Ready for a new take on your postpartum mental health? I'm Susannah, a licensed therapist and coach and I help postpartum moms take ownership of their mental health and overcome struggles related to stress and anxiety. In this podcast you're going to learn why you're stuck, why our current system is failing postpartum moms, and what you can do about it to start living the life you actually want to live.
Ready for a new take on your postpartum mental health? I'm Susannah, a licensed therapist and coach and I help postpartum moms take ownership of their mental health and overcome struggles related to stress and anxiety. In this podcast you're going to learn why you're stuck, why our current system is failing postpartum moms, and what you can do about it to start living the life you actually want to live.
What You’ll Learn:
We’ve all heard it: “Just don’t think about it.”
It’s the kind of advice people give when they don’t know what else to say — but for moms struggling with anxiety or intrusive thoughts, it’s not helpful. It can actually make things worse.
In this episode, I’m breaking down why “just don’t think about it” doesn’t work, what’s really happening in your brain when you try to push thoughts away, and what you can do instead.
Why trying not to think about something makes it come back stronger
How the postpartum brain amplifies worry and fear
What intrusive thoughts actually mean (and what they don’t)
What’s really happening when you can’t stop thinking about something
What to do instead of fighting your thoughts
Key Takeaway
Trying to control your mind only keeps you stuck.
Freedom comes from learning to respond differently — not from thinking less, but from no longer fearing thoughts.
----------------------------------------------------------------------
why can’t I stop overthinking after having a baby, how to deal with intrusive thoughts postpartum, why do I feel so anxious as a new mom, postpartum anxiety help, motherhood anxiety podcast, how to calm my racing mind after birth, intrusive thoughts motherhood, postpartum intrusive thoughts, anxiety and motherhood, mental health for new moms, why new moms worry so much, therapist for moms, anxiety coach for moms, postpartum mental health podcast, how to stop overthinking everything, what to do when you can’t stop worrying, anxiety recovery for mothers, fear after having a baby, anxious thoughts about baby safety, acceptance and commitment therapy for moms, calming postpartum anxiety, motherhood beyond fear, postpartum changed my life podcast, maternal mental health support, perinatal anxiety help, understanding postpartum intrusive thoughts, early motherhood anxiety, mom mental health support, anxiety loop postpartum, intrusive thoughts after birth
Have you ever filled out a postpartum screener — like the PHQ-9 or EPDS (Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale)— and walked away feeling more anxious than before? You’re not alone.
In this episode, Susannah Long Fowler, LMFT and early motherhood anxiety coach, explores how these widely used “check-the-box” tools can unintentionally make moms feel broken instead of supported.
You’ll learn:
The surprising history of these screeners (including Pharma’s role).
Why the stats about their “validity” might not be as solid as they seem.
The two traps moms fall into: fearing what they’re already experiencing, or fearing what they might experience.
How these forms can reinforce fear around experiencing ANY emotional change - while doctors often use them to quickly screen for high-risk patients.
Takeaway: Nothing is wrong with you for struggling during one of life’s biggest transitions. You deserve more than a checklist.
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
postpartum depression screening tools, PHQ-9 postpartum, EPDS postpartum, postpartum depression screeners, problems with PHQ-9, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale issues, postpartum anxiety screening, postpartum intrusive thoughts screening, new mom mental health checklists, why postpartum screeners make me anxious, postpartum depression false positives, postpartum intrusive thoughts fear, postpartum mental health stigma, postpartum disorder vs normal feelings, postpartum depression medication screening, liability medicine postpartum, doctors and postpartum depression screening, why doctors use postpartum screeners, PHQ-9 Pfizer history, postpartum depression help, maternal mental health support, perinatal mood disorders, postpartum anxiety, postpartum intrusive thoughts, postpartum depression questionnaire, postpartum depression test, postpartum depression screening accuracy, flaws in postpartum depression screeners
In this episode, I reflect on the assassination of Charlie Kirk, the rise of political violence in America, and the tragedies of recent school shootings in 2025 that have left many of us grieving and afraid. As mothers, we’re asking how to raise resilient kids in a broken world, how to navigate motherhood and fear, and how to parent through tragedy without being consumed by anxiety. Together we’ll talk about faith and mental health, the spiritual crisis in America, and why choosing hope, God’s presence, and courage over fear can shape not only our mental wellness but the future of our children.
