Coconut, Chocolate Banana, Maple Walnut, Papaya Turmeric, Spirulina Ginger, and Strawberry Rosehip. Let’s talk about flavor. My favorite, guys? Strawberry Rosehip hands down. Not only are these bars delicious and tasty, but they have amazing benefits for both you and your baby in the pre and postnatal stages. They increase your energy. They support tissue repair and brain building. They improve gut health with fiber, probiotics, and healthy fats. They give you a nutritional lift from sprouted grains and seeds that provide essential nutrients. They are packed with superfoods like turmeric, spirulina, and rosehip to support a healthy immune system and reduce inflammation throughout the pregnancy and postpartum stages. Go ahead and give Nourisher a try. You can get right to them by clicking the link in our show notes or going to thevbaclink.com/go/nourisher. ( https://www.nourisher.co/?rfsn=4803705.3f03cd ) Give them a try. You will not regret it. Gretchen’s story Meagan: Okay, Ms. Gretchen. We are going to turn the time over to you. We don’t want to take any more of your time rambling because we tend to do that. We just have so much fun. Let’s hear your awesome story. Julie: Yeah, I’m excited for this one. Gretchen: Okay. Well first, thank you for having me. I’m really excited to be here. I drove 40 minutes to my chiropractor throughout my pregnancy and I listened to The VBAC Link every time I went every week. This was an instrumental part in my pregnancy. So I’m really excited to be here. I guess I’ll start with my C-section baby, my first baby, and that journey. My husband and I got married in 2013 and in 2015, we decided we wanted to start a family. I stopped the birth control pill and I didn’t get a period. We were kind of puzzled and scratching our heads as to what was going on. After a thorough workup by several doctors-- I was very into athletics at the time. I was running marathons and I was doing fitness competitions. It was concluded that I had something called hypothalamic amenorrhea, which is basically the absence of a menstrual cycle due to an energy imbalance. You know how you hear that gymnasts don’t have their menstrual cycles or things like that? Meagan: Runners, gymnasts, yep. Gretchen: Right, yep. So, to make a long story short, it was a two-year process to get me to respond to an ovulation induction medication. It also involved the opposite of what you hear from most modern medical advice, which is to lose weight and move more. My treatment was to move less and gain weight which was very interesting and kind of an odd place to be when you’re trying to conceive. You know, you always think, “The more active I am, the healthier I am.” In my case, that was not true. My hormones were absolutely a wreck. I had post-menopausal estrogen levels. It was really unhealthy, but I had no clue because I was on the pill for so long. We took a good two year period to get my body in a healthy place and responding to an ovulation induction medication. I should also mention, we had also tried an injectable cycle with a reproductive endocrinologist, but it became apparent that until I was really healthy, I wasn’t going to respond to medication and I really wanted to get well before I was pregnant anyway. That was a really, really painful time. The biggest piece of that that I really want to touch on was, I’ve always battled anxiety and I was always on an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) to manage that anxiety. I decided to stop that when I decided to get pregnant. That was a really challenging time because I didn’t have the therapeutic benefit of medication which had always helped me. Then I had the infertility. So it was a really challenging two years. This was kind of a “Hail Mary” pass to try this medicine. On the second cycle, I peed on that stick and there were two lines. We just couldn’t believe it. We were over the moon, thrilled. That was 2017 when we got pregnant. Everything was fine with that pregnancy. It was pretty uneventful up until our anatomy scan. At our anatomy scan, it was discovered that my son had a kidney abnormality. If you can imagine going from two years of infertility to everything being fine, to then this gut punch at your anatomy scan that something is wrong. It was really, really scary and really hard. We were referred to the high-risk doctor. And my son is fine. So, looking back now, I’m grateful for the care that I got, but it’s terrifying. You’re a first-time mom. Pregnancy is scary in and of itself. I’m anxious as all get-out and now I have this baby with a problem that I don’t know anything about. It was a really hard pregnancy. I think I had a total of about nine ultrasounds, which, that’s a lot of ultrasounds. It was, like, hyper-monitoring of this baby. So every time I would go to the doctor, my husband would come to the appointments. It was like, on pins and needles, “Is he okay?” And looking back, I probably was overly concerned, but I also had no basis of reference. It was just really scary. The whole pregnancy was very stressful. I got to 39 weeks on the button and my water broke at home. You always imagine your water breaking like the movies. For me, it was not like that. It was a little trickle. I called the OB and they said, “Well, go to the hospital.” I was having no contractions. I felt nothing. I should mention, I was supposed to be induced three days later. Due to his kidney, they wanted to induce me. Looking back now, I wish I wouldn’t have agreed to that, but it didn’t matter because my water broke at 39 anyway. I get into triage and they check me in. It was kind of like everything that could have gone wrong went wrong which led to the C-section. I had a hospitalist come in and check me. I think I was dilated to a 2. But you know the doctors that are just cold? I don’t even think the man introduced himself before he was giving me a cervical exam. Meagan: Just no bedside manner? Gretchen: None. And I was so scared. I just was so scared anyway. I was so hyper-vigilant. I had no clue what was going on. It was really scary. So I get in there and I’m not dilated but they got me on the monitor. Next thing I know, I started to feel lightheaded. I told my husband, I said, “Go get the nurse.” And he said, “Well, I don’t know where she went.” I said, “Go find her.” I started seeing stars. My blood pressure tanked. I had a vasovagal syncope. I think it was a combination of the anxiety, the situation, the broken water because I knew enough to know you’re kind of on a clock when your water breaks. I felt like everyone was really just over-monitoring me anyway, which made me more stressed, which was the last thing I needed. My blood pressure got really low and so the monitors went off. Baby’s heart rate got down to 60 or 70, I can’t remember, but enough that the monitors were really going off. Next thing I know, there’s like, four nurses in the room and they’re rolling me to get blood flow back to the placenta. It was really alarming. It happened again. My OB was paged so she was able to come in. She said, “What do you want to do? Do you want to do a C-section or do you want to try and labor?” At that point, I wasn’t really thinking clearly because I had just had these two episodes of syncope. My dad’s a retired physician and I called him. I was in Florida at the time and he was in California so it was 4:00 a.m. for him. I called and said, “What do I do?” He said, “Get that baby out.” I don’t regret that decision because my son’s heart rate was very alarming. I think with everything that had gone on, it was the right decision to have the C-section. But when he was delivered, I couldn’t hold him. There was no skin-to-skin. He was taken right away. It was the most helpless feeling being on that table. It was nothing I had imagined. I was thrilled he was born but I felt really sad and detached in that moment. It was just not the birth I had always envisioned. He’s amazing. I have a wonderful, beautiful two-year-old little boy. But it was a really hard two years to get pregnant. It was a really hard nine months being pregnant and it was a really hard delivery. That being said, we knew we wanted to have kids kind of close together. The good news was, my menstrual cycle returned after I weaned him which was really cool because my body had finally healed. I had this baby and I was menstruating normally. It was a really great feeling. But my cycles were still irregular, so I used ovulation induction medicine to conceive my VBAC baby but for a different reason. Just because my husband travels and when you’re trying to get pregnant with a partner who’s not here, it’s hard to tag things. We had moved to Atlanta. We moved from Tampa, Florida to Atlanta when my son was right around a year. We decided to start trying when he was 13 or 14 months and it took us two cycles. It was pretty quick. Again, in my head, it would take longer because we had such trouble the first time. I’m like, “Oh, we’ll have a good three-year gap.” It wasn’t. It was like, right away. And so, we got pregnant. It was really exciting. It was, again, pretty uneventful. But I want to mention too, that I did a lot of work on my anxiety and my birth trauma prior to getting pregnant. I worked with a therapist weekly. Being a clinician myself, I recognize the importance of doing that. I was really diligent about trying to heal before getting pregnant again. I knew when I got pregnant again that I wanted to try to have a vaginal birth, but I was concerned my anxiety would hold me back from that just because it had been such a hindrance on things in the past. I got pregnant and I had found a good OB the summer before we conceived. I liked her a lot. I felt like she listened to me. I felt a lot more heard than I ever had at the Florida practice. She was young and I felt she was pretty up to date on things. She was very open to VBAC which surprised me, especially from hearing all of your podcasts about Georgia providers. She was very open to it. She’s like, “Of course,” which really shocked me. Julie: I wonder if you had the same one as Grace Allen. Because I’ve only ever heard of one VBAC supportive provider in Atlanta. Meagan: Me too. Gretchen: Not only was she supportive, but she was encouraging because there had been times I had come in and I’m like, “I don’t know if I want to do this.” And she goes, “No. You’re going to see what your body can do.” She was super encouraging. She was laid back, but in a good way if that makes sense. She was laid back to the point that it made me laid back which helped me not be so terrified all of the time. She even said she goes, “Gretchen, when I was in residency, we had women who had two C-sections VBACing. You’re fine.” She was really, so supportive. It was amazing. So, she had put that right away in my chart when I came in that I wanted to VBAC, which I felt really great about because I felt like I really had a good person supporting me. I had a pretty uneventful pregnancy up until the pandemic which hit. I’m like, “Really? The first baby, I had this kidney issue and now there’s a pandemic.” But I’m like, “I’ll have a story to tell these boys one day.” Meagan: If you only knew the times, the things that were happening. Gretchen: Right. I remember I went to see my parents in California in February. I remember this coronavirus being all over China in February and thinking, “Oh, well it’s over in China. We’ll be okay.” Then I get home and it was everywhere. It was really alarming. I was working with my therapist and at that time, they didn’t have any data on COVID in pregnant women. The data that they did have was very limited. It was only that one China study. I don’t know if you remember back in the spring. It was on, I think, 19 women in China and they had all had C-sections. So it was a really limited amount of data. My therapist, I was still seeing via telehealth from Florida and he was really up to date. He was continuing to provide me research on the data and really trying to put my mind at ease. But when COVID hit, I increased my therapy to about twice a week which I think also really helped. That’s one of the reasons I wanted to talk about this was, pregnancy makes my anxiety heightened anyway and then you add a pandemic on top of it. It was a lot of work to manage it. And it is work. Because it is a condition I couldn’t use therapeutic medication for. So I had to do extra talk therapy to keep myself healthy. I did that to the best of my ability. But it was really alarming and it was really scary because it was so unknown. So we did grocery pickup. We didn’t really go anywhere. My husband worked from home which was lucky we could do that but it was a challenging time because it was just so unknown. At that point, I don’t know if you remember too where I didn’t know if I would have to give birth alone, which, the thought of that was daunting because at that time they were pulling partners out of delivery rooms. Do you remember that back in, I think it was March when it started? Meagan: Yep. April in New York and things like that. Gretchen: I told my husband, I said, “What do we do if I’m by myself?” And he just said, “One foot in front of the other. We’ll figure it out.” I did know from the beginning that I did not feel comfortable with a home birth. Not because I didn’t think I could do it but I had thought I was too anxious and for me, I wanted fetal monitoring. I know some women, the monitor makes them feel worse and for me, I said, “If I have any priority to VBAC, I want a monitor,” because it made me feel more secure. So I said that a hospital setting, for me, was going to be part of my birth plan. I said, “Well, we’ll just keep going and hope for the best.” I had had a friend that had delivered in April and she had a really good experience at the hospital I had delivered at. At that point, her husband was there and I don’t even think she had to wear a mask. So I was feeling positive about the experience that I could have there because I had heard nothing but good things about this hospital. Everything was moving along smoothly. Then I talked to a friend of mine from Tampa who was a NICU nurse. I think I was maybe 35 weeks at this point. She had told me how she elected for-- her first baby was breech. She had elected for a repeat C-section and she told me some scary things about uterine rupture and I understand why. It’s her experience but it really scared me. I felt like I should just back out and I should have a C-section because there’s no way I could do this. Not because I didn’t think my body could do it, but because I thought my anxiety would hold me back. I reached out to Julie and she really helped me through that. I realized it was really that mental hurdle of getting over that because I was just scouring the internet on uterine rupture. Then I listened to your podcast on statistics of uterine rupture which really helped putting it into perspective. I think it was you, Meagan, that gave all the statistics about it, right? And looking at how you’re more likely to date a millionaire than have a rupture. Is that what the statistic was? Meagan: That’s totally Julie. I probably did read it but that was totally Julie who put that together. Gretchen: Okay. Julie, maybe you had read it. Meagan: She is the statistic guru. Gretchen: Yeah. So that really helped put in perspective what are my true risks. Then also looking at what are the risks of a Cesarean because no one had ever told me the risks of Cesarean. In fact, every doctor I had talked to prior to my current provider... Meagan: ...only probably talked about the risk of VBAC. Gretchen: Well they made Cesarean seem really safe. No one had ever told me that it may not be. Julie: Yes. Oh my gosh, yes. They make Cesareans seem really safe. I don’t think I’ve ever heard it said that way before. But no, that’s what they do. They do. Gretchen: Yeah. It was baffling to me. Once I got closer to the time of my delivery, I felt this little tug-of-war in my head. Up until that third trimester I was like, “I’m going to VBAC. This is going to be great.” As soon as that third trimester hit, the anxiety really kicked in. Every other day I felt like I was going back and forth. My therapist was really advocating for me to VBAC. He put it in perspective. He knew how many children I wanted. He said, “This is your chance. If you want to do this, this is the time to do it,” and really put it in perspective for me which was so helpful. And then I talked to Julie which was so helpful. So it was like I continued to arm myself with people and information to help encourage me to keep going. I worked with my husband to come up with a plan of where our two-year-old was going to go when we delivered because our original plan was to have my parents come be with us but they could no longer come because my parents are high risk and couldn’t travel. My mother-in-law ended up getting COVID tested and driving from Pennsylvania to Georgia in one day to come take care of my two-year-old. Julie: Aw, bless her heart. Gretchen: Yeah, it was pretty wonderful because of everything going on. She was able to come. She kind of stayed the last half of July. I was due July 20th. She came the 15th through the 1st and figured I’d deliver at some point in that time frame. So, she came and I honestly thought that I would go into labor before 39 just because I did with my son and I had heard that second babies came sooner, which is not true by the way as I’m sure you guys know. Julie: I feel you on that one. Gretchen: I think I was 39 and 5. My doctor had offered to strip my membranes early, I think at 38 and I said no. Then when I went in at 39 I was dilated to a 3. I think it was a 2 or 3. I can’t remember. At that point, I was okay with it. You know when you’re just so done being pregnant? I didn’t feel good. I was exhausted. It was so much harder than the first time because I was chasing my two-year-old around. I said that it was fine. I was okay with that. I know that’s a controversial intervention but I felt comfortable with her and I said, “That’s fine.” So she stripped my membranes on Friday. I came back on Monday and on Monday I was dilated to a 4. And I think then she stripped me and I was a 5 when I left there. Or something like that, which was pretty good. I was walking around at a 3 or a 4 for a few weeks, which I was pretty happy with. On Wednesday morning, I woke up-- I never had true contractions with my son, so I asked my doctor, “Will I know what these feel like? Will I know it’s a contraction?” She said, “Don’t worry. You won’t miss it. You’ll know.” So I woke up and I knew I was having contractions. But they were very irregular. This was like at 5 in the morning. Then they would go away and come back. I thought I was having prodromal labor because they were so sporadic. My mother-in-law and I went for a two-mile walk in the morning. My husband had to go down to his office. So he wasn’t around and we walked. At that point, I started keeping track of them because they were becoming regular. I say regular and I mean every 15 minutes, but they were consistently every 15 minutes. Then I’d have one maybe 20 minutes and then it would bounce back to 15, but they were pretty even. I still thought, “Okay, well they’re even,” but they didn’t really hurt. I was fine and I didn’t think anything of it really. But then very quickly, things changed. So by 3 or 4:00 p.m., they were about 8 minutes apart pretty consistently. By 5:00 p.m., we were eating dinner and they were 7 minutes apart. We have a 40-minute drive to the hospital. So, 7 minutes apart. I think as dinner was wrapping up, they were about 5 minutes apart. My mother-in-law said, “You should probably at least call your doctor.” I was like, “No, I’m fine. It’s fine,” because I wanted to stay at home as long as possible and I didn’t want intervention. I wanted to avoid it as long as I could. Finally, she convinced me. So I called the on-call midwife for my doctor. She told me I was in early, active labor but she said to just come in because the hospital was very busy. I took a shower. My husband was a little more anxious than I was to get in, but I’m taking my sweet time and I’m really having to breathe through them. Now they’re getting a little more intense. I’m thinking that this was probably a good idea to head in. My mother-in-law was really cute. She put a towel down in the car thinking my water was going to break. I was not concerned about that at all but she was very thoughtful to put a towel down on my seat. We drove into the hospital. I delivered at the biggest hospital in the country for labor and delivery. They call it “The Baby Factory” because there’s a whole building dedicated to labor and delivery. Meagan: Wow. Julie: That’s intense. Gretchen: Yeah. It’s humongous. It was a lot. So I get in and I see, literally, nine other women in this waiting room in labor. And I’m like, “Okay,” and I’m a little overwhelmed with that. But I check in and I heard the triage woman make a comment about being out of beds. I thought she meant after me they would be out of beds. I didn’t think she meant they were currently out of beds. So I go back to the waiting room and everyone’s in masks. They’re disinfecting everything. I don’t even love being in hospitals, well really at all, but especially in the pandemic. It’s alarming because there’s germs and I didn’t want to be there, but this baby was coming. It was about 8:00 p.m. at that point. I’m thinking, “Oh, I’ll get into my room quickly.” Well, 9:00 rolls around, and now these contractions are-- I’m uncomfortable. I’m leaning against this pillar in this waiting room breathing through them and I told my husband, I go, “I’ve got to get in there. What’s going on?” The administration woman that was checking me in, I went up and asked her, “What’s going on?” She goes, “We just don’t have any beds.” And I said, “What do you mean you don’t have any beds? I have to have this baby.” I ended up calling this midwife back and she said, “Hang out. As soon as a bed opens, we’ll get you in a room.” A nurse came out and she said, “Are you the woman that had the previous C-section?” I said, “Yeah.” They were kind of jumping me to the front of the line because I think in their mind I took priority over previous vaginal births which I thought was nice. Meagan: That’s interesting. Probably because they wanted you on a monitor? Julie: Yeah, that’s what I’m thinking. Meagan: Were you not on a monitor in triage, though? Gretchen: No, I was literally in a waiting room. So I get into a room and I get on a monitor. I remember feeling really panicky at this point and just scared. I could feel the anxiety creeping back in. This nurse was so wonderful. She came up to me and she put her hand on my wrist and she said, “You’re going to be okay. I’m watching your baby and you’ve got to let us take care of you.” And I just felt like, “Okay. I’m going to be okay. These nurses care.” It felt so different than the first time. I really felt like it was going to be okay. I knew I wanted an epidural because I was concerned about having the syncope again which I knew would lead me to C-section again. So for me, I figured if I got the epidural, I wouldn’t have the syncope. The midwife came in and asked me when I wanted it and she said, “If you wait too long, you might not get it.” So I said, “Okay.” I’m glad I agreed when I did because it took the anesthesiologist another hour or so to even get to me. I guess-- let me back up. I got into my room at 11:00 p.m. and I got my epidural around 2:00 a.m. At that point, I was really glad for it because I was in a