Ep. 19 Matrescence & Perinatal OCD: When Motherhood Changes Everything (And Why Support Matters)

Guest: Elena Sledge, Licensed Mental Health Counselor | Awaken Therapy CollectiveHosted by: Ana Munoz, LMT & Nicolle Maldonado, LMRuntime: 54:08💬 Episode SummaryMotherhood transforms every part of life: your body, identity, relationships, and mental health. But many mothers experience these changes in silence, unsure if what they're feeling is normal or something they should seek support for.In this episode, licensed mental health counselor Elena Sledge of Awaken Therapy Collective joins us to talk about matrescence, the profound identity shift that happens when someone becomes a mother. We also dive into the often misunderstood topic of perinatal OCD, what it actually looks like, how it can show up differently for each person, and why so many mothers struggle without realizing what they're experiencing.Elena shares compassionate insights on how to recognize when extra support could help, especially for parents who have never sought mental health care before. If you've ever wondered whether what you're feeling is “normal,” or if you're carrying thoughts and worries that feel heavy or isolating, this conversation is here to remind you: you are not alone, and support is available.🌟 In This Episode, We Cover:What matrescence really is: The emotional, psychological, and identity shifts that happen when someone becomes a mother and why this transition deserves more attention and support.Understanding perinatal OCD: What perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder is, how intrusive thoughts can present during pregnancy and postpartum, and why experiences vary widely from person to person.When it might be time to seek support: How to recognize signs that additional support could be helpful, especially if you've never reached out for mental health care before.A powerful reminder for mothers: Struggling doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means you’re human and navigating an enormous life transition.👑 Guest BioElena Sledge is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and founder of Awaken Therapy Collective, where she supports individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, motherhood, and the many complex moments in between.As a mother herself, Elena understands the emotional highs and lows of the parenting journey. Her work focuses on helping mothers feel seen, supported, and cared for; because when we care for mothers, we care for families and entire communities.Her specialties include body image and eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety and depression during pregnancy and postpartum, and matrescence; the identity shifts and life adjustments that come with motherhood. Through a compassionate and holistic approach rooted in equity and inclusivity, Elena creates a safe space for clients to feel grounded, supported, and truly seen.📲 Connect With Elena SledgeInstagram: @awakentherapycoWebsite: www.awakentherapyco.comHelpful Resource Mentioned:Postpartum Support International (PSI)Website: www.postpartum.netHelpline: 1-800-944-4773💖 Loved this episode?Subscribe & leave a review. It helps this podcast reach more birthing folks and providers in Central Florida.Tag us on Instagram @centralflbirthpodcast and let us know your favorite takeaway from the episode.Want to be featured or pitch a guest? Send us a DM on Instagram!