Perinatal Anxiety, Intrusive Thoughts, and IFS: What’s Really Happening in the “New Parent” Nervous System

The “postpartum” season is bigger than we think — it’s the perinatal period, spanning pregnancy and often 1–2 years after birth. In this episode, Jessie Evans sits down with Steadfast counselor Annalise Lind to explore what happens internally when your “control panel” changes during pregnancy and early parenthood.Through an Internal Family Systems (IFS) lens, we talk about how anxiety, intrusive thoughts, perinatal OCD patterns, and even depression can be understood as protective parts — not proof that you’re broken. You’ll hear a shame-free, faith-sensitive conversation about:Why intrusive thoughts are so common (and why they feel so terrifying)How OCD cycles work — and what actually helpsHow old attachment wounds can resurface when you become a parentWhy community support matters (and how to ask for what you need)Practical tools for noticing parts and coming back to your grounded “Self”📚 Books Mentioned in This Episode1) The IFS Workbook for OCDAmazon (Print) Amazon (Kindle) 2) Boundaries for Your Soul (Alison Cook & Kimberly Miller)Amazon (Print) Amazon (Kindle) Amazon (Audiobook)If you’re in Charleston and want support during pregnancy, postpartum, or the perinatal period, our team at Steadfast Christian Counseling is here for you.Website: www.steadfastchristiancounseling.comBook a FREE consultation: https://sccandcic.janeapp.com