Over the past couple of weeks, our country has been shaken by tragedy after tragedy — from school shootings to public acts of violence, and most recently, the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
In this episode:
Why these events reveal something deeper than politics — a spiritual and moral illness in our culture.
The role of fear and lack of spirituality in fueling violence and despair.
What we can learn from Charlie Kirk’s courage to speak boldly, even in the face of extreme opposition, whether you agreed with his politics or not.
How to sit with the very real fear so many moms are carrying right now — and how to shift that fear into faith and resilience.
Why healing ultimately begins within yourself and in your home, and how mothers play a vital role in raising children who value life.
This is not an easy episode, but it’s an important one. We’re going to talk about some hard things, and we’re going to talk about hope — because that always exists.
My prayer is that you leave this episode grounded, comforted, and reminded that every act of love you bring into your home matters.
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Have you ever reached out for help during postpartum or early motherhood, only to feel like the support you received completely missed the mark? Maybe the advice felt generic, dismissive, or just didn’t land.
In this episode of Postpartum Changed My Life, I’m unpacking why so much postpartum mental health support can feel tone-deaf — and how to recognize when it’s happening. I’ll also share what to look for in a therapist or coach and how to find the kind of attuned, compassionate care and guidance you actually deserve.
Because moms aren’t broken. The support system is. And it’s time for that to change.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
Why lived experience matters when supporting mothers through postpartum anxiety, depression, and identity shifts
How surface-level strategies and dismissive language can deepen shame and cause moms to shut down
Red flags that the support you’re receiving isn’t the right fit (and what to look for instead)
How to advocate for yourself and find truly attuned and aligned maternal mental health and emotional wellness support
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
postpartum mental health support, postpartum depression help, postpartum anxiety help, maternal mental health, perinatal mental health, postpartum therapist, postpartum coach, postpartum mental health coaching, postpartum emotion coaching, motherhood coaching, postpartum counseling, postpartum intrusive thoughts, postpartum support for moms, maternal mental health, why postpartum depression is increasing, tone-deaf postpartum advice, bad postpartum mental health advice, finding the right postpartum therapist, postpartum mental health red flags, perinatal anxiety support, intrusive thoughts after birth, postpartum identity shift, matrescence, motherhood mental health, postpartum mental health resources, intrusive thoughts help, intrusive thoughts advice
If you've been on the journey of healing from postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts, you know that recovery isn't a straight line. In this episode, we're diving into one of the most crucial yet challenging aspects of healing: navigating setbacks with the right mindset.
We're rejecting the mainstream narrative that tells you setbacks mean failure, or that you're "stuck" with experiencing intrusive thoughts and intense anxiety forever - and instead exploring how these moments can become your greatest teachers. This is about fundamentally changing your relationship with the ups and downs of recovery.
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
What You'll Learn
Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
---------------------------------------------------------------------
postpartum anxiety came back, intrusive thoughts returning after getting better, thought I was healing but having bad days again, postpartum recovery not linear, why are my intrusive thoughts worse some days, anxiety setback after good week, feeling like I'm back to square one with postpartum anxiety, postpartum mental health ups and downs, is it normal to have bad days during anxiety recovery, postpartum anxiety relapse, intrusive thoughts getting worse again, thought I was better but anxiety is back, how to handle setbacks in postpartum recovery, why does my postpartum anxiety come and go, feeling discouraged about anxiety recovery, postpartum mental health not improving, intrusive thoughts after seeming to get better, postpartum anxiety journey not linear, having a hard day with intrusive thoughts, worried my postpartum anxiety isn't getting better, feeling like postpartum therapy isn't working, discouraging days in anxiety recovery, why do I still have bad days with postpartum anxiety, anxiety in motherhood, motherhood anxiety, intrusive thoughts in motherhood, postpartum intrusive thoughts, how to get rid of intrusive thoughts
Episode Summary:
In this heartfelt episode, I’m joined by Katie Lakvold of @gracefilled_ministries, the creator of the Grace-Filled Postpartum Journal. Katie opens up about her own postpartum journeys—the joys, the grief, and the unexpected moments of spiritual growth that followed. Together, we explore how God uses the tender, raw, and often overwhelming experiences of early motherhood to refine us, stretch us, and begin healing the parts of us that we didn't even know were wounded.
