Intrusive Thoughts with Megan MacCutcheon, LPC (Rerun)
09/18/23 • 39 min
Welcome to an insightful conversation I had with Megan McCutchen, a therapist who dedicates her career to perinatal mental health. We navigate the murky waters of intrusive thoughts, a common yet unsettling phenomenon among women during pregnancy and after birth. These fleeting thoughts, ranging from harmless fears to catastrophic scenarios, often serve as indicators of postpartum OCD or perinatal anxiety. Megan and I explore how to perceive these thoughts as they are - just thoughts, not reality. We also share practical exercises to steer your mind away from these intrusive thoughts and manage them effectively.
Moving forward, we shed light on postpartum anxiety, a condition that can sometimes present with intrusive thoughts. For new mothers, this can be an overwhelming and bewildering experience. To help you navigate this, Megan offers strategies on how to confront these feelings of anxiety, instead of resisting or running away from them. In cases where these thoughts become too overpowering, we provide various coping mechanisms. We also delve into the role that medication can play when dealing with postpartum anxiety that feels all-consuming.
In the final segment of our conversation, we explore societal pressures and how they can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety. We dissect the societal push for 'toxic independence' and the influence of social media, and how they contribute to escalating stress levels. We also discuss the importance of letting go of the pursuit of perfection when it comes to parenthood. It's crucial to understand that everyone is working hard and deserves compassion and understanding. Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect parent - we're all just doing our best. So join us for this enlightening episode and equip yourself with strategies to better manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety during the perinatal period.
Coaching offer
Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!
Connect with Kelly Hof!
Grab The Book of Hormones
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.
Welcome to an insightful conversation I had with Megan McCutchen, a therapist who dedicates her career to perinatal mental health. We navigate the murky waters of intrusive thoughts, a common yet unsettling phenomenon among women during pregnancy and after birth. These fleeting thoughts, ranging from harmless fears to catastrophic scenarios, often serve as indicators of postpartum OCD or perinatal anxiety. Megan and I explore how to perceive these thoughts as they are - just thoughts, not reality. We also share practical exercises to steer your mind away from these intrusive thoughts and manage them effectively.
Moving forward, we shed light on postpartum anxiety, a condition that can sometimes present with intrusive thoughts. For new mothers, this can be an overwhelming and bewildering experience. To help you navigate this, Megan offers strategies on how to confront these feelings of anxiety, instead of resisting or running away from them. In cases where these thoughts become too overpowering, we provide various coping mechanisms. We also delve into the role that medication can play when dealing with postpartum anxiety that feels all-consuming.
In the final segment of our conversation, we explore societal pressures and how they can contribute to heightened levels of anxiety. We dissect the societal push for 'toxic independence' and the influence of social media, and how they contribute to escalating stress levels. We also discuss the importance of letting go of the pursuit of perfection when it comes to parenthood. It's crucial to understand that everyone is working hard and deserves compassion and understanding. Remember, there's no such thing as a perfect parent - we're all just doing our best. So join us for this enlightening episode and equip yourself with strategies to better manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety during the perinatal period.
Coaching offer
Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!
Connect with Kelly Hof!
Grab The Book of Hormones
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.
Previous Episode
Jennifer Byrnes, LPC, PMH-C, Discusses Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression (Rerun)
Unpack the mysteries of postpartum mental health with our special guest, therapist Jennifer Byrnes, LPC, PMH-C. Jennifer, an expert in perinatal mental health and trauma, offers clear-cut explanations on the difference between baby blues and postpartum depression – two conditions often misunderstood by many. She helps demystify these conditions, underlining their differences in timing, severity, and duration, and also elaborates on their respective symptoms. If you're a new mom, or part of a new mom's support system, this knowledge is invaluable.
Our conversation doesn't end there, we also touch upon how to maintain mental health wellness for new moms. Jennifer provides insights on the five tenets of balance and wellness: sleep, nutrition, exercise, and the importance of having a strong support system. She emphasizes preparing conversations with your partner and support system before the baby arrives, to facilitate asking for help post-delivery. As we wrap up, we discuss the treatment options available for postpartum depression, reassuring you that this condition is highly treatable. Let's navigate the postpartum journey together, with a clearer understanding and practical advice.
Connect with Jennifer Byrnes at mytherapygoals.com
Coaching offer
Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!
Connect with Kelly Hof!
Grab The Book of Hormones
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.
Next Episode
Demystifying Epidurals and Labor Anesthesia with Dr. Bella Speight, MD (Rerun)
Unlock the truth behind epidurals and labor anesthesia in our enlightening conversation with Dr. Bella Speight, a board certified anesthesiologist. What are the actual risks? Dr. Speight debunks these myths and lays it all bare, offering a reassuring perspective on the minimal risks involved for healthy patients and the importance of correct positioning during the procedure. She also explores unmedicated delivery, shedding light on why some women may opt for this route.
Dive deeper as Dr. Speight reveals the intricate details about the medications used in epidurals and how they function in the body. Replacing an epidural, preparing for a C-section while an epidural is in place, and managing a one-sided epidural - she covers it all. And it doesn't stop there; she provides a comprehensive look at the symptoms of a spinal headache post-epidural and how to cope with it if you are one of the 1% of people who experiences this. With her expert guidance, you'll walk away with a solid understanding of epidurals, labor anesthesia, and what to expect. So, whether you're a budding parent or simply curious, this episode is a must-listen.
Coaching offer
Kelly Hof: Labor Nurse + Birth Coach
Basically, I'm your birth bestie! With me as your coach, you will tell fear to take a hike!
Connect with Kelly Hof!
Grab The Book of Hormones
Medical Disclaimer:
This podcast is intended as a safe space for women to share their birth experiences. It is not intended to provide medical advice. Each woman’s medical course of action is individual and may not appropriately transfer to another similar situation. Please speak to your medical provider before making any medical decisions. Additionally, it is important to keep in mind that evidence based practice evolves as our knowledge of science improves. To the best of my ability I will attempt to present the most current ACOG and AWHONN recommendations at the time the podcast is recorded, but that may not necessarily reflect the best practices at the time the podcast is heard. Additionally, guests sharing their stories have the right to autonomy in their medical decisions, and may share their choice to go against current practice recommendations. I intend to hold space for people to share their decisions. I will attempt to share the current recommendations so that my audience is informed, but it is up to each individual to choose what is best for them.
Birth Journeys: Birth Stories and Birth Education for Moms & Pregnant Individuals - Intrusive Thoughts with Megan MacCutcheon, LPC (Rerun)
Transcript
Hello , today I have with me Megan McCutchen , lpc . Megan is a therapist specializing in perinatal mental health . You can connect with Megan at perinatalplacecom or MeganMcCutchencom . She also offers a birth bundle for pregnant moms and coaching for new moms . Megan is the mother of three and she is here today to talk about intrusive thoughts . Megan , thank you so much for joining
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