Ep. 429: The Science Behind Intrusive Thoughts with Dr. Katayune Kaeni aka Dr. Kat

In this episode of The Birth Lounge, HeHe sits down with perinatal psychologist Dr. Kat to have the conversation we don’t have enough: the real, nuanced truth about mental health in pregnancy and postpartum.

They break down the full spectrum of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, panic attacks, bipolar disorder, and postpartum psychosis. They cover what’s common, what’s urgent, and what deserves immediate support.

A major focus of this conversation is intrusive thoughts.

Dr. Kat explains that intrusive thoughts are incredibly common, especially postpartum. They are typically unwanted, distressing, and they don’t reflect your true desires. But when thoughts become frequent, graphic, intense, or begin to interfere with daily functioning (like avoiding holding your baby out of fear), that’s when it’s time to reach out for professional support.

HeHe shares personal examples and normalizes how sleep deprivation, hormonal shifts, stress, and identity changes can amplify anxiety and intrusive thoughts, while emphasizing that struggling does not mean you are broken.

They discuss:

How to tell the difference between common intrusive thoughts and something more serious
Why suicide is the second leading cause of death in the postpartum period
When therapy and/or medication are appropriate and valid tools
How to talk to your partner and loved ones about not feeling like yourself
Why reassurance alone may not be enough for severe anxiety or OCD
How to use resources like Postpartum Support International
The importance of proactive conversations during pregnancy

This episode is compassionate, evidence-based, and deeply validating.

If you have ever thought, “Why is my brain doing this?” or felt afraid to say your thoughts out loud, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening, and remind you that support is not weakness. It is care.

You deserve to feel safe in your own mind.

Guest Bio:

Katayune Kaeni, Psy.D. PMH-C, aka, Dr. Kat is a perinatal mental health certified psychologist, author of The Pregnancy Workbook: Manage Anxiety and Worry with CBT and Mindfulness Techniques, and host of the Mom & Mind Podcast, the longest-running perinatal mental health podcast since 2016, covering perinatal mental health personal stories and expert interviews. She volunteers her time, serving on the board of Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a board member and as the immediate past chair. Dr. Kat began specializing in perinatal mental health after her own experience with postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD over 14 years ago. Dr. Kat continues to offer psychotherapy virtually to clients across California.

www.momandmind.com, IG and Tiktok @momandmind, FB @momandmindpodcast

SOCIAL MEDIA:

Connect with HeHe on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tranquilitybyhehe/

Connect with Dr. Kat on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/momandmind/

BIRTH EDUCATION:

Learn how to stay in control of your birth and reduce the risk of unnecessary interventions in our Avoid a C-Section Webinar. HeHe breaks down the cascade of interventions, explains what’s really happening in the hospital, and shares practical strategies to protect your birth plan, advocate for yourself, and navigate labor with confidence. Perfect for anyone who wants a positive, informed hospital birth experience: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/csection

Feeling nervous about speaking up in labor? Our Scripts for Advocacy give you the exact words to handle the most common conversations that can make or break your birth experience. From declining unnecessary interventions to asking the right questions about procedures, these scripts empower you to stay in control, speak confidently, and protect your birth plan — even when the pressure is on. Think of it as your personal toolkit for advocating like a pro, so you can focus on your baby, not the stress: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/Scripts-for-Advocacy

And if you haven’t grabbed it yet…
Snag my free Pitocin Guide to understand the risks, benefits, and red flags your provider may not be telling you about, so you can make informed, powerful decisions in labor: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/pitocin

Join The Birth Lounge for judgment-free, evidence-based childbirth education from HeHe that shows you exactly how to navigate hospital policies, avoid unnecessary interventions, and have a trauma-free labor experience, all while feeling wildly supported every step of the way: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/

Want prep delivered straight to your phone?
Download The Birth Lounge App for bite-sized birth and postpartum tools you can use anytime, anywhere: https://www.thebirthlounge.com/app-download-page

LINKS MENTIONED:

PSI descriptions of symptoms: https://paulspector.com/assessments/pauls-no-cost-assessments/physical-symptoms-inventory/