Mom and Mind

392: Behind The Sessions: How Motherhood Can Magnify Anxiety and Self-Doubt


Listen Later

In today’s Behind the Sessions episode, Dr. Kat, a perinatal psychologist, explores how motherhood can magnify anxiety and self-doubt, especially for those with pre-existing tendencies towards anxiety or perfectionism. She discusses how these emotional challenges often resurface during pregnancy and postpartum, leading to feelings of inadequacy. 

Dr. Kat emphasizes the importance of recognizing and understanding these patterns, advocating for self-compassion and realistic expectations. She encourages seeking support, highlighting that reaching out is a strength, not a failure. Tune in and hear DR. Kat as she reassures mothers that they are not alone in their struggles and offers resources for managing postpartum stress.

Show Highlights:

  • The impact of motherhood on anxiety and self-doubt
  • Resurgence of pre-existing emotional challenges during pregnancy and postpartum
  • Societal expectations and internal pressures on new mothers
  • Perfectionism and feelings of inadequacy in parenting
  • Effects of sleep deprivation and hormonal changes on mental health
  • Coping strategies and the pressure to maintain control during motherhood
  • Influence of social media and cultural standards on maternal self-esteem
  • Importance of self-compassion and recognizing small victories in parenting
  • Seeking professional support for perinatal mental health challenges
  • Significance of reframing internal dialogue and challenging unrealistic expectations
  • Resources:

    Connect with Centering You: Website, Instagram, and The Shift Shop

    Use the code “MOMANDMIND” (all caps) for a 10% discount on your purchase of the Centering You Card Deck. 

    Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov

    Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. 

    You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms

    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!

    If you are a California resident looking for a therapist in perinatal mental health, email me about openings for private pay clients!

    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    ...more
    View all episodesView all episodes
    Download on the App Store

    Mom and MindBy Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D., PMH-C

    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8
    • 4.8

    4.8

    208 ratings


    More shows like Mom and Mind

    View all
    ADHD Experts Podcast by ADDitude

    ADHD Experts Podcast

    1,322 Listeners

    Edit Your Life | Simplify + Declutter Your Home, Time, and Mental Space by Christine Koh

    Edit Your Life | Simplify + Declutter Your Home, Time, and Mental Space

    519 Listeners

    The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast by Bryn Huntpalmer

    The Birth Hour - A Birth Story Podcast

    2,155 Listeners

    10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

    10% Happier with Dan Harris

    12,553 Listeners

    The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

    The Lazy Genius Podcast

    6,518 Listeners

    Therapist Uncensored Podcast by Sue Marriott LCSW, CGP & Ann Kelley PhD

    Therapist Uncensored Podcast

    1,388 Listeners

    What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms by Margaret Ables and Amy Wilson

    What Fresh Hell: Laughing in the Face of Motherhood | Parenting Tips From Funny Moms

    993 Listeners

    Evidence Based Birth® by Rebecca Dekker, PhD, RN

    Evidence Based Birth®

    1,017 Listeners

    Light Up The Couch by Clearly Clinical

    Light Up The Couch

    321 Listeners

    Raising Good Humans by Dear Media, Aliza Pressman

    Raising Good Humans

    1,868 Listeners

    Momwell by Erica Djossa

    Momwell

    303 Listeners

    The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast by Clinical Concepts in Obstetrics

    The Critical Care Obstetrics Podcast

    203 Listeners

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky by Dr. Becky Kennedy

    Good Inside with Dr. Becky

    4,381 Listeners

    We Can Do Hard Things by Glennon Doyle and Audacy

    We Can Do Hard Things

    41,504 Listeners

    The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

    The Mel Robbins Podcast

    20,604 Listeners