BOOK: Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts, A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers

By, Karen Kleiman (author), Molly McIntyre (Illustrator)

Posted date: 10/27/2025

Presented by Megan Riesgo, LCPC, PMH-C & Joy Walsh, LCSW, PMH-C

OVERVIEW Episode 105 explores the book by Karen Kleiman, Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts, A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers. Page numbers and links in show notes for listeners to find additional information on topics explored from the source.

DISCLAIMER: The content in this podcast is not intended to be a substitute for professional or medical advice, diagnosis or treatment and does not constitute medical or professional advice. This information is presented to be informative and does not replace therapy or other medical support.

If you or someone you know is struggling during this phase of parenting a resource to connect with is Postpartum Support International ⁠⁠⁠ ⁠www.postpartum.net⁠⁠⁠⁠

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CHAPTERS and NOTATIONS

Book Exploration

Trigger warnings: Discussion related to anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, postpartum recovery, psychosis.

3:05 Karen Kleiman, MSW - reference #speakthesecret campaign from Postpartum Stress Center

3:30 (pg. 6) Intrusive thoughts discussion

5:29 (pg. 9) 1 in 7 woman will suffer from symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety.

6:15 (pg.28 & 30) Reference from book about mom having a bad day.

7:10 (pg. 43) “Don’t touch me!” and antidote/script to use to talk with loved ones.

9:25 (pg. 70 & 71) “Too many options” and decision fatigue.

13:15 (pg. 93) What if thinking and catastrophic thinking patterns

15:10 (pg. 130- 131) “Health Professionals” discussion on how to ask for support. Provides script for advocacy.

17:39 (pg. 147) “Accept uncertainty” Discussion of motherhood and chaos.

18:16 (pg. 123) Psychological diagnoses references and supports. “Psychosis”- discussion about the importance of medical intervention

20:35 (pg. 150) “Be your own best advocate” I got this self care affirmation/ mantra support quote.

21:20 (pg. 152/3) “Guidelines for healing”

Further resources available at end of book.

Additional book by author, Karen Kleiman, MSW- What About Us? A New Parents Guide to safeguard your over-anxious, over-extended, sleep-deprived relationship.

Children's Book We Love

24:16 If You Give A Cat a Cupcake by Laura Numeroff

Illustrated by Felicia Bond

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Stay Connected

Website ⁠⁠www.overdueforparents.com⁠⁠

Instagram ⁠⁠@overdueforparents⁠⁠

Megan Riesgo ⁠⁠www.riesgosupport.com⁠⁠

Joy Walsh ⁠⁠www.wellnessconstellation.com ⁠⁠

105 Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts