246: More Than: PPD Healing and Supporting Suffering Mothers

My guest today shares her story of pregnancy and postpartum where she experienced “the sampler platter” of issues. Her experiences were varied, and they amounted to more than just the classic PPD symptoms. Because she didn’t understand what was happening, she felt like she was a bad parent in every way even though she appeared to be doing “just fine.” Maybe you–or someone you know–can relate to Alison’s story. Join us to learn more in today’s episode! Alison Staiger is a licensed clinical social worker certified in perinatal mental health. She owns Highwire Therapy, a solo private practice serving clients in Illinois and Louisiana, specializing in full-spectrum reproductive mental health through a feminist lens. Her coaching practice, The Matriarchy, helps feminist mothers use rebellious anger and fierce care to lead their families and small businesses with pleasure, purpose, and personality. Alison shares her personal story, along with her perspective on American motherhood and why we need a new culture of care.  Show Highlights: Highlights of Alison’s story of unexpected motherhood around age 30 How Alison worked through an eating disorder and several challenges that left her feeling disoriented during pregnancy How medical interventions furthered Alison’s belief that she wasn’t prepared for motherhood and led to an emergency C-section to give birth to her daughter How Alison had to prove that she was OK and handling everything while she was in panic mode on the inside and felt totally dysregulated How it took slow work with a therapist for Alison to believe that she was allowed to have self-compassion Why Alison had the realization with the 2016 election that she wanted to have more autonomy Why Alison felt like she wasn’t showing up as a mom and in her life like she wanted How things began to shift and change for Alison as she gained a new perspective on her feelings How Alison learned that rebellion and anger against society’s norms can be part of being a good mother How she learned that it was OK to be “anti-perfectionist” and question every voice she hears How Alison’s healing became the context for the work she does today to help other moms Why much of parenting is wrapped up in trauma responses–and we don’t even realize it How our societal structure systems of parenthood and perfectionism make it difficult for moms to ask for care and receive care  How Alison stresses to her clients the need to drop into their sense of identity as an internal reconnection How Alison offers support to families through her therapy private practice and coaching practice What Alison wants parents to know about becoming a new parent Resources: Connect with Alison: Therapy Website, Coaching Website, and Instagram Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! 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!