May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, so I've relaunched my "Momma Interviews" series--This time with an extra special set of moms. These mommas also work to support other moms and their families during the transition into new parenthood and beyond. I'm calling it the "Expert Edition", but I think you'll find that while these women definitely are experts in their work, parenthood has a way of making a beginner out of everybody. Even experts get surprised by the unexpected and learn …

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, so I've relaunched my "Momma Interviews" series--This time with an extra special set of moms. These mommas also work to support other moms and their families during the transition into new parenthood and beyond. I'm calling it the "Expert Edition," but I think you'll find that while these women definitely are experts in their work, parenthood has a way of making a beginner out of everybody. Even experts get surprised by the unexpected and learn …

Written by Brittni Fudge, MA, LPC, NCC

Up to 20% of pregnant and new moms will experience some form of anxiety or mood disorder. This is a staggering number—especially considering these statistics are gathered based only on what women report.  Due to the stigma around mental health, many women don’t report their depression or anxiety to healthcare professionals, so it’s likely that that number is higher.

Pregnant moms often ask me if there’s anything they can do to prevent postpart…

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, so I've relaunched my "Momma Interviews" series--This time with an extra special set of moms. These mommas also work to support other moms and their families during the transition into new parenthood and beyond. I'm calling it the "Expert Edition", but I think you'll find that while these women definitely are experts in their work, parenthood has a way of making a beginner out of everybody. Even experts get surprised by the unexpected and learn …

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, so I've relaunched my "Momma Interviews" series--This time with an extra special set of moms. These mommas also work to support other moms and their families during the transition into new parenthood and beyond. I'm calling it the "Expert Edition," but I think you'll find that while these women definitely are experts in their work, parenthood has a way of making a beginner out of everybody. Even experts get surprised by the unexpected and learn …

Written by Mercedes Samudio, LCSW 

The recent coverage of celebrity mothers, like Chrissy Teigen, discussing how they came to discover that the unsettling feelings they experienced after giving birth was called postpartum depression sheds light on an interesting dialogue we need to have with women: becoming a mother is not always going to be a beautifully exciting time in a mother’s life; and that’s okay. The idea that a mother should love her new baby - or even the more seemingly inclusive s…

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, so I've relaunched my "Momma Interviews" series--This time with an extra special set of moms. These mommas also work to support other moms and their families during the transition into new parenthood and beyond. I'm calling it the "Expert Edition", but I think you'll find that while these women definitely are experts in their work, parenthood has a way of making a beginner out of everybody. Even experts get surprised by the unexpected and learn …

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, so I've relaunched my "Momma Interviews" series--This time with an extra special set of moms. These mommas also work to support other moms and their families during the transition into new parenthood and beyond. I'm calling it the "Expert Edition," but I think you'll find that while these women definitely are experts in their work, parenthood has a way of making a beginner out of everybody. Even experts get surprised by the unexpected and learn …

May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month, so I've decided to relaunch my "Momma Interviews" series--This time with an extra special set of moms. These mommas also work to support other moms and their families during the transition into new parenthood and beyond. I'm calling it the "Expert Edition," but I think you'll find that while these women definitely are experts in their work, parenthood has a way of making a beginner out of everybody. Even experts get surprised by the unexpected a…

Being a new mom is an adjustment.  

OK, that might be an understatement. Sometimes, being a new mom is hard, and scary, and nerve-wracking, exhausting, confusing. Being a new mom can make you question whether you’re even cut out for this. Whether you’re any good at it. Why everything in the book isn’t working. Or, how you surely must be screwing your kid up from the get-go if you don’t do x-y-z right.

Let me tell you: Every single mom has felt this way at some point. You’re not alone…

Not all of us win the lottery when it comes to kids and car rides. Some parents love driving their babies or kids around because they’re guaranteed to knock out during the ride. Other parents, not so much.  