lot of pain. I couldn’t really rest and they were pretty consistently 3 minutes apart-- contractions, at that point. The epidural was really nice. I didn’t want so much numbness that I couldn’t feel anything and the anesthesiologist was really receptive to that. I got just enough to not feel pain, but I could still feel pressure if that makes sense, which was nice that I wasn’t so numb. It wasn’t anything like a spinal which was great. I ended up taking a little bit of a rest. I couldn’t sleep, but I did rest. At that point, when I had checked in, I was dilated to a 6. They came back and checked me around 4:30 in the morning. The midwife on call checked me and she said I was at a 7. She said, “I have other news for you. This baby is sunny-side up.” My heart just sank because I knew-- not that you can’t deliver sunny-side up-- but I knew it made things a little bit more challenging. But she told me, “Don’t be discouraged. Sometimes babies flip at the last minute. It’s okay.” But I was pretty discouraged at that point and I just felt like I was destined for C-section again. My husband said, “No, don’t think like that. Just relax and hope that he flips.” They put me on a peanut ball and they switched me side to side-- it was between my legs-- every 30 to 40 minutes. But I was just laying there praying that he flipped. She had also offered to break my water at 7 centimeters and it didn’t feel right to me. You know that feeling where they’re trying to start pushing interventions? I started to get that vibe a little bit. I dug my heels in. I was nice but I kind of didn’t say anything. I just said, “I’m not really comfortable with that.” She goes, “Okay, that’s fine. We’ll wait.” I was glad I did that because I think what had happened was when they gave me the epidural, the monitor fell off my belly, so she thought contractions had stopped. In reality, it just didn’t pick them up. When they put the monitor back on, there they were again. I was glad I trusted myself because it was really cool to see my body do what it knew to do without needing to “speed up my labor” which is what she was trying to do. Julie: That’s awesome. Good for you. Gretchen: So I said, “No.” I didn’t want to do that. She came back in, I think it was right before shift change, right before 7:00. She checked me again and I was at an 8 and at this point, she said-- at that point, I was okay. I don’t know why. I just went with my gut. She said, “Can I break your water?” And I said, “Yeah that’s fine.” She did and everything still kept moving along okay. I continued to take a little bit of a rest. At 9:30, next thing I knew, I felt the urge to go to the bathroom. I felt the urge to poop. I told my husband, I said, “Something’s happening.” At this point, I went from feeling nothing to feeling everything very quickly. I did not expect this with an epidural. I went from feeling peaceful, bliss, resting to, “Something majorly is happening. This baby is coming.” I said, “You need to go get somebody,” because they had all left the room. I hadn’t had nurses in there really since that last 7:00 time. He goes, “Well, no one’s out there.” I go, “You’ve got to find somebody. This baby’s coming. Something’s happening.” He went out and this new midwife had come in. She was really, really nice. I liked her a lot. She had great bedside manner. She checked me. This is probably 9:30-9:40 and she said, “You’re at a 9.5.” And I said, “Okay.” She said, “Let’s try some practice pushes. I want to see how your cervix moves around his head.” I said, “Okay.” She goes, “Oh, this is moving nicely and by the way, he flipped.” I was thrilled. I was so happy he had turned on his own. She said, “I’m going to get the room set up but I have to go deliver another baby. I’ll be right back.” I go, “What do you mean? You’re leaving? You can’t leave!” She goes, “Hang on. I’ll be right back.” She literally left the room. I’m laying there feeling like this baby’s coming out. It was really stressful when she said, “Just hold on.” I go, “Well, how do you ‘hold on’?”  But she left and she popped back in, probably about 20 minutes later which was a very long 20 minutes when I was feeling everything at this point. Now I was almost overwhelmed with the pain. It wasn’t the pain itself, it was that it went from 0 to 100 so fast. Julie: Yes. Gretchen: Yes. It was so overwhelming. I asked for more epidural and they said, “We can get it but it’s probably too late,” because I was too far along and where it was in my back. They just said, “This is what this is.” You know when you get the wind knocked out of you? That was the kind of pain because it went from peaceful to excruciating. The midwife asked my husband, “How involved do you want to be? Do you want to be at her head or at her feet?” He said, “A little bit of both.” She said, “Well do you want to see your son’s head?” because he was descending. My husband said, “His head’s right there. I can see it.” Every contraction I had a nurse up by my head. I had a nurse down by my feet and I had the midwife. They were coaching me through. They were so compassionate and they were so kind. I was in the most pain I’ve ever been in in my life and I didn’t think I could do it. It was so unbelievably painful. This nurse put her hand on me and she said, “I’ve done two of these without an epidural. You can do this. You can do this.” I was screaming. I don’t even know what came out of my mouth. It was probably a roar. It was so painful. The nurse got me a mirror and the next thing I knew, I saw his head. And so I just, you know, you just dig down deep and do what you have to do. Julie: Yes. Yes, yes, yes, yes. Gretchen: I pushed for 25 minutes and the next thing I knew, he was out. I was in disbelief that he came out that quickly. It actually seemed quicker than 25 minutes, but he was out and on my chest and it was this moment of bliss. Like, this happened. He was out and I was just sobbing. You know what every woman says when they VBAC, “I did it, I did it, I did it!” It was the best moment. Pushing was really hard because I had the mask on and you can’t breathe as well with a mask. My husband would put it down over my mouth to give me ice chips between each contraction because I was so thirsty, so exhausted, and sweating. It’s a lot harder when you can’t breathe freely. I had a 2nd-degree tear. Which, that was no walk in the park either. I knew that this would be an easier recovery than a C-section, or I had hoped it would be, but that was really painful. I think I tore as much as I did because I had the fetal ejection reflex. He didn’t come out head, then shoulders. He came out in one contraction. My husband said that the midwife wasn’t ready for him with how fast he flew out. He was 8lb, 3oz. You know, that’s not small. My first son was 7, 4. I asked her how many stitches I needed and she said, “I’m not counting,” which, that was enough said. I said, “Okay, great.” But it was so worth it. It was a much better recovery than my C-section. I could lift my toddler right away and I could play with him and get down on the floor and do all the things that I probably would not have been able to do with a C-section. I think the biggest part of all of this was I trusted my gut. I found a really supportive provider and I managed this anxiety condition that I’ve had forever with circumstances that were less than ideal. This isn’t something I want to toot my own horn about, but I was really proud of myself. It was a really challenging time. It was a challenging pregnancy. It was stressful. A VBAC is, in my opinion, a little bit more stressful route than if you haven’t had a previous C-section. To feel accomplished-- I set my mind to do this and I was able to succeed was really rewarding and empowering. I had the skin-to-skin time with him. It was such a healing moment and I really feel so happy and empowered that it was able to work out the way that it did. Yeah, that’s pretty much it. I couldn’t have done it without this podcast, without the information that you guys provided because it was the best moment of my life. It was wonderful. Julie: You deserve to toot your own horn, girl. Toot that horn! Everyone who has a baby no matter what way-- you deserve it. Because it is a piece of work getting a baby here. Gretchen: Yeah. It was hard. Meagan: Yeah, well I was just going to say, we’re so grateful that all of the stories have been helping you and that along the way you kept following what you needed to do and it led you to where you are today. Julie: Yeah. I love that you talked about, “I don’t know why I decided to do this then, but I did and it worked.” That’s your intuition. I think that generally, us moms don’t give ourselves enough credit for the things that we do. Like, “I don’t know why I decided to do that,” but no, it’s because you’re a dang good mom. That’s why you decided to do it. Prenatal anxiety Julie: It doesn’t matter how you birth. It doesn’t matter what you do. But if you’re worried about it, then that makes you a good mom. There’s enough pressure on us to do things a certain way, especially like, we’re going for a VBAC, rigm8 u;upM ht? So we’re generally going against the grain. You’re right. There is way more anxiety and there’s so much pressure on us. At least for me, I can totally relate because I have anxiety 100%. I put way more pressure on myself to do things than anybody ever expects of me. I’m like, “I have to do this.” Oh my gosh, I can’t even imagine. This is a really big tangent, but I have a friend, it was a guy friend. He met a girl who didn’t like that I was his best friend. He got engaged to her. That was the end of our relationship because she thought we hugged for too long or something. This happened, like, 10 years ago and I’m still not over it because I lost my friend. Anyways, I was married. We were all over there for dinner one night and I was newly pregnant. She had just had a baby. I was talking about my birth plans because this was my first baby. I was still going to have a hypnobirth and go unmedicated. I had all these plans, right? She was like, “Good luck trying to go unmedicated because I tried with this guy and I just could not take it.” I was like if there’s anything that would have ever pushed me to make it unmedicated, it was that girl who stole my best friend from me telling me that I couldn’t do it. I was like, well, now I’m extra motivated to do it. But I had a C-section, so that gave me a nice slice of humble pie in that regard. As far as putting pressure and stuff on yourselves, it’s a big deal. Then you tell people your plans and then you don’t want to look like a turd if you don’t-- you know what I mean. I probably don’t even have to explain. If you have anxiety, you’re probably like, “Yep,” nodding your head. You feel like you have to meet this expectation you have set for yourself or else everybody else will think you’re awful. Gretchen: Yep. But I think also, recognizing. One of the things that really helped was knowing that I have this anxiety disorder. I’ve had it forever and that’s okay. What tools do I need to help manage it throughout this pregnancy? And knowing that if I need therapy twice a week, that’s okay. If I need to talk to my OB and ask the same question three times, that’s okay too. It’s okay to reach out for help. A lot of people have the idea that if you’re in therapy or if you’re using extra help then it’s a weakness and it’s not. It’s a strength. It really is. It’s okay to need support and to need help. That’s what I wanted to really transmit through my story is that anxiety is like any other medical condition. It’s the way your brain’s wired and it’s okay. Pregnancy is hard enough without that and it’s okay to need extra help. I think having the OB that I found, although she didn’t deliver me, the midwives that worked with