The Storm After the Calm: Cheryl’s Journey with Postpartum Anxiety and Rheumatoid Arthritis

<p>What happens when the person who loves everything suddenly likes nothing? <a href="https://arthritis.theenthusiasticlife.com/" target="_blank">Arthritis Life</a> founder and Arthritis Life host Cheryl Crow shares her rocky transition to motherhood while managing a rheumatoid arthritis flare up.</p><p>She also opens up about her experience with symptoms of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, and highlights the importance of therapy in helping her get back to her “usual self.”</p><p>Please note: this interview initially took place in 2020 on the <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/what-about-the-mama/id1525640334" target="_blank">“What about the Mama?”</a> podcast, hosted by occupational therapist Karena Skibinsky, on episode 11: “<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-011-what-about-being-a-mama-with-a-chronic-illness/id1525640334?i=1000499914950" target="_blank">What about being a mama with a chronic illness?"</a></p><h2>Episode at a glance:</h2><ul><li>Why Cheryl founded Arthritis Life after working as an occupational therapist in pediatrics, and the value of “edutainment” (entertaining educational content)!</li><li>Brief overview of Cheryl’s pregnancy remission and postpartum flare up of rheumatoid arthritis</li><li>Cheryl describes the irritability and mental exhaustion she experienced postpartum with decision fatigue around her medical needs and her baby’s needs</li><li>How Cheryl’s postpartum mood changes affected her social relationships</li><li>The exact moment Cheryl realized she needed to go to therapy</li><li>How “leaning in” to work was helpful in some ways and unhelpful in others</li><li>The dangers of a “breast is best” mentality and how Cheryl learned to embrace formula and a “Fed is Best” perspective</li><li>How being stubborn and optimistic is both the best and worst thing for Cheryl and her husband</li><li>Cheryl’s advice to other prospective mothers living with chronic illnesses</li><li>How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helped Cheryl cope with her heal