Navigating Postpartum as a Type A Mom: Mental Load, Default Parenting, and Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Alice Pickering

In this episode of the Early Momming Podcast, Hillary and Erica sit down with Dr. Alice Pickering, a licensed clinical psychologist and certified clinical trauma specialist, to discuss the challenges Type A moms face during the postpartum period. Dr. Alice shares her personal journey of transitioning from a forensic psychologist to a maternal mental health expert, driven by her own experiences as a mom. They dive deep into the mental load that moms carry, the struggles of navigating motherhood with a Type A personality, and how to manage anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and mom guilt. Dr. Alice also provides practical tips for balancing the demands of motherhood while maintaining mental well-being, emphasizing the importance of sleep, asking for help, and finding flexibility in a world that often demands perfection. Whether you're a new mom, expecting, or supporting someone in their motherhood journey, this episode is packed with valuable insights and advice to help navigate the complexities of early motherhood. What You'll Learn: - The mental load of Type A moms and how to manage it - Coping with postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and mom guilt - The importance of sleep and self-compassion in early motherhood - Strategies for effective communication with your partner to share responsibilities Links Mentioned in This Episode: Dr. Alice Pickering's Website – Learn more about Dr. Alice's practice and access her resources and Follow Dr. Alice on Instagram Why We Sleep by Dr. Matthew Walker – A highly recommended book on the importance of sleep. The Boss Babe Podcast – Mentioned in the episode for its insights on managing tasks and priorities. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a fellow mom who could use some encouragement and support. Don't forget to follow us on Instagram @babysettler and @earlymommingpodcast for more tips and updates!