Finding a Postpartum Anxiety Specialist in Austin: Expert Care for PPA

You're four weeks postpartum, and your heart is racing again. You've Googled "is the baby breathing" seventeen times tonight. Your mind won't stop spinning through worst-case scenarios.

You know this isn't normal new-parent worry—this is something more.

Welcome to postpartum anxiety (PPA), one of the most common yet under-discussed postpartum mood disorders. While everyone asks about postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety actually affects more mothers—up to 1 in 5 new moms experience it. 🌿

"You know this isn't normal new-parent worry—this is something more. And you're right to trust that instinct."

The good news? Postpartum anxiety is highly treatable with the right specialist. The challenging news? Not all therapists understand the unique presentation of PPA, which is why finding a specialized postpartum anxiety therapist in Austin makes all the difference.

After 15 years treating maternal mental health in Austin, I've seen how quickly mothers can recover when they work with a specialist who truly understands postpartum anxiety. This guide will help you find the expert care you need.

What Is Postpartum Anxiety? (And Why It's Different from "Normal" Worry)

Every new parent worries. But postpartum anxiety goes far beyond normal concern for your baby's wellbeing.

Normal New Parent Worry vs. Postpartum Anxiety

Normal Worry:

Manageable and doesn't consume your day
You can reassure yourself and move on
Doesn't interfere with daily functioning
Comes and goes based on actual concerns

Postpartum Anxiety:

Constant, excessive worry that feels uncontrollable
Physical symptoms: racing heart, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness
Difficulty sleeping even when baby sleeps
Intrusive, scary thoughts about harm coming to baby
Hypervigilance (constantly checking if baby is breathing)
Sense of impending doom or panic
Significant interference with bonding, self-care, and daily life

Common Postpartum Anxiety Symptoms

Physical Symptoms: 💓

Rapid heartbeat or chest tightness
Shortness of breath or feeling like you can't breathe
Dizziness or feeling faint
Nausea or stomach problems
Muscle tension, especially jaw or shoulders
Inability to relax even when exhausted

Mental Symptoms: 🧠

Racing thoughts that won't stop
Constant "what if" thinking
Catastrophic thinking (always imagining worst outcomes)
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feeling like you're "going crazy"
Fear of being alone with baby

Behavioral Symptoms: 🔄

Excessive checking (baby's breathing, temperature, feeding)
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety
Over-researching everything online
Seeking constant reassurance from partner or doctors
Difficulty leaving baby with anyone
Compulsive behaviors to prevent feared outcomes

When PPA Becomes Postpartum OCD

Sometimes postpartum anxiety includes intrusive thoughts—unwanted, disturbing thoughts or images about harm coming to your baby. This is postpartum OCD, and it's terrifyingly common.

Intrusive Thoughts Are:

Unwanted and distressing (not something you want to happen)
Often violent or disturbing images
The opposite of what you want (you're terrified they'll happen)
NOT predictive of your behavior (having the thought doesn't mean you'll act on it)

Examples mothers report:

Images of dropping baby down stairs
Thoughts of baby being hurt by household items
Fear of accidentally harming baby during care
Disturbing sexual thoughts (extremely upsetting to mothers)

Critical distinction: Having these thoughts makes you hypervigilant and protective, not dangerous. Postpartum OCD responds extremely well to specialized treatment. ✓

Why You Need a Postpartum Anxiety Specialist (Not Just Any Therapist)

Here's what many new mothers don't know: postpartum anxiety requires different treatment than general anxiety.

What Makes Postpartum Anxiety Different

Unique Contributing Factors:

Dramatic hormonal shifts (estrogen, progesterone, cortisol)
Sleep deprivation's impact on nervous system
Hypervigilance as evolutionary protective mechanism gone into overdrive
Responsibility for completely helpless human
Loss of control over previously predictable life

Why General Anxiety Treatment Isn't Enough:

Doesn't address postpartum-specific triggers
May not understand intrusive thoughts as OCD symptom
Can miss co-occurring postpartum depression
Doesn't account for breastfeeding/medication considerations
May give impractical advice ("just rest more")

What Postpartum Anxiety Specialists Know

Specialized Understanding:

Difference between postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD
How to treat intrusive thoughts without increasing anxiety
Sleep deprivation's role in symptom severity
Medication options safe for breastfeeding
When anxiety is masking depression
How birth trauma can manifest as anxiety

Evidence-Based Treatment Expertise:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) adapted for postpartum anxiety
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for intrusive thoughts
Inference Based CBT (I-CBT) for intrusive thoughts
Mindfulness techniques adapted for new moms (realistic, not Instagram-perfect)

The Top 5 Qualities of Excellent Postpartum Anxiety Specialists

After referring hundreds of anxious moms to specialists, here's what separates the best from the rest:

1. Specific Training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Look for:

PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification)
Training specifically in postpartum anxiety (not just general anxiety)
Understanding of reproductive psychiatry and hormones
Familiarity with Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (includes anxiety screening)

Years of experience: Minimum 5+ years treating postpartum anxiety specifically

2. Expertise in Intrusive Thoughts and Postpartum OCD

The best postpartum anxiety specialists:

Normalize intrusive thoughts immediately
Explain the difference between intrusive thoughts and psychosis
Use ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) for intrusive thoughts
Never suggest you're dangerous to your baby
Understand this is OCD, not psychosis or desire to harm

Red flag: Therapist seems alarmed by intrusive thoughts or suggests hospitalization for typical postpartum OCD

3. Understanding of the Sleep-Anxiety Connection

Specialists know:

Sleep deprivation significantly worsens anxiety
"Sleep when baby sleeps" often isn't helpful advice
How to address sleep issues realistically
When sleep is a symptom vs. contributing factor
Practical strategies that work with infant care

4. Collaborative Approach to Medication

Best specialists:

Discuss medication as one tool in treatment toolkit
Partner with reproductive psychiatrists who specialize in perinatal mental health
Know which medications are safe during breastfeeding
Don't push medication but don't dismiss it either
Understand many mothers recover with therapy alone

5. Cultural Competence and Real Understanding

The best specialists understand:

Cultural differences in postpartum care and expectations
Pressure of "perfect motherhood" on social media
Work-family balance anxiety
Financial stress with new baby
Partner relationship strain
Previous trauma or anxiety history

How to Find Postpartum Anxiety Specialists in Austin

Let's get practical. Here's your step-by-step search strategy:

Step 1: Use Specialized Directories

Most Effective Resources:

Postpartum Support International (www.postpartum.net)

Filter by Texas and "Postpartum Anxiety"
Look for PMH-C certified providers
Indicates specialized training

Psychology Today

Filter by: Austin, TX
Under "Issues": Select "Anxiety" AND "Postpartum"
Under "Treatment Approach": Look for "Cognitive Behavioral (CBT)" and "Exposure and Response Prevention"
Check if they specifically mention intrusive thoughts or postpartum OCD

Step 2: Search Terms That Work

Use these specific searches:

"Postpartum anxiety therapist Austin"
"Postpartum OCD specialist Austin"
"Intrusive thoughts therapist Austin"
"Perinatal anxiety psychologist Austin"
"Birth anxiety specialist Austin"

Avoid generic terms:

"Anxiety therapist" (too broad)
"Postpartum therapist" (might focus on depression only)

Step 3: Evaluate Their Expertise

On their website, look for:

✅ Specific mention of postpartum anxiety (not just PPD)
✅ Intrusive thoughts or postpartum OCD listed
✅ PMH-C certification or perinatal mental health training
✅ CBT and/or ERP in treatment approaches
✅ Understanding tone (not fear-mongering about anxiety)

Red flags:

❌ Only mentions postpartum depression
❌ No specific perinatal training
❌ Generic anxiety treatment (no postpartum focus)
❌ Alarming language about intrusive thoughts

Essential Questions to Ask During Consultation

Most specialists offer free 15-minute phone consultations. Ask these critical questions:

About Their Expertise

"What percentage of your practice is postpartum anxiety?"