If your baby screams as if they’re being tortured during any drive or if your toddler gets carsick, I know how traumatic it can feel for you, momma. I have two kids and they are like night and day when it comes to personalities. Their reactions to car rides….also like night and day.…

Dear Momma,

Your priorities are skewed!

Now, honestly, I mean that in the nicest way. Because if you’ve met me before you know that saying something direct and possibly hurtful is not my style. But I feel like if I don’t tell you, then I can’t continue to sit back and watch you be miserable and continue to let you commiserate.  

Because momma, you are so focused on what isn’t right that you aren’t noticing the positive.

Like the fact that your baby slept through the night. And it's b…

“If you want to conquer the anxiety of life, live in the moment, live in the breath.” - Amit Ray

Anxiety sucks.  Anxiety while being a mom really sucks.

One of the things I hear from moms is that they often blame themselves if they feel anxious. As if somehow they are failing as a mom, a partner, or a person if they experience anxiety and motherhood at the same time. Maybe they just weren't cut out for this job.

But NO! That's so not true. The truth is that you do love your sweet b…

“Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.”   

- Elizabeth Stone

One of the most common concerns I hear from moms both in my practice and in my personal life is the constant worry they feel since bringing their baby home. For many, it starts during pregnancy.  

And, on the one hand, worry makes a lot of sense. We have been entrusted with the fullest of responsibilities--creating and raising a life.  …

One of the biggest challenges I hear from moms is how difficult it is to find mom friends. Some even liken it to going out to a bar and hitting on someone, hoping that they like you and want to start hanging out. That doesn't always have the best memories associated with it, does it?  

The fear of rejection is real. And the effort it takes to meet new people can feel daunting or even draining for some of us.

And with all the new demands on our lives as moms after these new little peopl…

A couple of weeks ago, I posted about stress and the brain. In it, I talk about the limbic system (our “reptilian brain” that controls our emotions) and the five main ways to impact its response to stress.  

Of those five ways--aromatics, breath, nature, nervous system and energy work--the fastest way to invoke calm in the limbic part of our brain is by literally following our noses. This is effective because the olfactory nerve--the part of our anatomy that correlates to our sense of sme…

When you think of meditation, what do you imagine?  

If I had to guess, I bet you’re picturing something like this:

Sure, looks ideal, right? 

But in a mom’s reality, it probably looks more like this:

Or, it might look even more like this.

That’s totally OK!  We need to let go of that perfect image of zen and realize that we can find a little moment of peace anywhere as long as we know how to do it.

There are so many different ways that you can find some calm in your daily…

There is nothing quite like motherhood to make you feel like you’ve lost control or that you’ve met your limit, right? Often times, motherhood can feel joyful, meaningful, boring, stressful, exhausting….all in one day.  

I think ideally we’d all like to feel more joy and meaning than stress and exhaustion though. And, thankfully, there are actual things you can do to make sure you feel more ease and can enjoy the positives more. 

In order to understand how to use calming tools for when…

Let’s face it, if you’re a mom, YOU ARE BUSY. It’s just a fact of modern life.  

And, I’ve got some good news and some bad news for you: The bad news is you’ll always be busy (at least until you’re empty-nesters, I’m afraid!). But, the good news is there are definitely ways you can simplify and streamline your beautifully chaotic, messy, imperfect life.

And because you’re so busy, I’m going to get right down to it.  

Here are my top 10 tips for taming your busy-ness:

1.  Use Techno…

Isn’t it crazy just how much we need to do, think about, and plan for when we are expecting a baby? It is an amazing time, but it is also a life-altering, world-changing event.

If you are an expectant parent you are probably already inundated with books, research on the best products, and get loads of unsolicited advice. (And if you're not yet, just wait....)

There are a million books (ok, maybe not a million, but an overwhelming amount) out there for expecting and new parents. Pregnan…

In case you are in the dark about this, let me let you in on a little secret:  moms are busy people. There are probably all kinds of great gift ideas that might be more romantic or luxurious than the ones I'm about to recommend, but if you really care about making a mom feel truly happier, lighter and supported, I think these are some ideas worth considering. 

