Perinatal/Postpartum Wellness and Support
Perinatal Mental Health Disorders (PMHD) afflict approximately 20% of all women at some point in the first year postpartum. Anxiety and depression can also occur during pregnancy (antepartum) and not just after delivery.
PMHDs encompasses a range of emotional and psychological challenges, including:
- Birth trauma: Persistent flashbacks or distressing memories related to the birth experience
- Obsessive-compulsive behaviors: Intrusive thoughts or compulsions, often centered around the safety of the baby or oneself
- Depression: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in daily activities
- Rage: Intense irritability or anger that feels out of control
- Anxiety: Excessive worry, panic attacks, or constant fear
- Unexplained physical symptoms: Fatigue, headaches, or other bodily complaints without a clear medical cause
- Psychosis (in rare cases): Hallucinations, delusions, or a break from reality that requires immediate medical attention
Fathers and other partners can also suffer mental health challenges during the perinatal period. In addition to the many challenges a new baby brings about, research has shown that any caregiver of an infant, including adoptive parents, can experience hormonal changes during this period that may affect their mental health, regardless of sex, gender, or whether they have experienced pregnancy or birth.
Many families suffer in silence because they assume that their feelings of extreme overwhelm and sometimes relentless worries are “normal” after having a baby. They may think “everyone else can do this without help, why can’t I?” The truth of the matter is that many parents are suffering and not getting the support they need during this time of bonding and forming a secure attachment with your infant. The good news is that most Perinatal Mental Health conditions are highly treatable and with help, parents can feel better.
For families struggling with these adjustments after having a baby, I offer individual and brief couples therapy sessions to support parents and help them find ways to reduce their symptoms. These sessions can be solely for the parent, or they can include the baby to more fully address any potential impact on the parent-child bond. Together, we can determine which best meets your needs at this time.
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