her-- they were all so VBAC friendly. I could not have had the birth I had without that group of women because they were so supportive of my desires. It was funny because she called my cell phone on the morning I delivered him. I had an appointment in her office and she called me. I had called to cancel it when I was in labor. She called me and I go, “He’s here!” She goes, “Congratulations.” She was so happy for me. It was really neat to talk to her when he was a half an hour old, which was really cool. Julie: Aw, that’s awesome. I agree with everything you said there. I have Hashimoto’s. When my Hashimoto’s flares up, I just don’t feel good. My anxiety gets worse when I have a flare-up. But then pregnancy puts me into a remission of sorts because pregnancy suppresses your immune system. Autoimmune diseases are when your immune system is attacking your body and if your immune system is suppressed, it’s kind of like a win-win. You get a baby and you don’t have to have Hashimoto’s for nine months essentially unless you’re the unfortunate one where your entire pregnancy is a flare-up. During my pregnancies, I would actually feel really good. I felt like I had less anxiety because I wasn’t having these Hashimoto’s attacks. Everything was golden except for my third pregnancy, which was a surprise, and I was really really just ticked off that I was pregnant. I was mad. And I know that some women try forever to get pregnant and it doesn’t work. How could I feel mad about being pregnant? But I was mad. I was in the middle of postpartum depression. I was struggling with two kids and why would this happen that I would be pregnant again? I struggled big-time during that pregnancy. One of the darkest moments of my life was during that pregnancy. It was in that moment, well it wasn’t in that moment but it was maybe a couple weeks after that, that I realized that this wasn’t normal, that I needed some help, and that if I didn’t, I was going to suffer greatly and so were my children. I went to my provider and I got on an antidepressant, sertraline. SSRIs are generally considered safe during pregnancy. I call it Vitamin Z because the brand name is Zoloft. Still on it four years later because hot chocolate and cocoa powder all over my freaking kitchen right now. But it is a normal thing. It’s okay to have that, especially right now. Oh my gosh, being pregnant during a pandemic. We want to end the stigma. A friend of mine that’s pretty dear to my heart just mentioned in passing that she had an appointment with a therapist. I was so excited inside because I have been hoping that she would go see somebody for a long time because she has a pretty complicated life. I was like, “Yes! I’m so excited that you’re finally doing this.” But I didn’t want to say it out loud because I didn’t want to make it weird or awkward. You know what I mean? Again, my anxiety-- overthinking it, right? When you realize that moment and the value that it’s going to bring into your life, it’s a really, really big deal. We actually had a sponsor on our podcast, let’s see, a few weeks ago, months ago, maybe? It’s on our resources page on thevbaclink.com/resources ( https://www.thevbaclink.com/ ). You can find a link there to Better Help ( https://www.thevbaclink.com/go/betterhelp ). It’s online counseling. You can get connected to a counselor in less than 24 hours. You fill out this questionnaire and they get to know everything about you and match you to a counselor that fits your needs and what’s going on in your life exactly. They’re amazing. If you use promo code VBAC, you get 10% off your first month. They’re really reasonably priced. They even have financial aid if you qualify for help paying for that therapy and counseling. Betterhelp.com ( https://www.betterhelp.com/ ) , promo code VBAC. I think it just helps make it more comfortable. You can text them. You can email them anytime. It’s not like you have to go drive across town for an hour to see your therapist or whatever. So, plug-in for Better Help and all the good that they are doing for really anybody, not just pregnant people. A lot of times we think of anxiety and mood disorders and stuff like that for postpartum. It’s postpartum when you feel that, right? Postpartum depression. Postpartum OCD. Postpartum anxiety. We don’t talk enough about that, but we don’t talk near enough about what happens when you’re-- how about when you’re pregnant? I think there’s an even bigger stigma surrounding that. Meagan: I had a guest blogger for my doula page, not The VBAC Link, but Tiny Blessings and she wrote all about that. Actually, we should link in this as well. Julie: Yeah, link your blog. Meagan: She’s very vulnerable, like very vulnerable. Julie: I need to go read it. Meagan: But it’s amazing. It’s amazing what she talks about and what can happen like you said. It happens perinatal. It happens during the perinatal time as well. Julie: Yeah. Hormones are crazy. Gretchen: For me, it’s kind of like the opposite of your Hashimoto’s. Mine gets very inflamed when I’m pregnant. It tends to come down postpartum, although I was very aware of postpartum potential to be more problematic, but I’ve done pretty well. Again, I still maintain the therapy and all the things I need to do to stay well. One thing I forgot to mention was I wanted to hire a doula and I met with a doula the week before COVID hit. Then COVID hit and I wasn’t allowed to have the doula in the hospital. The doula and I did stay in touch a little bit, but I wasn’t able to have her. It all worked out how it was supposed to, but I felt bad because I really would have loved to work with her. Julie: Ugh, we’ve been feeling it too over here. Man, that’s crazy. Yeah, so if you’re struggling right now, or ever, or have been, or know somebody who is, go check out thevbaclink.com/resources. Get connected to Better Help and go read Meagan’s blog on her doula business page, tinyblessingsdoulaservices.com ( https://tinyblessingsdoulaservices.com/antipartum-depression/ ). She has a blog section there. Because sometimes it just feels good to know that you’re not alone. Meagan, do you want to wrap it up with the questions? Q&A Meagan: Yeah. Sorry, can you hear my kids splashing in the bathtub? Julie: Oh my gosh, I thought it was mine. It’s bedtime right here and my husband’s like, “I’m sorry, but it’s going to be a little loud for a minute.” Meagan: Yeah, sorry. Okay, so we have the questions at the end and question number one is: What is a secret lesson or something no one really talks about that you wish you would have known ahead of time when preparing for birth? Gretchen: Gosh, I don’t remember what I wrote. Meagan: Do you want me to read it? Gretchen: Yes. Why don’t you read what I wrote and then I will expound on it. Meagan: You said, “Advocating for yourself is imperative.” Which is funny. We actually just did-- today actually. We just did a whole episode on advocating for yourself and for your clients. It says, “When it comes to birth, it’s important that a mother feels educated and empowered to make decisions that are going to impact her and her baby. My VBAC experience was so much better than my C-section because I felt so prepared for all the possible scenarios.” Gretchen: Yeah, so I think that in my mind going in, I had a plan for a successful VBAC and I also had a plan for if that didn’t work out and if I had to have a C-section, that was okay too. But also, advocating for every decision along the way to make that VBAC happen. Like the example of wanting to break my water at 7 centimeters. It was okay that I said no. I’m allowed to say no. I don’t have to do that if I don’t want to. We often think hospital policies are laws. I really did. I didn’t realize you could say no. And it was so nice to say, “I don’t want to do that.” I don’t want an epidural and feel nothing. I was allowed to ask for what I wanted. In my opinion, it’s so important to do that. Otherwise for me, with my C-section, I felt like a victim of the system. Not that anyone was malicious, but it wasn’t a good experience. Meagan: Right. It is so important to know that you really do not have to just say yes and submit to everything that is being offered or suggested. The next question was: What is your best tip for someone preparing for a VBAC? Gretchen: I think I said, and I hope this is correct what I wrote-- really it’s education. Knowing what’s safe and how to achieve that. And also, really, really great providers. A provider that is on your team, not just VBAC tolerant but VBAC supportive. And then support all around you because I think without the team that I had, I would not have been successful. My husband is such a non-anxious person. He really is able to just support me and push me in that direction without being overwhelming. But he told me, he’s like, “You can do this.” Meagan: Yeah, that’s exactly what you said. “Educate yourself. Arm yourself with facts. Knowledge is power. And, most importantly, having supportive people around you-- family, friends, and providers.” I love it. Thank you. Thank you, thank you. And yes. Your story is going to be as inspiring and amazing. I don’t know-- I was going to ask you if you felt comfortable dropping your provider’s name because there are a lot of people in your area that don’t know supportive providers. But if not, it’s okay. Gretchen: It’s Dr. Rachel Paccione ( https://www.cwobgyn.com/provider/rachel-paccione-md-facog ) at Comprehensive Women’s OB/GYN. I saw her at the Dunwoody location but she also has an office in Duluth. She’s wonderful. I don’t know if I found a diamond in the rough because she was the only doctor I had when I moved here. I just found her online and then she was off the bat VBAC supportive, so I was under the impression that a lot of Georgia doctors were. Then I listened to your podcast and I’m like, “Oh. Maybe I got lucky.” Closing Would you like to be a guest on the podcast? Head over to thevbaclink.com/share ( http://www.thevbaclink.com/share ) and submit your story. For all things VBAC, including online and in-person VBAC classes, The VBAC Link blog, and Julie and Meagan’s bios, head over to thevbaclink.com ( http://www.thevbaclink.com ). Congratulations on starting your journey of learning and discovery with The VBAC Link. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Welcome to my Anonymom series. Real moms talking about their deepest and darkest moments - anonymously. Anonymom episodes may consist of difficult topics including miscarriage, infertility, separation, anxiety, depression, trauma, and other potentially triggering issues. Names have been changed to protect the identity of the mom. This episode features Claire, who talks about postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) after having her daughter during the COVID-19 pandemic. You'll also hear about ... - what it was like being pregnant and giving birth during a global pandemic - how, out of nowhere, she started to have thoughts of harming herself and her baby - how her OCD/harm intrusive thoughts manifested in her day to day life - how her anxiety built up so much that she found herself depressed and unable to drive, go in public, and be alone with her child - how she was failed by the maternal mental health care system and fought for resources - how you can beat the system and get the support you need This podcast should not be substituted for legitimate mental health treatment. If you or a mom you know is struggling with mental health difficulties during pregnancy, postpartum, or beyond, contact Postpartum Support International at 800-944-4773 or visit www.postpartum.net. If you are worried about your safety or the safety of a loved one, please call for help immediately at 911 or by reaching out to the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.