And before we go any further, let me preface by saying that unless otherwise mentioned, I am in no way affiliated with any company …

What is it like to feel like you don't belong? Or, to feel like everyone else makes friends so much easier than you do?

I talk to my clients all the time about how important it is to have a community--a tribe--a circle of other mom friends to support you, laugh with you, lift you up, or let you fall apart in their company. Moms who “get it” and don’t judge you for your struggles or imperfections.

I know when you're in school it's easy (or easier anyway) to meet and connect with people, but…

I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Anna Osborn, a dear friend and colleague, on her podcast, Her Life Unscripted, all about new motherhood--its effects on our relationships with our partners, how our needs change even though our wants might stay the same, and the imperative of finding your tribe as a momma. 

Anna Osborn is a licensed psychotherapist for burnt-out women and stretched-thin mommas. She's a business owner, public speaker, and mother of twins in Sacramento, Californi…

Featured in PsychCentral.com

Let's face it:  We moms are all guilty of....well, feeling guilty. At least a little bit, at least once in a while. We all do it and we all know it's futile. It's time to let ourselves off the hook a little.  

In her latest feature on PsychCentral.com, Catherine O'Brien says, “Not every mom is going to be good at everything, but there are so many things that [moms] provide on a regular basis that only we can do so well.”  

Check out the full article for 5 tips…

Featured on PsychCentral.com

Catherine O'Brien, LMFT has once again been featured in an article on PsychCentral.com, this time discussing specifically how social media influences self-confidence, mental health, and choice as mothers. 

Do you use Facebook or other social media platforms as a little break, some socialization or support?  

Notice how you feel whenever you do log on to social media and whether it is actually serving you.  

It can often be a double-edged sword. There are some…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week's Momma Interview comes from a woman who is no stranger to stress, at home or work but is able to use the smiles and hugs from her kiddos to pull her through those tough moments.  

Meet V…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week, we're hearing from a momma who turns to God when running her home and running after her sons gets overwhelming. When she feels unsure or uneasy, she listens to her inner voice and instinc…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week, we're hearing from a momma who lives with Rheumatoid Arthritis and manages to chase around two energetic boys. When she feels stress coming on or judgment from others, she reminds herself…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

THIS WEEK, AN EX-PAT LIVING IN AUSTRALIA SHARES WITH US HOW SHE CHECKS IN WITH HERSELF AND MAKES REALISTIC EXPECTATIONS FOR WHAT SHE CAN ACCOMPLISH EACH DAY. SHE IS ONLY INTERESTED IN DOING WHAT SHE…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: Running on Empty

By Anna Osborn, LMFT

I don’t know about you, but I have yet to meet a momma that is not a working momma. It doesn’t matter if you’re working in the home or out, the unending balancing act is universal. And qui…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week we are chatting with a momma from the UK who saw motherhood as the perfect reason to seek some enlightenment in this world and realize what she truly believes in. Read on to find out more …

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: From Belly Bliss to Dark Depression

Guest Post by Brittni Fudge, MA, NCC, LPCC

Two minutes can feel like an hour when you’ve just taken a pregnancy test and are waiting for the results. When women see the two lines show up, th…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS AND INTERVIEWS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Lori Ann Code is so amazing. She founded Mama Bootcamp, a facility in Sacramento, CA that provides support and training for women to reach their wellness and bucket list goals. She's also the author of "[find your mojo] 52 Weeks…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS AND INTERVIEWS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

I'm thrilled to bring to you a special interview I did with Julie Hurst, Founder & Owner of "Herself Moms," which is an incredible resource for both physical and emotional support for prenatal and postpartum moms in the Sacramen…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: The Black Coat

By Jo Muirhead

My son is just about to turn 16. It’s been a long time since I was in the moment of him being a 2 year old, or a new born. I love him dearly and I know without any doubt that I am the best mum fo…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: What You Should Know About Pregnancy Loss

By Rachel Rabinor, LCSW

When a woman loses a pregnancy, her baby, life changes forever in ways most will thankfully never understand. She’s joined a club that no one wants to be in and…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS AND INTERVIEWS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

This was such a fun opportunity! In this interview, I chat with Elly Taylor, an incredible relationship counselor, researcher and author of the book, Becoming Us, which I recommend to clients all the time. Such an honor to have …

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: Transformation

BY Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D.

