No One Told Us

What happens when the thoughts that scare you most become the thoughts you can’t stop thinking about? In this episode, Rachael sits down with licensed professional counselor Jenna Overbaugh to talk about postpartum OCD, intrusive thoughts, anxiety, and the ways sleep deprivation, perfectionism, and the need for control can fuel OCD symptoms.

Together, they unpack what separates common intrusive thoughts from OCD, why OCD often latches onto the things we care about most, and how parents can begin breaking the cycle of reassurance seeking, avoidance, and compulsions. Jenna also explains how exposure and response prevention (ERP) can help parents build confidence and learn to trust themselves again.

Inside this episode:

What postpartum OCD really looks like

The difference between intrusive thoughts and OCD

How sleep deprivation and anxiety can feed each other

Why OCD often latches onto what we care about most

How perfectionism and the need for control can fuel OCD

The role of reassurance seeking and why it can reinforce OCD

How social media can contribute to anxiety and compulsive behaviors

What exposure and response prevention (ERP) is and how it works

How compulsions and safety behaviors keep the OCD cycle going

Understanding ego-dystonic thoughts and fears of harming your baby

What research tells us about the risk of harm in parents with OCD

When postpartum OCD requires specialized or intensive treatment

How parents can reduce avoidance and step outside their comfort zones

Why learning to tolerate uncertainty is such an important part of recovery

How to find specialized support for postpartum OCD

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Jenna Overbaugh’s resources: https://www.jennaoverbaughlpc.com/resources

Jenna’s book, Making Peace with a Noisy Mind, coming February 2027

Jenna on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenna.overbaugh

Jenna’s Substack: https://www.thenoisymind.substack.com

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What does it really mean to be “too sensitive”? In this episode, Rachael sits down with psychiatrist, author, and ADHD expert Dr. Sasha Hamdani to unpack emotional sensitivity, ADHD, rejection sensitive dysphoria, and the ways our understanding of ourselves can shape how we parent.Inside this episode:

What emotional sensitivity really means and how it exists on a spectrum

Why labels can become part of our internal narrative

Understanding rejection sensitive dysphoria and intense emotional responses

How ADHD can impact emotional regulation…not just attention

Why ADHD is often diagnosed later in women, especially after becoming parents

How ADHD and emotional sensitivity can show up differently in girls and women

The role social media plays in ADHD awareness, education, and misinformation

How parenthood can reveal previously unrecognized neurodivergent traits

Practical tools for managing big emotional responses and building regulation skills

How we can help emotionally sensitive children develop resilience

Why emotional regulation should be taught early….and even in schools

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Too Sensitive by Dr. Sasha Hamdani

Dr. Sasha Hamdani on Instagram

Dr. Sasha Hamdani on TikTok

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What does it really mean to parent a “spicy” kid? In this episode, Rachael sits down with parenting expert and author Mary Van Geffen to talk about strong-willed, sensitive, and neurodivergent children and what parents can do when everyday parenting feels especially challenging.

Together, they discuss emotional regulation, parenting shame, boundaries, meltdowns, bedtime struggles, and the importance of doing our own inner work. Mary shares practical tools and compassionate strategies for staying connected to your child while also learning how to regulate yourself, repair after hard moments, and parent with more confidence.

Inside this episode:

What makes a child “spicy” and how to understand their unique temperament

Why parental self-regulation is one of the most important parenting tools

How childhood experiences can shape the way we parent

Navigating neurodivergence, diagnosis, and finding the right support

Practical strategies for managing meltdowns, tantrums, and big emotions

How routine, predictability, and connection can help sensitive kids thrive

Setting firm boundaries while staying kind and connect

The role of self-compassion, repair, and doing your own inner work

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Parenting a Spicy One by Mary Van Geffen

Mary Van Geffen on Instagram

Mary Van Geffen on TikTok

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if many of the things we believe about parenting aren't actually universal? In this episode, Rachael sits down with journalist and author Dr. Michaeleen Doucleff to explore what different cultures around the world can teach us about raising children, building strong family relationships, and rethinking some of our most deeply held parenting beliefs.

Together, they discuss parenting myths, child development, autonomy, screen time, dopamine, sleep, and what it can look like to approach family life with more respect, connection, and trust.

Inside this episode:

Why so many common parenting practices aren't universal

What different cultures can teach us about raising children

The importance of respect, autonomy, and contribution in child development

How dopamine actually affects motivation and screen time

Rethinking the way we approach sleep and separation

How to build stronger, more connected parent-child relationships

Practical ways to encourage independence and healthy motivation

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

Hunt, Gather, Parent by Michaeleen Doucleff

Dopamine Kids by Michaeleen Doucleff

Michaeleen Doucleff's website

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

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What if making time for a hobby wasn't selfish but one of the best things you could do for yourself and your family? In this episode, Rachael sits down with writer and researcher Marina Cooley to explore why hobbies matter, how Danish culture approaches work-life balance, and what we can learn about slowing down, finding joy, and supporting our mental health.

Together, they discuss how hobbies can reduce screen time, ease mom guilt, strengthen community, and help parents reconnect with themselves, even in the busiest seasons of life.

Inside this episode:

Why hobbies are essential for parents' well-being

How Danish culture approaches happiness and balance

Reducing screen time through meaningful hobbies

Reframing productivity, self-care, and mom guilt

The role of community in happier family life

Practical ways to make hobbies fit into a busy schedule

And so much more!

Mentioned in this episode:

The Geography of Bliss

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate 5⭐️ and write us a review! ⬇️

✨For sleep support and resources, visit heysleepybaby.com and follow @heysleepybaby on Instagram! 😴☁️🤎✨

Rachael is a mom of 3, founder of Hey, Sleepy Baby, and the host of this podcast.

Instagram | Tiktok | Website
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices