Postpartum Anxiety, Identity Shifts & the Power of Your Brain

05/15/25 • 22 min

BDA Baby (Before, During and After Baby)

In this episode, I’m joined by clinical psychologist and author Dr. Nikki Pensak to talk all about the postpartum brain—what’s really happening neurologically after birth, why it can feel so overwhelming, and how we can shift the narrative from “mom brain” to one of strength and growth. Dr. Nikki breaks down the science behind the brain’s transformation in motherhood, explains why this time can leave us feeling so emotionally rattled, and shares practical tools for calming new mom anxiety. We also talk about postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD—how to know when something is more than just “baby blues,” and why early mental health support is so crucial.
Whether you're currently postpartum, supporting someone who is, or just curious about the incredible changes that come with matrescence, this episode offers powerful perspective and helpful takeaways.
Listen now and check out Dr. Nikki’s book, Rattled: How to Calm New Mom Anxiety with the Power of the Postpartum Brain here: https://amzn.to/3ERPIzH
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Previous Episode

Embracing Fatherhood with Glen Henry

This week we got to talk with Glen Henry the founder of Beleaf in Fatherhood. Their mission is to “equip fathers to Love and Lead their families into eternity” and Glen is doing just that. Today, Glen shares about his decision to become a stay-at-home father, and what it was like to step into the role of a full-time caregiver. Glen encourages every dad to make sure to take an active role in parenting. He tells us that men can learn so much from parenting, making them not just fathers, but father figures. Glen hopes that every dad can learn to be present and involved in their kid’s lives and find joy in it!
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!

Next Episode

How Hunter McGrady Navigated Grief During Pregnancy

Pregnancy can be hard enough without having to deal with the complexities of grief. Today, Hunter McGrady sat down with us to share some of her experience with losing her brother when she was seven months pregnant. She explains the confusing feelings she felt while trying to process her grief while also being excited to welcome her baby boy. Hunter says her faith and her family got her through. We also touch on the nuances of plus size pregnancy, and Hunter’s experience with body image as a plus size person during and after pregnancy. Hunter hopes that by showing her own honesty and vulnerability, other women will know that they are not alone.
Please join us on YouTube for our full conversation and many more on video!