What happens when the thoughts that scare you most become the thoughts you can’t stop thinking about? In this episode, Rachael sits down with licensed professional counselor Jenna Overbaugh to talk about postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and the ways sleep deprivation, perfectionism, and the need for control can fuel OCD symptoms.
Together, they unpack what separates common intrusive thoughts from OCD, why OCD often latches onto the things we care about most, and how parents can begin breaking the cycle of reassurance seeking, avoidance, and compulsions. Jenna also explains how exposure and response prevention (ERP) can help parents build confidence and learn to trust themselves again.
Inside this episode:
What postpartum OCD really looks like
The difference between intrusive thoughts and OCD
How sleep deprivation and anxiety can feed each other
Why OCD often latches onto what we care about most
How perfectionism and the need for control can fuel OCD
The role of reassurance seeking and why it can reinforce OCD
How social media can contribute to anxiety and compulsive behaviors
What exposure and response prevention (ERP) is and how it works
How compulsions and safety behaviors keep the OCD cycle going
Understanding ego-dystonic thoughts and fears of harming your baby
What research tells us about the risk of harm in parents with OCD
When postpartum OCD requires specialized or intensive treatment
How parents can reduce avoidance and step outside their comfort zones
Why learning to tolerate uncertainty is such an important part of recovery
How to find specialized support for postpartum OCD
And so much more!
Mentioned in this episode:
Jenna Overbaugh’s resources: https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/resources
Jenna’s book, Making Peace with a Noisy Mind, coming February 2027
Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna.overbaugh
Jenna’s Substack: https://www.thenoisymind.substack.com
If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️
✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨
Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.
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