17. [Listener Favorite Replay] Anxiety & Depression: The Hidden Cost of Trying to Control Birth & Motherhood (Originally Ep. 6)

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While I’m taking a short season of rest during my first trimester, I’m bringing back one of the most impactful and listened-to conversations we’ve had on the podcast. If you’ve ever wrestled with fear that your birth or postpartum might not go the way you hoped, or if you’ve struggled in the weeks after bringing your baby home, this replay will meet you with truth, honesty, and encouragement.

In this episode I'm joined by my friend Crystal Doiron, a licensed clinical social worker and mama, as she courageously shares her story of postpartum depression and anxiety—and the hope she found on the other side.

Crystal's journey began with detailed plans, a "birth binder" (not just a birth plan!), and the determination to do everything "right." But when preeclampsia led to an emergency induction, C-section, and a cascade of unexpected challenges, Crystal found herself struggling with the gap between expectation and reality.

This conversation is raw, honest, and deeply encouraging. Crystal opens up about the darkest moments of her postpartum experience—including the day she realized she was having thoughts of ending her life—and how that became her wake-up call to seek help and find healing.

Whether you're currently struggling with perinatal mood challenges, supporting someone who is, or want to prepare your heart for what might come—this episode offers both practical wisdom and spiritual hope.

In this episode, Crystal shares:

🧠 How her perfectionist, control-focused personality made her more vulnerable to postpartum depression

💔 The moment her carefully planned birth completely fell apart and how that affected her emotionally 

🚨 Five medical red flags that can contribute to or worsen perinatal anxiety and depression 

💪 Practical steps she took toward healing: therapy, reclaiming body autonomy, and prioritizing self-care 

✝️ How reconnecting with God felt like "winter fading into spring—things slowly coming back to life" 

📝 The "sticky note strategy" for getting postpartum help without the awkwardness 

👥 Why community and vulnerability are essential for maternal mental health

Scripture Shared: 

"The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness." – Lamentations 3:22-23 (ESV)

Mentioned in this episode: 

✨ Seven Oaks Therapy: Connect with Crystal at [e-mail]

 📚 Postpartum Support International: Virtual support groups and resources 

💛 Christian Mama Birth Prep Library: Free Birth Preferences Checklist, worship playlists & more 

Remember: struggling doesn't make you a bad mom—it makes you human, and help is available.

If this episode encouraged you, please subscribe, leave a review, and share it with a mama who needs to hear Crystal's story of hope. Let's keep choosing faith over fear, one birth story at a time. 

Go here for the full blog post, show notes, and all resources mentioned!

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