Episode 42- " Strategies for New Mothers to Safeguard Their Well-being During the Postpartum Period" with Shannon Wilson

The Sweet Slumber Podcast: Baby-Centered Sleep

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In this episode of the Sweet Slumber podcast, host Meredith Brough interviews Shannon Wilson (LMHC, PMH-C), a perinatal mental health therapist. They delve into the complexities of new motherhood, discussing the challenges, mental health struggles, and the importance of support during the postpartuml period.
Shannon shares her personal journey and professional insights, highlighting the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression, the prevalence of intrusive thoughts, and the rarity of postpartum psychosis.
They emphasize the need for specialized therapist training, creating postpartum plans, and the importance of recognizing postpartum mental health issues in both mothers and fathers.
The conversation offers practical advice and encourages seeking help to navigate the postpartum period.
Topics:

• Challenges and struggles faced by new mothers
• Strategies for new mothers to prioritize their mental health and well-being
• Why mothers need support from trained therapists
• Warning signs of postpartum depression and anxiety
• What you can do to prevent or decrease the severity of postpartum mental health illnesses
• What is a postpartum plan and what does it look like
• Risk factors for postpartum illnesses
• Difference between baby blues and postpartum depression
• What postpartum rage, psychosis and OCD are and how common they are
• Postpartum illness in men and what that can look like
• How long the postpartum period lasts

Resource Mentioned:
PCI or Postpartum.net: Find a therapist, support, and info about certification
Find Shannon's Resources & Work with Her:
Website: https://mwrcounseling.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mwrcounseling
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mwrcounseling/?hl=en
If you're interested in working with Meredith, click here to set up a free Sleep Intervention Call.

If you'd like to learn about the Baby-Centered Sleep Consultant Program or Mastermind set up a call with Meredith HERE.
Don't forget to leave a rating or review and share your favorite episodes!
Keywords: Perinatal Mental Health Training Course, Postpartum Support International, Therapy and Counseling, Medication for PPD and PPA, Postpartum Plan, Prioritizing Sleep, Partner, Sleep Coach, or Doula Support for Sleep, Nourishing the Body, Getting Outside and Moving, Connecting with Other Moms, Reminding Yourself of the Seasonal Nature of Parenthood, Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression, Risk Factors for Perinatal Mood Disorders, Trauma at Birth, Warning Signs of Postpartum Depression and Anxiety, Men and Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Rage, Intrusive Thoughts, Perinatal OCD, Postpartum Psychosis, Perinata

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Hoofdstukken

1. Episode 42- " Strategies for New Mothers to Safeguard Their Well-being During the Postpartum Period" with Shannon Wilson (00:00:00)

2. Shannon's Background and Work: Shannon's qualifications and work in perinatal mental health, including her role in educating and training professionals. (00:01:05)

3. Becoming a Perinatal Mental Health Specialist: Shannon's journey to becoming a perinatal mental health specialist and the growth of this field over the years. (00:02:34)

4. Personal Experiences as a Mother: Shannon shares her personal experiences as a mother of three and her relatability to the challenges faced during the perinatal period. (00:04:36)

5. Passion for Perinatal Mental Health: Shannon's passion for perinatal mental health and her transition to specializing in this field. (00:05:26)

6. Challenges and Rewards of the Work: The challenges and rewards of working in perinatal mental health, including the impact of direct interactions with clients. (00:06:45)

7. Training and Application of Knowledge: Meredith's experience with training in perinatal mental health and the application of her knowledge in helping families and fathers struggling with mental health issues. (00:13:42)

8. Struggles as a New Mother: Shannon's personal struggles as a new mother, including control issues, sleep difficulties, and mild depression. (00:15:11)

9. Coping and Seeking Help: Shannon's coping mechanisms, including therapy, support from her husband, and the impact of returning to work on her mental well-being. (00:17:10)

10. Loss of Control as a New Mother: The challenge of losing control as a new mother and its association with the risk of perinatal mental health disorders. (00:18:33)

11. Preventing Perinatal Mental Health Disorders: Discussion on what women can do to prevent and improve their mental health and well-being as new mothers. (00:19:09)

12. Creating a Postpartum Plan: Importance of prioritizing sleep, nourishing the body, and connecting with others for new mothers. (00:19:17)

13. Understanding Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression: Clarification of the differences between baby blues and postpartum depression, and the timing of their occurrence. (00:23:29)

14. Identifying Risk Factors for Perinatal Mood Disorders: Various risk factors such as unplanned pregnancy, history of miscarriage, endocrine issues, and trauma at birth. (00:25:50)

15. Recognizing Warning Signs of Perinatal Mood Disorders (00:28:36)

16. Seeking Professional Support: Encouragement to seek therapy and the importance of prioritizing mental well-being for new mothers. (00:32:26)

17. Postpartum Depression in Men: Discussion on men experiencing postpartum depression, including signs and the need for seeking treatment. (00:34:12)

18. Understanding Postpartum Rage: Exploration of postpartum rage, its physiological nature, and potential triggers. (00:36:14)

19. Dealing with Intrusive Thoughts: Normalizing intrusive thoughts and their common occurrence in new parents, emphasizing the need for understanding and support. (00:38:52)

20. Intrusive Thoughts and Perinatal OCD: Discussion on intrusive thoughts experienced by new parents and the potential indication of perinatal OCD. (00:39:15)

21. Postpartum Psychosis: Rare occurrence, its frequency, and how it can be exacerbated. (00:42:22)

22. Duration of Perinatal Period (00:43:25) Clarification on the perinatal time frame and the factors influencing its duration. (00:43:25)

23. Perinatal Specialist Training: Importance of specialized training for therapists in addressing perinatal mental health issues and unique factors during this period. (00:44:27)

24. Support Systems and Identifying Good Supports: The significance of identifying physical and emotional support systems, and the importance of preparing these relationships. (00:48:19)

25. Seeking Help and Available Resources: Encouragement to reach out for help and the availability of resources, both online and locally. (00:49:23)