What’s the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression? How normal are intrusive thoughts? And what does motherhood do to our identity as women?

While there's a lot of focus on the physical side of birth, the emotional side of pregnancy, birth and postpartum is often left to the last minute – once mama is already living with mental health issues.

I dive deep in this episode with Dr Tess Browne, mum of two & Clinical Psychologist, into navigating AND normalising Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADS)

Tess specialises in trauma and perinatal mental health. Her passion is to help new mothers and mums-to-be to thrive – not just survive – as they navigate the psychological challenges early parenthood presents. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

• What led Tess to specialise in perinatal mental health
• The difference between baby blues and postpartum depression
• What impact does sleep deprivation have on your mental health?
• Intrusive thoughts – what are they and are they normal?
• What are the red flags of PMADS we need to look out for?
• The antidote to mom guilt and shame
• How Tess supports women in her practice with Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and EMDR (trauma therapy)
• The struggles that men and partners have after birth, and ideas to help your partner connect with baby
• Why it’s okay not to have that instant connection with your new baby
• My personal postpartum experience – and my husbands
• The reality of paternal postpartum depression
• What can WE do to help new parents?
• And so much more... 

If you know a parent-to-be or new parent who would benefit from this conversation, please share this episode!

Connect with Dr Tess Browne:

• Instagram: @dtressbrowne
• Website: drtessbrowne.com

RECOMMENDED BOOKS

• Postpartum Husband by Karen Kleiman
• Daring Greatly by Brene Brown

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