Haley Pederson Hundley shares her journey into motherhood and through postpartum OCD in this episode centered on self-care and self-awareness for new moms. Learn what resources Haley used to guide her through the ups and downs of becoming a mom and how those resources helped her gain a different perspective on the must-have tools and conversations one needs as they journey into motherhood. Resources: International Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Foundation: https://iocdf.org/expert-opinions/postpartum-ocd/ American Psychological Association: https://www.apa.org/pi/women/resources/reports/postpartum-depression

Have you ever had upsetting thoughts or images jump into your head seemingly out of nowhere? Those are called intrusive thoughts! If you have had these random unwanted thoughts before (and most of us have!) this episode is for you. In this episode of Beyond Postpartum, I chat with Dr. Nichole Fairbrother, who is a psychologist, clinical associate professor with the UBC Island Medical Program, and the director of the Perinatal Anxiety Research Lab. Included in her many different areas of expertise are intrusive thoughts and postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.

In this episode, Lola's guest is Flea Houh, Certified Health and Fitness Coach, Holistic Nutritionist, and father of 3. Lola and Flea discuss the firsthand struggles that new parents face in regards to their own health once baby arrives, and provide tips on how to help busy parents build sustainable and lifelong health and fitness habits so they can be better parents for their families!

We've heard about Postpartum Depression...but what is Postpartum OCD? In this episode, I'll share my personal story with Postpartum OCD and dig into the details of this disorder. If you're a new parent, I'd love for you to check it out and share it with your friends! For more information about me and my work, you can visit my website at www.wendinunnery.com and follow me on social media @WendiNunnery. Thanks for listening! Resources: International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) www.iocdf.org Beyond the Blues: Postpartum OCD by Dr. Jonathan Abramovitz www.iocdf.org/expert-opinions/postpartum-ocd/ Intrusive Thoughts www.intrusivethoughts.org

Emotions play an important role in how we think, feel, react and behave; they are an essential part of being human. Everyone goes through tough chapters in life where they experience mental and emotional stress, like sadness, anxiety, fear, and grief, for example. Acknowledging how you feel and committing to take care of yourself emotionally, creatively, physically, and spiritually, can help turn negative experiences and the thoughts and feelings that come along with it, into change, growth, and healing. In a book that's both provocative and radical, holistic psychiatrist Kelly Brogan, M.D., author of A Mind of Your Own, charts a new path to get real, get well, and get free.  This is the Empowered Mama Podcast. Anxiety and depression are a mental health epidemic, with anxiety disorders taking the lead for the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 18.1% of the national population and 260 million people globally (According to the Anxiety and Depression Association). 322 million people worldwide live with depression, which occurs more often in women than men (According to the Anxiety and Depression Association). Mental health issues can happen to anyone...the mom-next-door experiencing Postpartum Depression and/or Postpartum Anxiety after the birth of her baby, the successful entrepreneur experiencing panic attacks who's been diagnosed with Panic Disorder, the nurse hiding crippling OCD from her co-workers, the wife suffering Major Depressive Disorder from the loss of a baby or her military spouse...the SAHM moms, the working moms, your best friend...you. People who experience any form of a mood disorder know how crippling these feelings and the "new normal" they seem to be facing can be. Treating any type of mental illness often requires a combination approach, ranging from talk therapy with a psychologist, meds, psychiatrist care, and/or lifestyle adjustments or changes. You are not alone in this journey, and we support you seeking help if and when you -- or someone you know -- notices a change in your thoughts and feelings. This is especially important to be on the lookout for postpartum, when a new mom may be susceptible to Postpartum Depression, Postpartum OCD, Postpartum Anxiety, and/or Postpartum Psychosis.   Medications can be a life-saving necessity for some with mental illness, and others may wish to seek a holistic route -- or a blend. We support whatever form of treatment works for you, whether that means going to weekly therapy with a psychologist, taking meds prescribed by your licensed doctor or psychiatrist, changing your diet and lifestyle, or any combination. Disclaimer: Always seek medical advice from a board-certified therapist, psychiatrist, and/or physician before beginning any new treatment plan and deciding what approach to take on your mental health journey. Today, we are interviewing Kelly Brogan, M.D., a holistic psychiatrist who specializes in treating mental health through a natural approach. We know this route of treatment is not for everyone. We know meds save lives. We also know that there are potential ways to feel better outside of the traditional western medicine scope. Links For (Kelly Brogan) https://kellybroganmd.com/downloads/ The Empowered Mama is part of the Parents On Demand Network. The Parents On Demand Network is a collection of podcasts with content specifically created for families. Through the POD website and network app, parents can easily find and subscribe to programming that's specific to their family's interests and needs. Links for Lisa MamaWell: https://www.mamawell.co FIT4MOM website: https://www.fit4mom.com The Empowered Mama Book: https://www.lisadruxman.com/book/ Lisa Druxman's Website: https://www.lisadruxman.com Thank you for listening today, and every day that you join me. As always, if there is someone you want me to interview or a topic you want me to talk about, just send me an email to podcast@fit4mom.com.I know how busy you are, but if you could just take a moment to review the show on iTunes or Stitcher, it would mean the world to me. Think of it like leaving a little tip for your barista. If you liked this episode share it. Super easy to do! Use #EmpoweredMama so that I can thank you! https://www.lisadruxman.com/reviewit

In episode 204 of The OCD Stories podcast I chat with Karina Dach. Karina is a licensed therapist in Colorado, and Florida. Show notes: https://theocdstories.com/podcast/karina-dach-postpartum-ocd

Did you know that the intense postpartum mood swings commonly referred to as "the baby blues" are reportedly experienced by 80% of mothers? Okay, maybe you knew that already. But are you aware of the range and variety of postpartum mood disorders outside of "the baby blues"? Mothers can experience anything from postpartum depression, postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder, postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder, postpartum bipolar disorder, and even postpartum psychosis. I'd love to contribute to the conversation around the importance of maternal mental health and appropriate postpartum care for mothers. Sharing honest stories, without judgment can play a vital role in creating awareness around the issue. So I've asked my guest Larken Lech to share her story of postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Larken is a mama of two and a powerhouse COO. She shares openly and transparently in this episode about the terrifying mental health challenges she experienced postpartum with her first child. And she walks us through her mental health journey since the birth of her daughter and then her son. We talk about: How the birth of her daughter affected her overall mental health The terrifying and intrusive thoughts she had postpartum with her daughter How those thoughts took over her life and what she did to get through them What happened at her lowest point The responses she received after sharing her self-diagnosed postpartum OCD When she stopped experiencing symptoms of OCD (her answer may surprise you) And what she learned about herself through this difficult season   Larken on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/pretty_digital_ Larken on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/digitallypretty For show notes and resources mentioned: http://www.gotchamama.com GOTCHA MAMA INSTAGRAM:  https://www.instagram.com/gotchamama/ GOTCHA MAMA FACEBOOK: https://www.facebook.com/gotchamama/

Beth Griffith is a mom of 2 and business owner in the online and offline spaces. She's a success coach specializing in helping business owners to have fun while achieving more and owner of a brick and mortar co-working office in Mesa, Arizona, called She Works Here. In this episode, Beth dives deep into her personal struggles with hyperemesis gravidarum, postpartum OCD, short-term memory loss, depression, seizures, and other debilitating health issues that she has faced all while running and building multiple online and offline businesses and while raising a family.  Beth’s perseverance and story is incredibly inspiring as she took all these challenges and used them to develop an innovative business model that not only fits her current health situation but also is inspired by how games are helping people with Alzheimers.  Besides business we also talk about how her health affected her family, her superpower to show up as a high performer, why she loves lipstick and her mission to save lives. You can find Beth at bethgriffith.me, on Instagram @thebethgriffith or join her Facebook Group (Entrepreneurial Olympics: High-Performance Made Fun with Beth Griffith) ---- For more information, visit www.PowerMomMinute.com/ Connect with me! Stephanie's Website Power Mom Minute Website Instagram @StephanieUchima Facebook

Good morning superstars!I hope your week has been amazing.  In this episode I sit down with my very talented cousin; Lisa Cisernos. She is a very talented screen writer as well as a journalist. She recently launched an Indiegogo project. She is looking for funding to make this very unique project come to life. It is a subject that we, as society, do not talk about or touch on very often. It is a short horror film about a woman that experiences postpartum OCD. We sat down and talked about what this meant to her, her experience going thru this herself and why this project is so important.  The link to her project is below along with links about postpartum OCD. I ask that you consider backing her project. I feel that this is going to help a lot of women understand that they are not alone and experiencing this does not label you. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/everything-s-fine-a-short-horror-film#/ https://www.self.com/story/postpartum-ocd-is-real-and-we-need-to-talk-about-ithttps://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/pregnancy-or-postpartum-obsessive-symptoms/As always thank you for listening! Thank you for the support! Please feel free to reach out and get in the conversation!Have an amazing day!Deanna Marie Kuempel--- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app--- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/labelfreepodcast/messageSupport this podcast: https://anchor.fm/labelfreepodcast/support

Good morning superstars! I hope your week has been amazing. In this episode I sit down with my very talented cousin; Lisa Cisernos. She is a very talented screen writer as well as a journalist. She recently launched an Indiegogo project. She is looking for funding to make this very unique project come to life. It is a subject that we, as society, do not talk about or touch on very often. It is a short horror film about a woman that experiences postpartum OCD. We sat down and talked about what this meant to her, her experience going thru this herself and why this project is so important. The link to her project is below along with links about postpartum OCD. I ask that you consider backing her project. I feel that this is going to help a lot of women understand that they are not alone and experiencing this does not label you. https://www.indiegogo.com/projects/everything-s-fine-a-short-horror-film#/ https://www.self.com/story/postpartum-ocd-is-real-and-we-need-to-talk-about-it https://www.postpartum.net/learn-more/pregnancy-or-postpartum-obsessive-symptoms/ As always thank you for listening! Thank you for the support! Please feel free to reach out and get in the conversation! Have an amazing day! Deanna Marie Kuempel --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/deanna-marie-kuempel/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/deanna-marie-kuempel/support

Darcy is on the podcast today having a discussion with Dr. Kat about the mental health issues surrounding pregnancy and post partum. Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, is a psychologist certified in perinatal mental health and the creator and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast. She was drawn to this specialty after going through Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD with her first child.  Dr. Kat supports mothers and families in her private practice in Southern California. She is a trainer and board member for Postpartum Support International. Dr. Kat offers training and education and advocacy in perinatal mental health to her to local community and worldwide.  Dr. Kat is available for perinatal psychotherapy clients throughout California through online sessions. www.drkaeni.com   In today’s episode, Darcy and Dr. Kat discuss how social media is making moms feel inadequate and that they’re parenting wrong, the impact of women’s hormones during pregnancy as it relates to mental health, the lack of planning around birth and being self aware of your emotions so you can seek help before post partum anxiety or depression kicks in. Key Takeaway: Plan for how you want your birth and post partum to play out. But, also plan for the unexpected. Planning for the unexpected will give you the emotional support and a guide to follow when things don’t go the way you hoped.   Highlights:   The effect of social media on new moms Feeling inadequate Hormones affecting anxiety, stress and depression during pregnancy The lack of planning around birth that leads to post partum stress The stigma around cesarean births Talking to someone and telling your birth story Accepting the way your birth plays out Seeking help and guidance from a counselor vs. a psychiatrist Traumatic birth experiences     Your Birth Your Worth Podcast   Website: https://www.yourbirthyourworthpodcast.com/   Darcy Sauers   Website: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/ https://www.thirdtrimesterthrive.com/   Blog: http://www.thedouladarcy.com/blog/   Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thedouladarcy/   Dr. Kat   Website: http://www.momandmind.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MomandMindPodcast/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momandmind/      

