BOOK: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts, A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers

By, Karen Kleiman (author), Molly McIntyre (Illustrator)

Posted date: 10/27/2025

Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C

OVERVIEW Episode 105 explores the book by Karen Kleiman, Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts, A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers. Page numbers and links in show notes for listeners to find additional information on topics explored from the source.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support.

If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a resource to connect with is Postpartum Support International ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠⁠⁠⁠

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CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS

Book Exploration

Trigger warnings: Discussion related to anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, postpartum recovery, psychosis.

3:05 Karen Kleiman, MSW - reference #speakthesecret campaign from Postpartum Stress Center

3:30 (pg. 6) Intrusive thoughts discussion

5:29 (pg. 9) 1 in 7 woman will suffer from symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety.

6:15 (pg.28 & 30) Reference from book about mom having a bad day.

7:10 (pg. 43) “Don’t touch me!” and antidote/script to use to talk with loved ones.

9:25 (pg. 70 & 71) “Too many options” and decision fatigue.

13:15 (pg. 93) What if thinking and catastrophic thinking patterns

15:10 (pg. 130- 131) “Health Professionals” discussion on how to ask for support. Provides script for advocacy.

17:39 (pg. 147) “Accept uncertainty” Discussion of motherhood and chaos.

18:16 (pg. 123) Psychological diagnoses references and supports. “Psychosis”- discussion about the importance of medical intervention

20:35 (pg. 150) “Be your own best advocate” I got this self care affirmation/ mantra support quote.

21:20 (pg. 152/3) “Guidelines for healing”

Further resources available at end of book.

Additional book by author, Karen Kleiman, MSW- What About Us? A New Parents Guide to safeguard your over-anxious, over-extended, sleep-deprived relationship.

Children's Book We Love

24:16 If You Give A Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff

Illustrated by Felicia Bond

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Stay Connected

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Instagram ⁠⁠@overdueforparents⁠⁠

Megan Riesgo ⁠⁠www.riesgosupport.com⁠⁠

Joy Walsh ⁠⁠www.wellnessconstellation.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality by Kimberly Ann Johnson

PART 1 of 5: Part 1 of Book- Preparing For The Fourth Trimester

Ch 1. The Postpartum Revolution

Ch 2. Setting Yourself Up for a Smooth Transition to Motherhood

Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C

OVERVIEW Episode 105 explores Ch. 1 & 2 of The Fourth Trimester: A Postpartum Guide to Healing Your Body, Balancing Your Emotions, and Restoring Your Vitality, by Kimberly Ann Johnson. Page numbers and links in show notes for listeners to find additional information on topics explored from the source.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support.

If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a resource to connect with is Postpartum Support International ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠⁠⁠⁠

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CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS

Ch. 1 The Postpartum Revolution

02:15 Discussion of The Fourth Trimester card deck by Kimberly Ann Johnson

04:50 Author’s website as a resource www.kimberlyannjohnson.com

07:30 Discussion from context of book about prioritizing mama and what that might look like

08:10 Reference to book What to Expect When You Are Expecting by Heidi Murkoff

09:00 Discussion related to unspoken messages around birthing person and postpartum

10:00 (pg.25) How long is the 4th trimester discussion

11:00 (pg.26) Definition of postpartum

11:25 Discussion related to other cultures and postpartum period

12:00 (pg.28) 5 universal needs in postpartum period from author

13:00 (pg.29) Reference to resting period around the world.

16:45 (pg.31-32) Discussion from book and not rushing nature. When birthing person feels supported they thrive.

Ch. 2 Setting Yourself Up for a Smooth Transition to Motherhood

21:20 Discussion of possible supports and ways to ask for help

22:55 Resource: Check On Mom

24:00 (pg.36) Preparing to rest and discussion of “lazy”

28:40 (pg.42) Journal exercise from author and tuning into inner dialogue

30:00 Example of nesting experience

31:40 (pg.46) Use of mantra and asking / receiving support.

Childrens’ Book

37:30 Blanket: Journey to Extreme Coziness, by Loryn Brantz

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Stay Connected

⁠⁠www.overdueforparents.com⁠⁠

⁠⁠@overdueforparents⁠⁠

Megan Riesgo ⁠⁠www.riesgosupport.com⁠⁠

Joy Walsh ⁠⁠www.wellnessconstellation.com

BOOK 1: Raising Good Humans, A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE 

PART 4 of 4: Chapter 7 Solving Problems Mindfully & Chapter 8 Supporting Your Peaceful Home 

Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C

OVERVIEW Episode 4 explores chapter 7 & 8 of Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE book, Raising Good Humans, A Mindful Guide to Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids. Page numbers and links in show notes for listeners to find additional information on topics explored from the source.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support.

If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a resource to connect with is Postpartum Support International ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

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CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS

Book Exploration - Chapter 7 Solving Problems Mindfully 

00:45 (pg. 126) “Mindfulness meditation is the foundation of our conflict-resolution skills.” Normalizing conflict. 

