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When Stephanie Konter O'Hara—a mental health therapist with over 13 years of experience—became a mother, she discovered something surprising: all her professional training couldn't prepare her for the emotional tsunami of postpartum anxiety. "I thought I knew what to expect," she shares candidly. "I was definitely not prepared for everything that I experienced emotionally in postpartum."
This powerful conversation explores the hidden realities of maternal mental health that aren't covered in typical birth preparation classes. Stephanie reveals critical information every expectant and new parent should know, including the surprising fact that most women experiencing postpartum depression feel most suicidal between months eight and ten—not during the initial newborn phase when most support is concentrated. We discuss the biological perfect storm of physical recovery, severe sleep deprivation, and hormonal fluctuations that create unique vulnerabilities during this transition.
Stephanie's insights go beyond the standard warnings about postpartum blues, diving into practical advice for building effective support systems and finding the right healthcare providers who truly listen. She emphasizes that typical "baby blues" should only last about two weeks—anything beyond that warrants professional support. For partners, family members, and friends, she offers guidance on providing meaningful support without judgment, starting with the simple question: "How can I support you?"
The discussion extends beyond the immediate postpartum period to explore how women's hormonal shifts throughout life—from new motherhood through perimenopause—profoundly affect values, relationships, and identity. This conversation offers validation for anyone navigating these transitions and practical guidance for building the support systems necessary to thrive through them.
Subscribe now to hear more conversations about the real, unfiltered experiences of women's health journeys and join our community of listeners seeking authentic dialogue about life's most challenging transitions.

Stephanie Konter-O'Hara, LPC, ACS is passionate about making space in the world for everyone to be themselves and live in the most connected and authentic way that they can. She is a Mom, Podcaster (Redefining US), Licensed Mental Health Therapist, Group Practice Owner of WellMinded Counseling and author of the workbook Becoming Mommy. She truly loves to help people explore their relationships with themselves and believes that we should all surround ourselves with more opportunities to connect with our village.

Here is her website: https://wellmindedcounseling.com/redefining-us-podcast

Link to her workbook: https://a.co/d/b462dWn

Socials (instagram and facebook) @wellmindedcounseling

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