Psychologist Dr. Kat walks us through the signs, symptoms, and causes of each perinatal mood disorder. That's right, pregnant and postpartum women are not ALL suffering from baby blues or postpartum depression. Learn to differentiate, and treat, each disorder from a psychologist with her own private practice, a board seat at Postpartum Support International, and a personal history of Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD. References: Postpartum Support International: https://www.postpartum.net/ Dr. Kat's Mom and Mind podcast: https://www.momandmind.com/

Reproductive Psychotherapist Saleemah joins Akua and Sam to discuss perinatal mood disorders  Bae(s) of The Week:  Sivan Alyra Rose, Fanna & Amie, Kayden Coleman, Kennedy Powers Hoe(s) of the Week: Everyone who came thru to #PodInLiveNYC Self Care Tips: Visit http://betterhelp.com/IHU  & Don't physically punish yourself while working  Sam’s Spring Date Ideas: Come to Sex Trivia Sundays (or a local pub trivia night in your city)    Fuck It (Topic of the Day): Coping after a traumatic birth experience, how traumatic birth experiences can affect the non gestational partner, shaming men who faint during pregnancy, perinatal disorders, amazing things when black women come together, Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum OCD, Postpartum psychosis, Postpartum depression, prognosis for perinatal disorders, & more! CONTENT WARNING(S) The interview portion of this episode features a discussion on perinatal mood disorders or, mood disorders that arise in reproductive people following their birthing experiences.  HASHTAGS Use #InnerHoeUprising and #Podin to keep up with this conversation on social media and let others know that you are listening.  SPONSOR(S) This episode is sponsored by Better Help. BetterHelp is an online portal that provides direct-to-consumer access to behavioral health services offering online counseling and therapy services. Inner Hoe Uprising listeners get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/IHU. RELEVANT LINKS AND NOTES Sivan Alyra Rose: https://www.instagram.com/sivanalyrarose/?hl=en Fanna and Amie’s Strip Trip (EN): https://www.svtplay.se/video/22228350/amie-och-fannas-striptrip-english-version Kayden’s Youtube: Kayden : ig kaydenxofficial/ youtube https://youtu.be/4snRBz-YUK0  Kennedy Power: https://www.gaystarnews.com/article/trans-parents-dont-allow-being-transgender-to-scare-you-from-creating-a-family/#gs.ffmv4r  Listen to Not Yet: https://notyetseries.com Juneteenth Kickback:  https://www.postpartum.net/ https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/ Oshun Family Center: https://www.oshunfamilycenter.org/ WEBSITE  InnerHoeUprising.com PAY A HOE  http://Paypal.me/innerhoe https://www.patreon.com/InnerHoeUprising  WRITE IN EMAIL ihupodcast@gmail.com (mailto:ihupodcast@gmail.com) SPEAKING GIGS Wanna pay us to speak at your school or conference about sex positivity, black feminism, or the other kinds of topics we discuss on this show?  We’d love to! To book us, send us a line to ihupodcast@gmail.com  MUSIC  Opening: “Queen S%!T” by SheReal https://soundcloud.com/shereal/04-queen-s-t-produced-by  Fuck It: “Keeping it Cool Witchu” Chhoti Maa    Fuck You: "Chandelier" Dramangar End: “Yeah Yeah” Abstract Fish Co ENGINEERING AND EDITING BY  Sam  #black #woman #sex #feminist #womanist #Comedy #raunchy #queer

Nat chats with Stefani Zimmerman Drake, a mom of twins and Twiniversity writer who battled postpartum depression. Nat and Stefani share intimate details of their experiences with postpartum mood disorders, how they realized they needed help, and how they found the help they needed. Stefani Zimmerman Drake is a strategy consultant + speaker with over a decade of experience working in the US government, international NGO space and with nonprofits. Currently on the UNDP's Roster of Communication Experts in Subsaharan Africa + recognized by HoneyBook and Rising Tide Society as 20 On The Rise for her advocacy work, Stefani is an analytical thinker and thoughtful storyteller who works with nonprofits, businesses + humanitarians to define who they are, elevate their influence and broaden their impact through strategic communications, branding + advocacy. Stefani lives in Charleston, South Carolina with her husband, twin girls and rescue dogs. www.drakestrategies.com www.stefanizimmermandrake.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/zimms

Part 2: This is the second part to a two-part series on mental health + motherhood. I introduce Jess in Episode 81. In this episode we are discussing exactly what to look for when you are concerned about postpartum mood challenges in yourself or a loved one. We are also diving into the topic of how to have the sticky conversations about getting someone you love support. Jess is sharing her #1 tip to help protect yourself and your mindset when it comes to adjusting to life with a newborn as well as how to overcome intense and intrusive thoughts as a mom. We are breaking down the difference between Baby Blues, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum OCD, and Postpartum Psychosis. Jess is sharing what to do if you need support or feel you are experiencing one of these postpartum mood challenges. Happy Friday, yal! 

Imagine what it would be like to not even trust yourself to be alone with your children---for fear of doing them harm. What if you KNEW something was wrong with your mental health, but couldn’t find the help and support you needed? Dealing with anxiety is always a problem, but never more so than in the postpartum period, when a mom is called upon to give SO MUCH of herself to care for her new baby. Yet moms are not informed and educated about the possibilities that may occur, or given access to the resources that can provide help. My guest today is committed to getting the word out that there is help for new moms. Alexis Bruce is a stay-at-home mom turned maternal mental health advocate after the traumatic birth of her youngest son. Her birth experience, postpartum anxiety, and intense OCD fears and thoughts have been the impetus for her desire to help others in these situations. Through her struggle, it became clear that there is a lack of information and education about perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and her mission has become to change that narrative. Alexis now works with Moms Mental Health Initiative, a local non-profit group whose mission is to help moms navigate perinatal mood and anxiety disorders by sharing information, connecting them to resources, and providing the necessary peer support. Alexis lives in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with her husband, Tyler, stepdaughter Ava, and sons Noah and Leo.  Show HIghlights: How Alexis struggled long-term with anxiety that was usually manageable until her first son was born, and the intrusive thoughts began, with fears, panic attacks, and guilt Becoming unexpectedly pregnant again, when Noah was only 8 months old, caused a spike in anxiety Intrusive thoughts began again, and Alexis now knows that this is the way her brain sends alarms She went to a therapist and things got better until she was 33 weeks along Around midday, while home alone with Noah, she experienced severe bleeding, called her husband, and paramedics came and took her to the hospital by ambulance, all the while with her fearing she had lost the baby The baby’s hearbeat was OK and they started preparing for an emergency C-section, but then decided to wait and see what would happen Steroid shots for the baby to help lungs develop, and the hope that she could wait 48 hours to deliver Discomfort, contractions, and then intense pain: within 5 minutes, 12 people from the NICU team, several nurses, and the doctor were all present in the room How Alexis pushed once and Leo was born, but he was whisked away The helpless feeling of listening to the medical team trying to get the baby to breathe With no information about their baby’s condition, they watched the baby taken away to NICU Alexis felt no sympathy or attention to the severity of the trauma she had been through; the nurse came in and told her to start pumping, something she did 10x each day for the next few days She finally got to see her son about 3 hours later, but he was covered in tubes and medical tape How Alexis went into survival mode while Leo spent 21 days in NICU, and she and her husband took shifts being at the hospital and at home with their other kids Leo developed severe reflux and had to be kept upright 24 hours/day The support they received from their families, especially Alexis’ mother-in-law With increased anxiety and panic attacks, Alexis knew she needed to see someone She saw her primary care doctor and started on meds, because every therapist had a long wait for an appointment She was afraid to be left alone with the kids and wouldn’t even use a knife at the table with them, because she didn’t trust herself How she googled to find support and found Postpartum Support International---the first time she felt hopeful She was referred to Moms Mental Health Initiative, saw a therapist that very day, and joined Circle of Hope, a closed Facebook peer support group How Alexis found the fastest way to get better was to immerse herself in treatment The focus on exposure response prevention therapy Why Alexis feels fortunate to be in a place with trained providers who could help Speaking and sharing her story has given her joy and empowerment Now, Alexis is the Marketing Communications Director for Moms Mental Health Initiative, coordinating their media, blogs, and newsletters The lack of education and information about postpartum anxiety and mood disorders If she had known intrusive thoughts were a real possibility, she would have asked for help a lot sooner A hopeful message from Alexis: “You aren’t alone. Help is available. It’s possible on the recovery end to grieve the pregnancy and postpartum period that you wanted to have.” Alexis’ advice: “Be aware of vulnerabilities, be gentle with yourself, and have self-compassion.”   Resources: www.momsmentalhealthmke.org www.postpartum.net Email Moms Mental Health Initiative: mmhimke@gmail Find Moms Mental Health Initiative on Facebook

