Prenatal and Postpartum

Pregnancy Mental Health and Beyond

Here, we understand that pregnancy can be a beautiful yet challenging journey, filled with a range of emotions and experiences. Our goal is to provide support, resources, and a safe space for you to explore your feelings. If you are experiencing any of the following, you may benefit from seeing a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Counselor (PMH-C).

A previous history of depression or anxiety
A previous loss or miscarriage
A previous or current pregnancy or birth complication, a traumatic birth, NICU, or postpartum experience
Struggling with pregnancy symptoms or experiences that are different than expected
Struggling to connect with your baby, partner, or others during pregnancy or postpartum experience
A need or desire for support during a life-altering transition

Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is a condition that affects up to 21% of new mothers after childbirth, characterized by excessive worry, fear, and nervousness about the ability to care for their baby or concerns about their own health.

Maybe for you it looks like this...

Is my baby breathing?
What if I accidentally drop or hurt my baby?
What if I never sleep again?
What if my baby gets sick because I didn't clean the bottles well enough?
Should I stay home or go back to work?

Or Maybe it looks more like this...

Difficulty eating or sleeping
intrusive thoughts (unwanted and sometimes scary thoughts about the health or safety of your baby)
Restlessness
Anger, Rage, or Irritability
Racing heartbeat, Nausea, Difficulty breathing, Tight chest
Excessive fear or worry

Unlike the typical "baby blues," which usually resolve within a few days, Postpartum anxiety can lead to overwhelming feelings of dread and can potentially interfere with a mother's ability to bond with her child. It's important for those experiencing these feelings to seek support, as effective treatments are available to help manage and promote well-being of both the mother and her family. (Spoiler Alert: Dads can have Postpartum Anxiety too!)

Postpartum Depression

Postpartum depression can be mistaken as "baby blues" at first goes beyond those early days and can begin weeks or even months after childbirth. Unlike the baby blues which typically resolve on their own, postpartum depression (PPD) lingers and can significantly affect your mood, energy, and ability to care for yourself and your little one.

For you this may look like...

I am not a good enough mother/father
My baby doesn't love me
I am no longer the person I once was
I am unlovable
Someone can take care of this baby better than me
Do I really want this baby?

Or maybe it looks more like this...

Feelings of extreme sadness, mood swings, or crying spells
Feelings of guilt, hopelessness, inadequacy, or shame
Irritability
Insomnia, difficulty sleeping, or sleeping too much
Difficulty eating
Thoughts of hurting the baby or yourself
Difficulty bonding with the baby

We are here for you!

If you are experiencing Postpartum Anxiety, Postpartum Depression, Postpartum traumatic stress or any number of concerns through the perinatal period, talking to a certified perinatal mental health professional (PMH-C) can make a world of difference. We walk alongside you through the ups and downs that come with pregnancy, birth, and new parenthood. We are here to help you feel more like yourself again, build a stronger bond with your baby and get the support you need to move forward. You don't have to walk through this alone-- help is here when you are ready!