Kara K - Surrendering to the Storm

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What happens when a perinatal mental health specialist finds herself overwhelmed by postpartum OCD, PTSD, and anxiety—right in the middle of a pandemic? In this powerful episode, I sit down with Kara Kushnir, LCSW, a therapist, author, and mom who shares her deeply personal journey through birth trauma and postpartum mental health struggles.

Kara opens up about her C-section experience gone wrong, the unexpected NICU stay, and the lonely spiral into anxiety that followed. Despite having all the “right” tools and training, she still found herself drowning—and clawing her way back with the help of a village, EMDR therapy, and her own stubborn refusal to give up.

We talk about shame, spirituality, radical acceptance, and the way our culture fails new parents again and again. Kara also shares the beautiful story behind her book Mama’s Thoughts—a children’s book secretly written for mothers navigating the storm.

This episode is a reminder that preparation doesn’t always protect us, but connection can heal us. Whether you're a parent, a provider, or somewhere in between, Kara's story will stick with you.

🗝️Takeaways

• Kara's journey to motherhood was influenced by her background as a caregiver.
• She highlights the challenges of navigating pregnancy during the pandemic.
• Kara experienced a traumatic birth and the complexities of postpartum recovery.
• She discusses the stigma surrounding mental health in the perinatal period.
• Kara advocates for the importance of recognizing PMADS in new parents.
• She shares her personal experiences with postpartum anxiety and OCD.
• Kara stresses the need for better support for birthing people in healthcare settings.
• She highlights the role of support systems in managing mental health challenges.  The importance of having a supportive community during difficult times.
• Shame surrounding mental health issues often stems from illogical beliefs.
• Medication can be life-saving and should not be stigmatized.
• Finding the right therapist is crucial for effective treatment.
• Community support can significantly impact healing and recovery.

🔊Sound Bites

• "I had a journey to get to where I am today."
• "I was very anxious to do that."
• "It was a baptism by fire kind of experience."
• "I had postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD, and PTSD."
• "I was terrified to say anything about it."
• "I had a flashback and I was so overwhelmed."
• "I was fortunate I had my sister."
• "We should stop at nothing to take care of ourselves."
• "We are promised a village. Where's the village?"

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Special Thanks to Steve Audy for the use of our theme song: Quiet Connection

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