25. How long does postpartum really last? Anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts after baby 

Listen to How long does postpartum really last? Anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts after baby wherever you get your podcasts

Everyone talks about the first six weeks after having a baby. But what if postpartum lasts much longer? 

In this episode, we’re having a raw and honest conversation about how long postpartum really lasts, especially when it comes to mental health. 

My guest Alyssa Maio and I share our personal experiences navigating severe postpartum anxiety, panic attacks, intrusive thoughts, and postpartum OCD — struggles that lasted YEARS after giving birth. Yes you read that correctly.

We also explore how the common narrative around “baby blues” can minimize the reality of what many mothers experience. 

If you’ve ever felt like something wasn’t quite right after having a baby, even long after the newborn stage, you’re not alone. This conversation is about normalizing the reality that postpartum recovery can take much longer than anyone prepares you for.


In this episode, we cover:

  • The myth that postpartum recovery ends at 6–12 weeks.

  • How the phrase “baby blues” minimizes what mamas are going through. 

  • What postpartum anxiety, OCD, and intrusive thoughts can really feel like.

  • Why these symptoms are often misunderstood or dismissed.

  • What I wish I knew about postpartum mental health before having my babies.

Resources & Links:

  • What does maternity leave look like in other countries? Spoiler: most countries are doing more for moms than the United States. 

Connect with Alyssa:

Connect with Christine:

More about Momming as a Millennial podcast:

Welcome to Momming as a Millennial, the podcast where we dive into the challenges and triumphs of being a millennial mom in today’s dynamic world. Join your host, Christine Giarrizzo, on this candid journey as we navigate the complexities of motherhood, from tackling outdated stereotypes, to embracing our individual parenting styles.

In each episode, we explore the intersection of tradition and modern parenting. We’ll look at unsolicited advice and internet noise, as well as gender roles and expectations handed down by our parents and grandparents, in order to find what resonates with our true, authentic selves.

Tune in for honest conversations, genuine stories, expert insights, and a supportive community that understands the unique circumstance of navigating parenthood as a millennial. Together we’ll rewrite the narrative, challenge societal norms, and celebrate the diverse voices that make up our generation.

Let’s redefine what it means to be a mama in the millennial era.

Be sure to hit subscribe so you never miss the latest episode! Reviews help us reach more rockstar millennial mamas, and are always greatly appreciated.