Best answer: 40% or higher
Shows active, current practice with PPA

"How do you treat intrusive thoughts?"

Should mention ERP or cognitive behavioral approaches
Should normalize them immediately
Should explain difference from psychosis

"What training do you have in postpartum OCD specifically?"

Look for: Specific courses, conferences, supervision in this area
Red flag: "I treat general anxiety and OCD"

About Treatment Approach

"What's your approach to treating postpartum anxiety?"

Should mention evidence-based treatments: CBT, ERP, I-CBT
Should ask about your specific symptoms
Should discuss timeline for improvement

"How do you address sleep deprivation's role in anxiety?"

Should have practical strategies
Should understand you can't "just sleep more"

"Do you help mothers who are breastfeeding and anxious about medication?"

Should discuss all options: therapy alone, therapy + medication
Should have psychiatrist referrals for medication consultation

Practical Logistics

"Do you offer virtual sessions?"

Critical for anxious moms who worry about leaving baby
Eliminates childcare barrier

"What if I need support between sessions?"

Should have plan for urgent concerns
Crisis protocol if severe panic

"Can I bring my baby to sessions?"

Many specialists welcome babies
Especially important early postpartum

Treatment Approaches That Work for Postpartum Anxiety

Understanding treatment options helps you evaluate specialists:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for PPA

How it works:

Identifies anxious thought patterns
Challenges catastrophic thinking
Develops coping strategies for physical symptoms
Behavioral activation despite anxiety

Effective for:

General postpartum anxiety
Panic attacks
Excessive worry
Sleep anxiety

Timeline: Most mothers see improvement in 4-6 weeks

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for Intrusive Thoughts

How it works:

Gradual exposure to feared thoughts/situations
Learning to tolerate anxiety without compulsions
Retraining brain's threat assessment
Reducing avoidance behaviors

Effective for:

Intrusive thoughts about harm
Postpartum OCD
Excessive checking behaviors
Hypervigilance

Timeline: Significant improvement usually within 8-12 weeks

Critical: Only do ERP with therapist trained specifically in postpartum OCD

Medication Options

When medication might help:

Severe anxiety interfering with baby care
Panic attacks
Not improving with therapy alone
Previous positive response to medication

Safe while breastfeeding (discuss with reproductive psychiatrist):

SSRIs (Zoloft, Prozac most studied)
Some SNRIs
Certain anti-anxiety medications

Important: Many mothers recover with therapy alone. Medication is one tool, not the only option.

What Your First Session Should Look Like

A specialized postpartum anxiety therapist will conduct comprehensive assessment:

Symptom Assessment

They'll ask about:

Physical anxiety symptoms (panic, racing heart, etc.)
Thought patterns (catastrophic thinking, intrusive thoughts)
Behaviors (checking, avoiding, researching)
Sleep beyond normal newborn sleep loss
How symptoms started and progressed

Risk Factor Review

They'll explore:

Previous anxiety or OCD history
Birth experience (trauma can trigger anxiety)
Support system
Sleep deprivation severity
Other stressors (finances, relationship, work)

Co-Occurring Conditions

They'll screen for:

Postpartum depression (often co-occurs)
Birth trauma/PTSD
Thyroid problems (can mimic anxiety)
Previous trauma activated by motherhood

Treatment Plan

By end of first session, you should know:

Diagnosis (PPA, postpartum OCD, panic disorder, etc.)
Recommended treatment approach and why
Frequency of sessions (usually weekly initially)
Expected timeline for improvement
Whether medication consultation recommended
Safety planning if needed

Red Flags: When to Find a Different Specialist

Even therapists who claim to specialize in postpartum anxiety may not be adequately trained. Watch for:

Warning Signs

During Consultation or First Session:

Seems alarmed by intrusive thoughts
Suggests you're dangerous to baby
Treats all postpartum anxiety the same
Doesn't distinguish PPA from depression
Gives simplistic advice ("just relax," "stop googling")
Doesn't ask about sleep, birth experience, support

During Treatment:

One-size-fits-all approach
No adjustment if not improving
Judgmental about parenting choices
Pushes their anxiety management techniques without adapting to infant care
Poor understanding of medication safety during breastfeeding

Meet Dr. Jana Rundle: Austin's Postpartum Anxiety Specialist

When searching for a postpartum anxiety specialist in Austin, Dr. Jana Rundle offers the gold standard in maternal mental health care.

Specialized Training

Credentials:

PsyD in Clinical Psychology
Licensed Psychologist in Texas
PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certified)
15+ years specializing exclusively in maternal mental health

Specific Expertise in:

Postpartum anxiety and panic
Postpartum OCD and intrusive thoughts
Birth trauma and PTSD
Co-occurring depression and anxiety

Evidence-Based Treatment

Dr. Rundle is trained in:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy adapted for postpartum anxiety
Exposure and Response Prevention for intrusive thoughts
EMDR for birth trauma
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Why Anxious Mothers Choose Dr. Rundle

1. She Specializes in Postpartum Anxiety

Not general anxiety—specifically postpartum anxiety and OCD. She understands:

The unique presentation of PPA
How sleep deprivation amplifies symptoms
Intrusive thoughts as OCD symptom (not psychosis)
Birth trauma's role in postpartum anxiety

2. She Normalizes Intrusive Thoughts

Mothers with intrusive thoughts often feel tremendous shame. Dr. Rundle:

Explains these are common OCD symptoms
Clarifies you're not dangerous
Uses proven ERP techniques
Helps you stop fighting the thoughts

"That's postpartum OCD. It's treatable. You're not crazy, and you're not dangerous."

3. Real Understanding of New Motherhood

Dr. Rundle gets the reality:

Breastfeeding anxiety
Sleep deprivation's impact
Worry about baby's health/development
Pressure of "perfect" motherhood
Returning to work anxiety

4. Flexible Care Options

Virtual therapy throughout Texas
In-person in North Austin
Baby-friendly sessions
Evening availability

Your Action Plan: Getting Help This Week

Don't wait for anxiety to get worse. Here's your step-by-step plan:

This Week

Day 1-2: Research

Search PSI directory for Austin specialists
Check your insurance for in-network options
Create shortlist of 2-3 therapists
Read their websites/reviews

Day 3-4: Make Calls

Call top choices for consultations
Ask the essential questions from this guide
Trust your gut on who feels right

Day 5-7: Book First Appointment

Schedule within 1-2 weeks if possible
Verify insurance coverage
Arrange childcare or plan to bring baby
Write down your symptoms and questions

Crisis Resources

If you're in crisis:

PSI Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 📞
Crisis Text Line: Text "HELP" to 741741 💬
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 988 ❤️

Severe panic: Call your therapist's emergency line or go to ER

Start Your Recovery Today

Postpartum anxiety is exhausting, overwhelming, and isolating—but it's also highly treatable. With the right specialist using evidence-based approaches, most mothers see significant improvement within weeks.

"You don't have to white-knuckle your way through new motherhood. You can enjoy your baby. You can sleep without constant worry. You can feel like yourself again."

Dr. Jana Rundle is currently accepting new clients for postpartum anxiety treatment.

Why Choose Bloom Psychology for PPA?

✅ Specialized Expertise: 15+ years treating postpartum anxiety exclusively
✅ Evidence-Based Treatment: CBT, ERP proven effective for PPA and intrusive thoughts
✅ Intrusive Thought Specialist: Expert in postpartum OCD treatment
✅ Virtual Options: Therapy throughout Texas from your home
✅ Non-Judgmental: Safe space to discuss scary thoughts

Ready to feel better? Book your free consultation →

Or call: (512) 522-7727 📱

Dr. Jana Rundle is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in postpartum anxiety, OCD, and maternal mental health in Austin, Texas. She provides evidence-based treatment helping anxious mothers throughout Texas find relief and joy in motherhood.

Last updated: November 2025