Understanding Postpartum Mental Health with Hannah Sawitsky

Pelvic floor physical therapist Bree Alred hosts mental health counselor and doula Hannah Sawitzke of Nova Therapy to discuss the “fourth trimester” (the first three months postpartum, with impacts lasting far beyond) and why parents should speak up and seek help. Sawitzke shares that Nova was inspired by her own postpartum anxiety and explains the inadequacy of the typical six-week postpartum checkup, emphasizing multimodal care, self-advocacy, and postpartum planning. They clarify differences between baby blues (first 2–3 weeks) and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, outline symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and intrusive thoughts, and describe risk factors including complicated pregnancy, NICU stays, feeding challenges, perfectionism, and limited support. They highlight Utah’s higher reported rates and resources like Postpartum Support International and Nova (thrivewithnova.com). 00:00 Reaching Out Matters 00:22 Show Intro and Guest 01:19 Hannah and Nova Therapy 02:16 Why She Started Nova 04:19 What Is Fourth Trimester 05:28 Beyond Three Months 06:40 Six Week Checkup Debate 10:57 Advocacy and Postpartum Plan 13:07 Baby Blues vs PMADs 15:44 When to Seek Help 18:12 Finding Postpartum Resources 19:44 Depression Anxiety OCD Explained 22:03 Intrusive Thoughts Defined 26:07 Stigma and Speaking Up 27:01 Risk Factors and Triggers 28:16 Complications Feeding Perfectionism 30:08 Utah Rates and Gaps 32:15 Spotting Symptoms Together 32:52 Motherhood Identity Shift 36:22 Twins and NICU Story 39:22 Support Without Diagnosis 39:56 Understanding Birth Trauma 43:46 Postpartum Disorders Overview 45:15 Brain Body Connection 50:00 Breaking Fear Pain Cycle 51:07 Advice and Self Care 55:01 Closing Resources and Where to Find 56:09 Final Wrap and Share Thank you for listening to *Healing at Your Core*. If today's conversation resonated with you, please share this episode with someone who could benefit from it. Every share helps us reach more women who may be silently living with symptoms they think they have to accept, when healing is truly possible. Have a wonderful day. **Bree Allred, PT, DPT, PRPC** *"Common does not mean normal. Healing begins when we start the conversation."* ## CONNECT with Bree & Access Trusted Pelvic Health Resources Discover expert education, practical tools, and evidence-based guidance designed to help you better understand your body and take the next step toward healing. You'll also gain access to valuable resources and become part of a supportive community of women who are restoring comfort, confidence, and quality of life through every season. **Join FREE at:** www.aylarapelvichealth.com **Follow Bree on Social Media:** Facebook | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn **Bonus Resource:** Schedule your **FREE Discovery Call** and learn how personalized pelvic floor physical therapy can help you restore movement, comfort, and confidence. About Guest Hannah Sawitsky, CMHC, is a licensed therapist, certified doula, and maternal mental health specialist based in Logan, Utah. She is the founder of Nova Therapy and Doula Services, where she helps individuals and families navigate pregnancy, postpartum, birth trauma, anxiety, and the transition to parenthood. Hannah is passionate about creating supportive, evidence-based spaces where parents can feel less alone and more connected to themselves, their relationships, and their communities. Guest LInks Website: ThriveWithNova.com LInkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hannahsawitsky/ Facebook:facebook.com/thrivewithnova Instagram: instagram.com/thrivewithnova YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ThriveWithNova