What I'd tell my younger sister

When it’s not just “normal mom anxiety”: Postpartum Anxiety with Sarah

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When you’re pregnant and early postpartum, everything’s new and feels different. Your body, brain, and relationships. Plus, you’ve got new stressors on your system—lack of sleep, a baby’s cry that feels like a siren’s wail, and less time to cope with it all. All of these changes can make it hard to tell the difference between “normal worry” and a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD), like postpartum anxiety or depression.


In today’s episode, we’re speaking to Sarah, a mom of a now-toddler. She’ll share her journey with postpartum anxiety, talk about how she sought and got help, and how she found hope and eventually re-discovered her “colour” after baby.


In this episode, we talk about:

  • Being in your toddler mom era
  • When motherhood feels like the biggest part of your identity (right now)
  • Crying in front of your kids (over literal spilled milk)
  • Making tough decisions around pregnancy, breastfeeding, and medication
  • Not quite fitting the box of the postpartum depression screen—and how to advocate for yourself with your healthcare provider
  • Talking to other parents about your experience—finding the courage to be vulnerable when you’re embarrassed or nervous to share what you’re really feeling
  • “Normal mom anxiety” vs. Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
  • Worst-case-scenario thinking and intrusive thoughts
  • Conversations to have with loved ones and healthcare providers before having a baby to prepare for potential changes in your mental health
  • Breastfeeding and mental health
  • Finding ways to get out of the house during maternity leave, including resources and ways to connect with others
  • Going back to your pre-baby job and exploring different parts of yourself/your brain
  • How to check in on new parent friends
  • Getting your “colour” back postpartum



    • In this episode, we reference:

    • PMAD (perinatal mood and anxiety disorders)
    • Mommy Connections paid moms’ groups (Canada-wide)
    • Library programs for babies and tots (Edmonton-specific, but check your local library out!)
    • The Fourth free moms’ groups (Edmonton-specific)
    • YMCA (free membership including swim lessons for children under two)
    • Hope in postpartum: when your colour returns
      • ...more
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      What I'd tell my younger sisterBy What I'd tell my younger sister