Postpartum Holiday Survival: Setting Boundaries for Overstimulation Recovery, Behind The Sessions Part 4 (Ep. 464)

Today’s episode finishes the four-part series on perinatal mental health during the holidays. It is also the final Behind the Sessions episode because life’s circumstances are requiring me to shift, change, and prioritize other things as 2025 comes to a close. I will periodically add a solo episode in the future when I want to dive deeper into a relevant subject. There could even be a reduction in the frequency of episodes in 2026, as I see how my focus is needed in other areas. This shift is an example of my need to “practice what I preach” by protecting my time, space, and mental health as life changes. There is an extensive archive of episodes (almost 500 of them!) on my website from which you can search topics of interest to you. Please take advantage of the amazing resources available there! Today’s episode focuses on facing the challenges of the postpartum period during the holidays. Join me! Show Highlights: Hey, Mama: You ARE doing enough! When you throw PPA or PPD into the mix, the holidays can be overwhelming. Doing ALL the things will add more stress and cause burnout. Truths about postpartum life: It’s a BIG change! Worrying about social gatherings and the risk of sickness for your baby is completely normal. You may feel a greater sense of disconnect and loneliness. Watch out for the “comparison trap” that social media can cause. The potential for overstimulation is great. The underlying differences between expectations and reality Make it through the holidays in whatever ways you can—and that’s okay. Holiday problems for people-pleasers An increase in pressure and a decrease in emotional bandwidth can create the perfect storm of stress. Red flags that signal a perinatal mental health condition Steps to better self-care: Manage your self-talk–your inner voice. Pause, sit, and breathe to settle your body and mind. Realize that you don’t have to do everything you’ve always done. Add self-compassion to your life. Protect your energy by resting, limiting social engagements, and setting boundaries. Ask for help—and accept it when it’s offered. The importance of reframing what the holidays mean to you You and your family deserve peace–not perfection. Prioritizing your healing over traditions, expectations, and plans is okay—and encouraged.  Resources: Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visitcdph.ca.gov. Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773.  There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to be more supportive in offering services. You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms. Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course.  Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!  If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices