From Anxiety to Empowerment: A Deep Dive into Postpartum & Perinatal OCD

Podcast Cover: From Anxiety to Empowerment: A Deep Dive into Postpartum & Perinatal OCD
Listen on Google Podcast button
Listen on Apple Podcast button
Listen on Spotify button
Liste on Amazon Music button

In this enlightening episode of the Heal Your Roots Podcast, we are joined once again by the esteemed Dr. Katie Manganello, offering an in-depth exploration of postpartum and perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). As these forms of OCD often remain under-discussed, this episode aims to bring light and understanding to the complexities that new parents face during what is a transformative period in their lives.

Dr. Manganello, renowned for her expertise in mental health, particularly in the domain of OCD, provides invaluable insights into the nuances of postpartum and perinatal OCD. This episode not only demystifies these conditions but also offers hope, strategies for coping, and avenues for support to those who might find themselves navigating these challenging waters.

Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of the symptoms, triggers, and the emotional landscape of postpartum and perinatal OCD. Moreover, the episode touches on the broader implications of maternal mental health, emphasizing the importance of support networks, professional guidance, and community understanding in fostering a healthy transition into parenthood.

This episode is a must-listen for new and expecting parents, healthcare professionals, and anyone looking to expand their knowledge on maternal mental health issues. By shedding light on postpartum and perinatal OCD, the Heal Your Roots Podcast continues its mission to educate, empower, and support individuals through their mental health journey.

Tune in to this powerful episode to discover more about the resilience of parenthood, the strength found in seeking help, and the beauty of navigating the complexities of mental health with knowledge and compassion.

 

Postpartum OCD and its symptoms with a mental health professional. 0:01

  • Kira and Dr. Katie discuss postpartum OCD anxiety and being a new mom entrepreneur.
  • Speaker discusses OCD and postpartum/perinatal OCD, defining obsessions and compulsions, and their impact on distress.

Postpartum OCD symptoms in new parents, including intrusive thoughts and compulsions related to baby’s safety. 4:04

  • New parents with postpartum OCD may experience obsessions about harming their baby, and compulsions like excessive checking of baby monitors or seeking reassurance from others.
  • Despite these fears, the likelihood of intentionally harming a baby is low, and treatment can help reduce these intrusive thoughts and compulsions.
  • New parent’s constant monitoring of baby may indicate OCD.

Postpartum OCD symptoms and their impact on new mothers. 8:29

  • Dr. Katie Manganello describes experiencing intrusive thoughts of harming baby, excessive hand-washing, and avoidance of changing diapers.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky shares similar experiences of intrusive visuals of dropping baby, constant monitoring of baby’s safety, and avoidance of certain tasks.
  • Excessive parenting obsession can interfere with relationship.

Postpartum OCD and its impact on mothers and fathers. 13:08

  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky and Dr. Katie Manganello discuss the challenges of differentiating between normal postpartum emotions and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
  • They explore the role of guilt and shame in identifying when worry becomes an unhealthy amount, potentially indicative of OCD.
  • Pregnant or postpartum women with OCD may experience worsened symptoms or a new episode due to increased responsibility and anxiety about their child’s safety.
  • Partners of the birthing parent can also experience postpartum depression, anxiety, or OCD, and it’s important to be aware of these cues and provide support.

Balancing business and motherhood as a private practice owner. 18:05

  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky discussed the challenges of being a professional and a new parent, including managing a business and taking maternity leave without job benefits.
  • Kira planned ahead before getting pregnant to ensure a smooth transition, including setting boundaries and delegating tasks to her team.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky planned ahead for maternity leave by building a team and creating other income streams.
  • Hiring an intake coordinator, Sarina, helped ease the transition and provided relief.

Balancing pregnancy and therapy work. 23:15

  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky discussed the challenges of balancing work and motherhood, particularly for those with OCD.
  • She shared how she had to plan ahead and build a support system to manage her anxiety and trust others with her child.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky discussed her experience as a pregnant therapist, including managing her caseload and being open with clients about her leave.
  • She found working from home helpful, but acknowledged the challenges of morning sickness and maintaining emotional presence for clients.
  • Kira emphasized the importance of setting boundaries and being transparent with clients during her leave, which ended up being a positive experience for her and her clients.

Pregnancy challenges, body image, and self-care. 30:03

  • Kira discusses challenges of pregnancy, including nausea and body image issues.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky shares experiences with body image and how it relates to motherhood.

Pregnancy challenges and secrecy. 32:24

  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky shares her experience of pregnancy, including weight gain, self-consciousness, and discomfort.
  • She finds it difficult to find flattering and comfortable maternity clothes, and experiences physical changes such as foot inflammation and hand swelling.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky discusses physical challenges of pregnancy, needing help with simple tasks, and feeling helpless and hopeless.
  • Dr. Katie Manganello mentions keeping pregnancy a secret as a difficult aspect of the beginning stages, feeling isolating and lonely.

Miscarriage and parenthood challenges. 37:35

  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky shares her experience of having a miscarriage and the emotional roller coaster that comes with it.
  • She emphasizes the importance of having support from close friends and family during this time.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky describes the first few weeks of motherhood as “brutal” and “really tough,” with sleep deprivation and new responsibilities taking a toll on her mental health.
  • Kira’s partner provides emotional support and helps with caring for the baby, making their experience more manageable and less isolating.

Parenting challenges and joys, focusing on the unique experience of raising a newborn. 42:18

  • New mom Kira finds support in partner Aran and mommy group, feels more sane with baby’s smiles and laughter.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky reflects on the challenges and joys of parenting, emphasizing the importance of being present and embracing each stage of development.
  • Kira and other moms in mommy groups share their experiences of the different stages of parenting, highlighting the unique challenges and rewards of each phase.

Challenges of new parenthood, including sleep deprivation, breastfeeding, and decision-making uncertainty. 46:57

  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky: Sleep deprivation is brutal, especially in the beginning.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky: Navigating products and breastfeeding can be overwhelming.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky shares her experience with postpartum OCD, including intrusive thoughts about breastfeeding and bonding with her baby.
  • She emphasizes the uncertainty and guilt that new parents may feel, and the importance of recognizing that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to these challenges.

Motherhood, resilience, and empathy as a therapist. 52:28

  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky reflects on her resilience and strength as a new mom, finding humor in the challenges and feeling closer to her partner.
  • Kira appreciates the innocent and sweet moments with her baby, such as smiling and giggling, and feeling love and connection.
  • Kira Yakubov Ploshansky shares her personal experience as a mom and therapist, highlighting the importance of empathy and understanding in her practice.
  • Kira appreciates the vulnerability and authenticity of the speaker, acknowledging the struggles of being a therapist and a parent.

Start Therapy Today

Interested in learning more about therapy with Heal Your Roots Wellness? Schedule a free 15 minute consultation call with our intake coordinator to get started

Other Podcast Episodes