My pregnancy went well and I was excited to meet my baby girl. I made a birth vision board, set up my birth plan, had my awesome doula and very supportive husband. The labor and deliver…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

If you asked this momma what she wants, she will probably break out in song, just like her own momma used to... R-E-S-P-E-C-T! And, that is exactly what she gives to other mom's too. Meet Christy…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: The Tribe

By Krysta Dancy, MFT

Here is my fantasy:

A woman gives birth surrounded by fellow women wiping her brow, getting her water, fanning her face. After, she rests tucked into bed. Daily work all fades from the new ma…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS AND INTERVIEWS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Today, I'm so excited to bring to you a special interview I did with Dr. Christina Hibbert, Clinical Psychologist and best-selling author of This Is How We Grow, Who Am I Without You, and 8 Keys to Mental Health Through Exercise…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: We Must Prevent Tragedies Surrounding Postpartum Psychosis

BY Jennifer Hentz Moyer

Why do tragedies continue to happen when postpartum psychosis is a preventable and treatable illness that can strike any mother after the birth…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

Like most moms, Katie plays many roles-- wife, businesswoman, and mom to name a few. Rather than trying to balance these roles, she considers it more of a not-always-so-smooth, transition from one t…

IN HONOR OF MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS MONTH THIS MAY, WE WILL BE FEATURING GUEST BLOGGERS, EACH OF WHOM BRING THEIR OWN UNIQUE EXPERTISE AND PERSPECTIVE TO THE DISCUSSION. IT IS MY HOPE TO HELP EDUCATE AND NORMALIZE THE EXPERIENCES OF ALL MOMS.

Guest Blog Post: What to Expect When You Become a Parent After Infertility

BY Erika Labuzan-Lopez, LMFT, LPC

During your infertility journey, all you dreamed of is the day that you’d become a parent. You worked so hard, read everything you co…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This momma doesn't worry about any balancing acts. She simply dives into each of her roles with her whole heart... one day at a time. With help from her fiancé, Kaitlin is able to handle the 'imposs…

May is maternal mental health awareness month and Wednesday, May 4th is World Maternal Mental Health Day. As many as 1 in 5 women will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) during pregnancy and up to 1 year postpartum.

After having a baby, moms and their partners need to have support. I had the opportunity to speak on the local television station here in Sacramento, California Fox40 News about the importance of self-care for every mom. Watch now.

In the interview, we t…

In honor of Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month this May, we will be featuring guest bloggers, each of whom brings their own unique expertise and perspective to the discussion. It is my hope to help educate and normalize the experiences of ALL moms.

Guest Blog Post: Understanding Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

By Staci Lee Schnell, M.S., C.S., LMFT

Any woman can develop a perinatal mood disorder; however, here are some risk factors to be aware of:

• Personal or Family history of Depr…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week we are hearing from a first-time momma, who is seven months in and struggling with a feeling of yearning for her "old life" again. Postpartum depression is very real and she is certainly n…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week's interview comes from a momma who is blocking out the haters! First-time mothers get lots of advice and Nakita is figuring out how to handle the constant comments from the peanut gallery!…

The Momma Interviews is a new blog series by Catherine O'Brien, LMFT highlighting the thoughts, experiences and wisdom of a unique real-world mom each week, to normalize and validate the struggles and triumphs that are a part of the universally human experience of motherhood for women everywhere. 

This week's interview comes from a momma who knows, "it takes a village to raise a child." Kim is fortunate enough to have family close and friends who are in the same stages of parenthood and they'…