This is a conversation for any mom who’s ever asked, “Why is this so hard? Why is this happening to me?” and “Where is God in this?” You’ll leave feeling less alone—and maybe even with a more empowered perspective - one that will enable you to stay in courage and move forward trusting that a newer, brighter, more healed version of you is already unfolding.
In this episode, we discuss:
Katie’s postpartum experiences and how they shaped her faith
The creation of the Grace Filled Postpartum Journal
Why motherhood is not a detour from spiritual growth—but the path itself
How God uses our challenging and painful postpartum experiences for deeper healing and transformation
The invitation to surrender, rest, and receive grace in motherhood
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
Resources Mentioned:
Connect with Katie:
Instagram: @gracefilled_ministries
Katie's Bio
Katie Lakvold is a devoted wife, mother of four (including twins), and the founder of Grace-Filled Ministries. Drawing from her own diverse postpartum journeys—an emergency cesarean, a successful VBAC, and a twin pregnancy that pushed her beyond expectations—Katie understands the complexities and challenges new mothers face.
Her experiences revealed a universal truth: moms often say they’re “fine” even when they struggle to recognize their own needs. This realization inspired her to create The Grace-Filled Postpartum Journal, a 12-month well-being journal designed to help new and seasoned moms track their mental, emotional, and spiritual health with simplicity and grace.
Through her work, Katie seeks to remind mothers that they are seen, loved, and never alone—especially by our loving and gracious Heavenly Father. She hopes her journal will nurture self-awareness and self-advocacy in a season often defined by exhaustion and isolation, offering mothers a lasting resource for reflection and a reminder of the beauty and strength found in motherhood.
Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
spiritual postpartum support, spiritual meaning of motherhood, God in postpartum, faith-based motherhood, healing after birth, postpartum journal for moms, grace-filled motherhood, struggling with postpartum as a Christian mom, God’s purpose in motherhood, spiritual growth in early motherhood, how motherhood refines us, finding God in postpartum anxiety, devotional for new moms, Christian perspective on postpartum depression and anxiety, surrendering in motherhood, and Jesus and motherhood healing journey.
Struggling with anxiety and intrusive thoughts as a postpartum mom or in early motherhood? In this episode, I'm sharing the most powerful question you can ask yourself to break free from the cycle of fear and reclaim your life. This isn't about managing your thoughts—it's about something much deeper.
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
In this episode:
Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
anxiety and intrusive thoughts, postpartum anxiety, pregnancy anxiety, mom anxiety help, overcoming fear as a mom, anxiety during motherhood, finding your values in motherhood, values-based living, what matters most in life, living with purpose as a mom, identifying core values, how to stop anxious thoughts, dealing with intrusive thoughts, anxiety cycle breaking, fear taking over my life, feeling stuck in anxiety, anxiety controlling my decisions, new mom anxiety, postpartum intrusive thoughts, motherhood mental health, anxious mom support, parenting with anxiety, mom overwhelm, anxiety recovery for moms, building mental wellness, sustainable anxiety relief, coaching for anxious moms, mental health for mothers, what do you want your life to be about, how to stop letting fear control your life, licensed therapist for mom anxiety, values vs goals mental health, breaking free from anxiety cycle
In this episode, we dive deep into the hidden force behind postpartum anxiety and those disturbing intrusive thoughts that so many new mothers experience but few talk about openly: our relationship with uncertainty.
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
Becoming a mother instantly raises the stakes of life's inherent unpredictability. Suddenly, you're responsible for a tiny human, and your tolerance for uncertainty—which may have been just fine before—seems to vanish overnight. This episode explores why motherhood so often becomes an "uncertainty trap" that manifests as anxiety, worry, and intrusive thoughts about both your baby's safety and your own.
