Mom and Mind

401: Behind The Sessions: Understanding Feeling Disconnected From Pregnancy

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It’s not uncommon to feel disconnected from your pregnancy and your unborn baby. These feelings bring shame for not living up to the idealized standard of what pregnancy and motherhood “should be.” This shame can lead to isolation, confusion, painful fears, and an emotional distance between mother and baby. If this describes you, you are not broken, and you are not alone. Let’s take a closer look in today’s session.


Show Highlights:

  • Understanding common fears that come along with feelings of disconnect during pregnancy; there are many reasons why fear is normal during this time!
  • Fear can lead to hypervigilance in an effort at self-protection.
  • Fear can come from feelings of vulnerability.
  • A history of anxiety, depression, and PTSD can increase the risk for these issues during pregnancy–and they take a LOT of energy.
  • Coping skills that can help: therapy, journaling, talking to a trusted friend or family member, and having compassion for yourself
  • Use understanding and curiosity to explore what you’re going through–not judgment about what’s wrong with you.
  • Feelings of disconnect during pregnancy do not mean you will be a distant parent. 
  • Today’s hopeful message from Dr. Kat: “Healing is always available, even from something in the past.”


    • Resources:

    • 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!



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