Postpartum OCD — The Intrusive Thoughts No One Warns You About | 230

In this eye-opening episode, Trish tackles a topic that often leaves new moms feeling isolated and ashamed: postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts. If you've ever been haunted by scary "what if" scenarios about your baby - like dropping them or something terrible happening - you're not alone, and you're not a bad mom. Trish shares her own experiences, breaks down what postpartum OCD really is, how it differs from depression or psychosis, and offers actionable steps to seek help and break the cycle. This episode is a lifeline for moms struggling in silence, emphasizing that these thoughts are common, treatable, and don't define you.Join the Calm Mama Membership:  labornursemama.com/cmsLeave a review and include your Instagram username for a chance to win our monthly raffle!Key TakeawaysUnderstanding Postpartum OCD: It's a perinatal mood disorder involving obsessions (unwanted, disturbing thoughts about harm to your baby) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors to ease anxiety, like constant checking or excessive cleaning).The Science: Postpartum hormones and sleep deprivation amp up your brain's protective mode, turning normal vigilance into a stuck alarm system that fuels the OCD cycle.Getting Help: Speak up to a trusted person, seek a perinatal mental health specialist trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, consider safe medications, and explore trauma therapies like EMDR. Shame and silence only worsen it - treatment works!For Partners and Family: Approach with empathy, avoid shaming, and encourage professional help without enabling compulsions.Resources MentionedPostpartum Support International – For support and resources on perinatal mood disorders.International OCD Foundation – Find OCD specialists and learn more about treatment.Alicia's Online Support – Postpartum Therapist.Join Calm Mama Society – Labor Nurse Mama's community for postpartum support, where moms can share openly without shame and be a part of a community that gets it.More from Postpartum Unpacked:What No One Tells You About Navigating Postpartum Emotions with Meredith Waymire Setting Boundaries With Family to Protect Your Postpartum RecoveryLeaving the House with a Newborn (What No One Told Me)Helpful Timestamps:01:47 Understanding Postpartum OCD02:10 Common Obsessions and Compulsions04:18 Postpartum OCD vs. Postpartum Psychosis08:06 Impact of Birth Trauma10:02 Seeking Help and Treatment Options12:33 Support and EncouragementJoin the #1 Birth Course for Confident Birth!Over 15,000 women have used our classes to prepare for birth with the knowledge and tools provided by a Labor Nurse.💻 Self-paced and lifetime access👩🏻‍⚕️ Perfect for all births- hospital, birth center, or home!🎧 Includes birth meditations and prayers. 🌍 Women all over the world have loved our classes. ✅ Start nowJoin The Birthpod ™ course Join The Calm Labor Confident Birth CourseConnect w/ Trish: On InstagramOn YouTubeFor more pregnancy & birth education, subscribe to The Birth Experience on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen to podcasts.Produced and Edited by Vaden Podcast Services