243: Postpartum Anxiety and Coping with Congenital Birth Defects Diagnosis

Even though postpartum anxiety is common and carries less stigma than it once did, things escalate to a whole new level when a birth defect diagnosis enters the mix. The stress and anxiety of a mother, father, and caregivers are compounded when new parenthood involves caring for a baby with special needs, and these parents feel more alone than ever. My guest today shares her story to let other parents know they are not alone in their struggles. There is hope, there is help, and there are resources! Join us to learn more! Robin Giesen is a certified perinatal mental health therapist who experienced postpartum anxiety herself. That anxiety was further compounded by the news that her son had a rare birth defect. Robin explains what craniosynostosis is, and how her son’s condition impacted her anxiety. After that totally unexpected diagnosis with her firstborn, her second pregnancy brought the same diagnosis to her second son while in utero. She explains how she coped and why she is invested in helping other parents who are going through similar circumstances. Robin is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Long Beach, CA. She is certified in perinatal mental health, leads a postpartum anxiety group at her practice, and is a Bringing Baby Home educator. Robin opens our eyes to the rarely-talked-about situation of how a birth defect and caring for a special needs child impact a mother’s mental health.  Show Highlights: How Robin’s well-controlled autoimmune disorder brought her worry and anxiety as she experienced her first pregnancy almost 11 years ago How an emergency C-section and a NICU stay complicated what she thought would be a normal labor and delivery How Robin began thinking that some harm would come to her baby if he wasn’t right beside her Why Robin started taking medication to “take the edge off” of her anxiety and intrusive thoughts How Robin noticed something strange about the shape of her son’s head, saw a pediatric eye doctor, and received the diagnosis of craniosynostosis Robin explains craniosynostosis and its impacts How Robin went through the unimaginable scenario of neurosurgery for her newborn son Why Robin felt guilt over her son’s diagnosis and anxiety in preparing for his surgery Why Robin is adamant with her clients today about coregulation and how it begins How Robin’s second pregnancy (through IVF) revealed that her unborn son also had craniosynostosis  How her second son was delivered via planned C-section with a totally different outcome—and no anxiety for Robin even though she faced another surgery for her baby Why Robin realizes that she should have done more than talk therapy after her first son’s birth How Robin helps support other moms facing similar situations with their children Resources: Find resources for craniosynostosis and other cranial issues:  Cranio Care Bears and Faces Connect with Robin:  Website, Facebook, 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!