You'll discover:
Whether you're pregnant and feeling anxious or in the thick of postpartum anxiety, or supporting someone who is, this episode offers compassionate insight into why these struggles emerge and a clear path toward greater peace with life's inevitable unknowns.
Want more support on your journey? Check out more offerings and apply to work with me 1:1 at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Experiencing anxiety or intrusive thoughts during weaning your baby from breastmilk? You're not alone. In this episode, I break down why weaning can trigger intense emotional responses—and it's probably not what you think.
Many moms get stuck on anxious thoughts about their baby's nutrition or questioning if they're good mothers, or literally about ANY other scary topic when they are ending their breastfeeding journey. But what if these racing thoughts aren't the real problem? What if they're distractions from deeper emotions happening beneath the surface?
I explore the hidden emotional side of weaning that gets overlooked, and why addressing these feelings is key to finding peace during this transition.
What You'll Learn:
Perfect For:
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
Check out more offerings at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Ever wonder why being home with a baby - something that looks so simple from the outside - can feel overwhelmingly complex and challenging? In this episode, we dive deep into one of motherhood's greatest paradoxes: how the seemingly small, confined world of early motherhood actually contains some of life's most profound and transformative work.
We explore why feeding, rocking, and soothing your baby carries such emotional weight, and how these repetitive daily moments are actually shaping both you and your child in ways that extend far beyond the nursery walls. From the spiritual transformation that happens through powerlessness to discovering a completely new relationship with time, we unpack why motherhood feels simultaneously simple and impossibly complex.
If you've ever felt guilty for struggling with what looks like "just" staying home with your baby, or wondered why these quiet days feel so monumental, this episode will help you understand the hidden magnitude of the work you're doing - and why it's completely normal for it to feel so challenging.
Topics covered:
Perfect for new mothers, partners who want to understand the motherhood experience, and anyone supporting someone through early parenthood.
Download my FREE guide to understanding anxiety and intrusive thoughts in early motherhood HERE.
Check out more offerings at susannahlongcoaching.com
Got a question about early motherhood, anxiety, or anything we discussed today? I'd love to hear from you! Send your questions to susannah@susannahlongcoaching.com and I might feature your question (anonymously) in a future episode.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Let's explore the following question: is OCD something you "have", or something you "do"?
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Listen to this week's episode to discover the paradox of recovering from postpartum anxiety.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Discover how Harry Potter’s shape-shifting boggarts offer a powerful metaphor for understanding postpartum anxiety and intrusive thoughts. Learn why these thoughts, like boggarts, aren’t what they appear to be, and explore practical strategies for managing fear-based thinking through the lens of this magical creature.
DISCLAIMER: This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
This week's episode is all about diet culture, postpartum "bounce back culture", body image, and how these things relate to fear, anxiety, and the desire to be in control with guest Brittany Jones, RD,LD
Contact Brittany:
or on Instagram @brittanyjonesrd
DISCLAIMER This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT as well as those of guests to the show. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Have you ever wondered why the sounds of motherhood are so overwhelming? Take a listen to understand how sensory overload and postpartum anxiety are connected. DISCLAIMER This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
This week's episode is all about why "feeling like yourself again" is not a helpful indicator of your mental wellness postpartum.
DISCLAIMER
This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Making this ONE mindset shift can change the trajectory of your mental wellness struggles after having a baby.
DISCLAIMER
This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Have you ever wondered why you're experiencing the anxious, stressful, racing, or intrusive thoughts postpartum? In this week's episode, I discuss my personal opinion about the ROOT cause of anxiety postpartum and what you can start doing today to heal.
DISCLAIMER
This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Your thoughts and feelings are not the problem postpartum…your judgment of them is.
DISCLAIMER
This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
Here are 5 problems with the current social conversation around mental health postpartum and a new way of thinking about your mental wellness after having your baby.
DISCLAIMER
This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.
DISCLAIMER
This podcast represents the opinions of Susannah Long, LMFT. The content of this podcast is for educational purposes only and is not a replacement for medical or mental health care from a licensed mental health professional. In no way does listening, emailing, or interacting on social media platforms with content establish a therapist - client relationship or coach - client relationship.