Do you feel "off" after your twins delivery? Are you having a hard time coping with daily life with your infant twins? You could be suffering from a postpartum mood disorder, such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and postpartum OCD. Dr. Deena Blanchard shares advice to identify your issue and how to start getting help. Deena Blanchard MD, MPH is a board-certified pediatrician working at Premier Pediatrics. Dr. Deena has provided health/parenting tips for outlets such as AOL, Buzzfeed, The Huffington Post, The Bump, The Daily News, and appeared on CBS and CUNY-TV. She is also a regular contributor for Big City Moms, Well Rounded NY, The Stir by Cafemom, and Momtastic. Sign up for the Twiniversity Mentor Program: https://www.twiniversity.com/parent-to-parent-mentorship-program

Wait, what is Postpartum OCD?  Yep. It's Obsessive Compulsive Disorder that develops or is magnified as part of the postpartum experience. Women who don't have OCD can develop it as part of their childbirth experience. Women who already have OCD can see their symptoms intensify during postpartum.  Most simply defined, OCD is when "intrusive thoughts" become fairly constant, and a person starts acting on those thoughts.  On episode 67 of Fourth Trimester Podcast we focus on postpartum OCD and speak with Megan Ellow who is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Delaware.   The episode covers:  -- Signs of Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD -- How to find help if you think you may have symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum OCD (Hint: start by calling an anonymous helpline 800-944-4773)  -- Megan's true story of postpartum OCD and her recovery 

Meet Britt...wife, photog, and Momma to two under two!    Brittany's world changed forever when she found two blue lines staring back at her just a few short months after welcoming her first baby! Ahhh!    Hear how this Mom survived the early months..listen as she shares the moment's that brought her to tears, her struggle with Postparum Depression and Postpartum OCD, and how she still finds time for photography.    This Momma is a rockstar, and so are you Mom's with two under two! It's not easy, but we've got your back!   Also, my two month old Mylo makes a cameo throughout this Podcast, because Mom's who Podcast with baby's keep it real.    Find more of Brittany on Instagram @Capturesweetmoments and online at Capturesweetmoments.com   Thank you to our sponsor Organic Evolution Matcha Tea for keeping Momma's calm and moving, you rock! Matcha tea from the comfort of home, find it on amazon HERE. 

Jenny Yip, Psy.D., ABPP, is a clinical psychologist, author, speaker and a nationally recognized Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and anxiety expert. Since childhood, Dr. Yip has fought her own personal battle with OCD. Like so many others, she found herself falling victim to the daily struggles that OCD can bring to one’s life. Inspired by her childhood struggles and motivated to helping others overcome theirs, Dr. Yip established the Renewed Freedom Center in Los Angeles to help those suffering from OCD and anxiety disorders by providing the most advanced treatment available. She developed the Family Systems Based Strategic CBT, integrating Mindfulness Training and Strategic Paradoxical Techniques with Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). For over a decade, she has successfully treated severe OCD and anxiety disorders with this comprehensive modality. I am so grateful to Dr. Yip for coming on the show and so openly sharing her story of postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  I know many moms will be able to relate to the crippling effects of anxiety during that postpartum time.  Dr. Yip does an excellent job shedding light on postpartum anxiety, hypervigilance, and OCD.  After we cover adult OCD, we dive into what OCD can look like in children of all ages.  You might be surprised, as OCD can manifest in many different ways in kids.  If you have a child you think might be struggling with impulses, anxiety/worry, routines, depression, defiance, attention – there might be some new insights in this conversation for you. Listen in to hear Dr. Yip share: All the ways OCD can manifest, as well as the 3 different ways it showed up in her family growing up The crippling grip Postpartum OCD had on her and what it cost her in her relationships with her twin sons How adults can use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure Therapy to quickly improve their OCD symptoms What OCD looks like in children – what is quirky kid behavior vs OCD behavior Why OCD is often misdiagnosed as ADD, ADHD, or Oppositional Defiant Disorder in kids What kinds of treatment models are successful in treating kids with OCD and anxiety Links Mentioned: Work with Dr. Yip and her team: Renewed Freedom Center Dr Yip’s Podcast: The Stress-Less Life with Dr. Yip Jenny Yip on Facebook Jenny Yip on Twitter Jenny Yip on Instagram Book: Productive, Successful YOU! End Procrastination by Making Anxiety Work for You Rather Than Against You International OCD Foundation Anxiety and Depression Association of America Thank you to our sponsors: Bioclarity: Get 50% off your skincare routine + free shipping. Go to Bio Clarity and enter the code SHAMELESS at checkout. Wing Alpha: Get $25 off your first cell phone bill when you go to Wing Alpha, click Join Wing and enter the code SHAMELESS.

Happy Halloween everyone!  It's one of my favorite months and I LOVE that everyone is so willing to be afraid on this special day.   Let's all commit to being willing to be scared/afraid/anxious every day, shall we? This episode is a little different to the normal format.  Today, I answer questions from Your Anxiety Toolkit listeners about anxiety, OCD, Mindfulness and appropriate treatment for certain disorders. Questions include: How to manage Postpartum OCD (including thoughts of hurting our children) How to help someone with Scrupulocity or Moral Obsessions (including fear of offending God or sinning) How to help a son with OCD and Tic Disorder How to manage thoughts about Death GREAT, GREAT QUESTIONS!  I hope my answers were helpful Have a wonderful day everyone!

Dr. Stout and Dr. Smithyman explain, raise awareness about, and discuss treatment for perinatal OCD.  Perinatal OCD is much more common than is realized and an understanding of why it has been kept as a painful secret for so many is discussed.  Awareness of this disorder needs to be raised to educate the community at large and the medical profession so sufferers can see that there is hope.

Lisa Cross, LMFT Finding Empowerment and Meaning through your pregnancy or postpartum experience. On this episode we are talking with Lisa Cross, LMFT about finding empowerment and meaning in your pregnancy, birth or postpartum story. This is an essential piece of making your way through the struggle that can come with pregnancy and postpartum. As you find your way through, your meaning may be very personal, your empowerment may only be known to you, or it could be a huge life changing experience. In any case, finding meaning or empowerment in our experiece can be incredibly healing. Lisa is a licensed marriage and family therapist who is in private practice in Plymouth Minnesota and also serves as the Co-Director of a non-profit organization called Pregnancy & Postpartum Support MN.  She has a certificate of training in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International.  12 years ago this, Lisa welcomed her first child into the world.  Along with her daughter came an illness called Postpartum OCD.  Unprepared for this disorder, she embarked on a battle to understand and overcome her illness.  It was this experience that lead her to focus her career in Perinatal Mental Health. Connect with Lisa and PPSM here: Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Minnesota www.ppsupportmn.org Facebook Twitter and Instagram @ppsupportmn Lisa Cross, LMFT  Twitter @lisacrosslmft

Bethany Warren, LCSW Postpartum OCD- We talk about how difficult it can feel to have the scary and intrusive thoughts happen with postpartum OCD. The great news is that it’s treatable and you can feel better! Bethany has a passion for women’s reproductive and health issues and has worked in this field for over 18 years. She specializes in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, working with individuals and couples struggling with pregnancy loss, infertility or facing adoption or surrogacy. She is passionate about coaching and guiding parents through their adjustment to their new roles and helping couples develop their solid identities as parents. Additionally, she assists women recovering from birth trauma and families who have children with medical and other health-related issues. Bethany also enjoys being active in the community, and serves on the Postpartum Health Alliance Board and volunteers for other community organizations promoting and supporting women’s health and mental illness. Beth is an adjunct professor at a local University and provides clinical supervision for clinicians working towards their licenses as teaching others in the same field is a passion of hers. San Diego Resource: Postpartum Health Alliance https://postpartumhealthalliance.org/