perinatal and postpartum therapy
Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health
The journey to parenthood isn’t always what you expect or hoped for.
For instance, it can include heartaches from miscarriages and pregnancy losses, grieving a diagnosis in pregnancy or experiencing birth complications, and lingering fear from experiencing birth trauma. You might find yourself replaying these experiences over and over in your mind.
It’s no lie that parenting is hard. You’re tired- you’re the most tired you have ever been but maybe you’re still not able to sleep. Maybe too afraid to put the baby down because you need to make sure they are still breathing. You might be afraid something bad is going to happen or fear that someone will find out you made a mistake. You might also be having scary thoughts. Or maybe you avoid certain things or places out of fear, or drink/use substances as a means to cope with the stress.
You might wonder if you can “do this” if you were “made for this.” Or beat yourself up because you thought this is what you “wanted.” There are thoughts like “This isn’t what I pictured.” “This isn’t how I imagined this would be.” You think you’re not a good parent and you “just can’t get a grip.”
You’re told it should be the most exciting and joyous time of your life- yet something feels off.
You don’t have to go through this alone
you deserve support
schedule a free 20-minute consultation
Pregnancy and Postpartum Therapy
With postpartum therapy you will gain support and a space for you to process your experience. You don’t have to go through this alone. Therapy is an open place for you to address any situation that has been difficult such as, relationship changes after birth, fertility struggles, traumatic birth experiences, or the stress of returning to work. In therapy you will learn ways to help you quiet your mind, ease your anxiety, and build your confidence.
Questions? You can contact me here.
the other side of parenthood that is not often talked about(but is often experienced)
Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety
and Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders
There is an increased risk to developing mental health issues during pregnancy and postpartum. Likewise, depression in pregnancy is the most under diagnosed obstetric issue in America. Pregnancy and postpartum mental health issues can be unique in presentation. It is important to realize that parents just assume their suffering is “a part of parenthood” – but it’s not!
You’ve probably heard about postpartum depression- honestly you can’t find a baby or parenting book that doesn’t mention it these days. But did you know how common or prevalent it is? It has been identified that: 1 in 5 moms/birthing persons, 1 in 3 moms/birthing persons of color, and 1 in 10 partners or dads experience a Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD). You may be more familiar with language like postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or psychosis. These experiences are included in PMADs.
PMADs are not a sign of weakness or a sign that you’re not a good parent or that you have failed as a parent.
It means you need support.
Is it normal to cry a lot after having a baby?
8 out of 10 person who give birth can experience the “baby blues.” These symptoms include feeling weepy, overwhelmed, anxious, difficulty sleeping and felling sad within the first 4 weeks postpartum. Generally this sadness after having a baby will subside on its own, however, if you are finding these symptoms continuing or an increase in anger or irritability, loss of appetite, insomnia, loss of interest in life, mood swings, withdrawing from family or friends, or having scary thoughts, this could indicate something more serious.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
The “baby blues” typically subside by 4 weeks postpartum, however, some birthing individuals experience more long lasting and deeper sadness after having a baby. Those with postpartum depression can experience many symptoms such as severe mood swings, intense irritability, loss of interest in life, little to no appetite, withdrawal from family, difficulty bonding with their baby, or report having scary thoughts. It is important to note that partners can get postpartum depression too. There is help for postpartum depression, the sadness after having a baby can get better. With therapy you will gain support and learn ways to manage depression and emotional distress.
Postpartum Anxiety (PPA)
Sometimes parents are met with extreme worry and anxiety rather than depression and sadness. Other symptoms of postpartum anxiety can include experiencing racing thoughts, excessive and irrational worry (typically over the health and safety of the baby), fear of losing control, having difficulty relaxing, little to no appetite, feeling overwhelmed and an inability to sleep or stay asleep. Similar to postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety is also treatable. You will gain support with postpartum therapy and learn ways to navigate these fears.
Birth Trauma and Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PPPTSD)
For some parents, pregnancy and birth can hold frightening and traumatic experiences. For example, some experiences can include unplanned c-sections, medical procedures done without consent, the baby needing to go to the NICU, birthing complications, feelings of powerlessness, poor communication, lack of support and/or reassurance during the delivery, and having experienced a physical complication or injury in pregnancy or childbirth. Postpartum PTSD or birthing trauma symptoms can include a multitude of symptoms such as experiencing flashbacks (or reliving) of the event, nightmares, avoidance of things that triggers thoughts of the event, anxiety, panic attacks, and feeling a sense of unreality and detachment. If you would like to learn more about trauma and PTSD, then click here. With support in trauma therapy, you can process through these experiences and heal from the emotional impact of these events.
Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (PPOCD)
Postpartum OCD is similar to postpartum anxiety, however it includes intrusive or disturbing obsessive thoughts and compulsions that reduce your fear. It is also the most misunderstood and misdiagnosed experience. Those with postpartum OCD generally appear hypervigilant about safety precautions concerning their baby. Postpartum therapy can help explore these disturbing thoughts and reduce your anxiety.
Postpartum Psychosis (PPP)
It is important to note that Postpartum psychosis is very rare. Its onset typically comes on suddenly and within the first 4 weeks after birth. Postpartum psychosis is considered a severe and dangerous medical emergency and requires immediate treatment due to experiencing a “break with reality.” The symptoms include hearing or seeing things that are not there (auditory or visual hallucinations), intense distrust of those around them, and may have periods of confusion or memory loss. Those that experience these symptoms are unable to decipher what is real and what is not real. Furthermore, there is a heightened risk of suicide or infanticide with postpartum psychosis and requires immediate help.
If you or someone you know are experiencing these symptoms go to the emergency room for immediate help, call your doctor, call a local emergency crisis line, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at 1-800-273-8255.
Schedule a free 20-minute consultation