01:20 (pg. 126) Example of conflicting needs

01:55 (pg. 126-129) Authoritarian and permissive parenting

03:30 (pg. 130) Conflict resolution with balance. “How do we find the middle path, where everyone can get their needs met?”

04:45 (pg. 130) Latin root of word discipline, disciplina.

06:10 (pg. 132) Five steps for Win-Win Problem Solving, Identify, Brainstorm, Evaluate, Make Decision, Check In

07:50 Five Why’s technique 

10:50 (pg. 136) Talking out problems instead of power struggles. 

11:10 (pg. 136- 137) Sibling conflict and benefits of role modeling and self regulation. “Coach instead of controlling.” 

13:25 (pg. 138-139) Examples and options to tend to both children. “Handling Sibling Conflicts: A Cheat Sheet,” steps referenced. 

15:20 (pg. 142) Quote explored, “What need is your child trying to meet? What are your needs?” 

Book Exploration - Chapter 8 Supporting Your Peaceful Home 

19:00 (pg. 144-145) Identified concepts of connection. “All of this love creates a positive feedback loop.” 

21:30 (pg. 150-151) Daily Rhythm concepts explored.

22:20 Resource: Big Little Feelings

22:45 (pg. 152) Test Drive Routine concepts explored to know what is expected with weekly schedule. Reference within Kim Payne’s book Simplicity Parenting predictable rhythm for dinners. 

24:45 (pg. 155-160) References to Kim Payne’s Simplification Steps. 

25:30 (pg. 153) Reference to Maria Montessori and The Montessori Method, tools and resources at child’s level for independence. Reference to Melissa and Doug  and For Small Hands as brand options for daily living toys and tools for kids.

26:50 (158-161) Toys and clutter with options to simplify the environment.

27:00 (pg. 161-162) “Progress not perfection” Reference to Mindful Mama Podcast. Final thoughts reference from book, “How do we give unconditional love? By leading with loving and accepting ourselves.” Additional quote explored, “... old habits are familiar and strong. It takes diligent practice to bring mindfulness into daily life and learn to respond to our children empathetically and skillfully.”

BOOK 1: Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide for Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE

PART 3 of 4: Chapter 5: Listening to Help and Heal; Chapter 6: Saying the Right Things

Posted date: 7/31/24

Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C

OVERVIEW

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support.

If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a resource to connect with is Postpartum Support International ⁠⁠ ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠⁠⁠ 

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CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS

Book Exploration - Chapter 5: Listening to Help and Heal

00:00 Intro to show

00:30 (pg. 91)  Introduction to Ch. 5, discussion about choice of words matters

1:45 (pg. 92)  “A Mindful Approach to Problems”

2:00 (pg. 93) Children are trying to get their needs met. 

2:40 (pg. 92) “Whose Problem Is It?”

3:00 (pg. 93) “We don’t need to solve all of their problems.” 

3:30 Age appropriate communication and “we problems.”  

5:25 (pg. 95) Slowing down to explore child’s perspective.  

6:45  Somatic Experiencing reference www.traumahealing.org

7:30 (pg. 94-95) “How Listening Heals” - adults need to ground and deal with own stress response

8:10 (pg. 94) Examples of practicing self compassion, flexibility, and non judgemental thoughts.  “Listen to Cultivate Connection,” relationships based on connection. 

9:50 (pg. 97) “What Not To Say” Examples with scenario

12:10 (pg. 98) “Barriers to Communication” impact of dismissing feelings, examples explored

12:40 (pg. 99-100) "Change Isn’t Easy”

13:35 (pg. 101) “Reflective Listening In Action," direct quote.

14:35 (pg. 101) “Pay Attention Mindfully” 

16:00 (pg. 104) Reflective listening to connect with empathy. 

17:00 (pg. 108) Building awareness to your needs as a caregiver

17:45  Reference to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs

18:50 (pg. 109)  Modeling healthy boundaries 

19:00 Recognition of the value of caregivers for little humans.

20:15 (pg. 110) "children are immature by definition."

21:20 (pg. 113) Paraphrase from book related to shifting intentions and language.

21:35 (pg. 113) The Problem With “You-Messages” 

22:30 (pg. 114) “I messages” exploration

23:00 (pg. 116) Framework for "I messages" from Thomas Gorden who coined the term. Reference from Parent Effectiveness Training (1970). 3 parts: Describe behavior, describe specific tangible effect, and share your feelings. 

26:20 (pg. 117) Resistance Expectation, I messages may need to be repeated several times.

26:30 (pg. 118) Trouble Shooting You-messages disguised as I-messages.

27:40 (pg. 119) "Connect Then Correct” mantra. Ex. from book -  shouting from another room

28:00 (pg. 120)  "Using the Friend Filter"

References discussed from author, Mindful Parenting online course and podcast (Mindful Mama)</

BOOK 1: Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide for Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE

PART 2 of 4: Chapter 3: Practicing compassion - It begins with you Chapter 4: Taking care of difficult feelings

Posted date: 7/22/24

Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C

OVERVIEW

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support.

If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a resource to connect with is Postpartum Support International ⁠ ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠⁠ 

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CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS

Book Exploration - Chapter 3: Practicing Compassion- It Begins With You 

00:00 Introduction to show

1:00 Introduction to ch. 3 Practicing Compassion- It Begins With You 

2:25 (pg. 55) Brene Brown, Ph.D., LMSW reference related to shame and  guilt

3:40 (pg. 55) Self compassion reference from book regarding kids are great at modeling our behavior 

4:05 Discussed Brene Brown, Ph.D., LMSW, The Wholehearted Parenting Manifesto available on her website www.brenebrown.com

4:50 (pg. 56) Explored self compassion definition from, Kristen Neff, Ph.D. 

7:26 (pg. 59) Identified tools for practicing loving- kindness with audio available on http://www.raising-goodhumansbook.com 

10:55 (pg. 60) reference to modeling kindness and empathy

11:10 (pg. 61) reference to empathy is a parent super power 

13:00 (pg. 63) self care is vital to provide empathy 

13:30 (pg. 63) judgmental minds and being critical of self 

14:50 (pg. 64), “When we practice patience we are less reactive.”  

16;25 (pg. 66), explored mantras for practicing patience

19:00 (pg. 68) reference to good enough parenting
Book Exploration: Ch. 4 Taking Care of Difficult Feelings

20:30 (pg. 72) Exploring habitual responses to feelings of acceptance and awareness to feelings are temporary 

22:00 Discussion of sports and funny videos of kids being developmentally appropriate

24:30 (pg. 76) Reference to Tara Brach, an Insight Meditation teacher with exercise to practice skills available

25:30 (pg. 77) Critical voice from our roots and learned behaviors 

26:00 Explored children television show Bluey (episode S3E25 Fairytale) in regards to differences in generations of parenting, and color palette for dog visibility.

27:00 (pg. 78) RAIN- recognize, allow, investigate, nurture. On http://www.raising-goodhumansbook.com  an audio option is available for practicing 

27:40 (pg. 83) reference to accept and expect children will have strong emotions 

28:30 (pg. 85) tolerating tantrums exploration and silence can be a powerful response

30:40 example of somatic awareness to body

31:50 (pg. 86) explored options to move slowly and take time for recovery relat

BOOK 1: Raising Good Humans: A Mindful Guide for Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids by Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE

PART 1 of 4: Chapter 1: Keeping Your Cool and Chapter 2: Disarming Your Triggers

Posted date: 7/13/24

Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C

OVERVIEW

This episode explores the beginning two chapters in Hunter Clarke-Fields, MSAE book, Raising Good Humans A Mindful Guide for Breaking the Cycle of Reactive Parenting and Raising Kind, Confident Kids. The presenters of this podcast reference additional supports and resources that parents and caregivers might find useful throughout each episode. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support. If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a great resources to connect with is Postpartum Support International www.postpartum.net 

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice.

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CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS

Book Exploration - Chapter 1: Keeping Your Cool

00:00 Introduction 

06:30 Reference to presenters' personal benefit with using mood tracker daily for a quick mindfulness check in. 

07:30 Definition of mindfulness from John Kabat-Zinn, scientist, author, and meditation teacher, page 17 

08:40 Named reference of author, Hunter Clarke-Fields, additional supports including her podcast, Mindful Mama, and website www.mindfulmamamentor.com

09:30 exercise on eating mindfully practice using a raisin, page 19

10:20 Presenter identified humor with show Parks & Recreation

11:15 Identified support from book with sitting mindful meditation 

11:40 Presenter discusses additional resource of Insight Timer app 

Book Exploration - Chapter 2: Disarming your Triggers

16:10 Explored value of awareness to unresolved issues from past experiences

17:54 Presenter quotes author about “children have an uncanny ability to reveal our unresolved issues”, page 34 

18:30 Identified book reference to self compassion related to how you were parented with exercise, page 37 

19:10 Presenter named additional book supports Recovering from Emotionally Immature Parents: Practical Tools to Establish Boundaries and Reclaim Your Emotional Autonomy and Adult Children of Emotionally Immature Parents: How to Heal from Distant, Rejecting, or Self-Involved Parents by Lindsay C. Gibson, Psy D.

20:20 Book reference - anger and yelling enact the fear center of a child’s brain, page 39

22:56 Book reference - to lower overall stress ex. Exercise, sleep, spend time with friends & family, page 43

24:00 Book reference - values of taking breaks, skills for releasing emotional energy, shake it out and breathing, page 45

24:50 Book reference - mantras including "I am a Ninja Mom", page 49

28:15 Book quote - “Remember, what you practice grows stronger," page 50

Children's Book Exploration

30:10  My Body Is a Rainbow: The Color of My Feelings by Mallika Chopra and illustrated by Izzy Burton 

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