Perinatal Mental Health

A bundle of joy?

It’s supposed to be a blessed time. And yet…

You’re a bundle of anything but. Moodiness, anxiety, increased crying, withdrawal – and many other emotions have you bouncing from one extreme to another.

You’re overwhelmed, exhausted, apprehensive, frustrated, guilt-ridden. This isn’t how you’d always envisioned this time.

It was supposed to be different. And you wonder if something’s wrong with you.

You wanted it so much.

Each journey is different, but they lead to a similar place. You wanted to be a mother so badly.

Perhaps you’ve struggled with fertility issues, or you’ve suffered a miscarriage – or more than one. You’re considering adoption, but there are so many questions. Or you’re having a difficult pregnancy – stress, medical issues, your family situation.

Or maybe you’ve welcomed your little one, but things aren’t going as planned. You’re suffering from postpartum depression or having lactation issues. Or maybe the demands of adjusting to this “new normal” are all just too much.

While some level of adjustment and emotional discomfort are typical after birth, severe symptoms lasting longer than two weeks after the birth could indicate a larger psychological issue.

You know you need help, but there’s good news. You don’t have to figure all this out on your own.

Care and compassion – wherever you are…

Individuals with pregnancy, birth, and new parent-related issues are a very special population for me. Along with my growth oriented therapeutic approach, I can help you with mental health issues related to pregnancy, postpartum, fertility, lactation, adoption, and miscarriage.

In addition to giving you tools to get you through this time, I’ll help you find social supports and community resources to suit your specific needs.

And our work together will always be conscious of your culture and work within its bounds.

Not just for mothers…

Because partners can also suffer with perinatal difficulties, they, too, can benefit from therapy.

Research shows that 1 in 10 fathers gets postpartum depression (1 in 5 when mom is depressed), and up to 18% develop an anxiety disorder. Adjusting to having a baby or losing one poses special difficulties for the “forgotten parent.” It seems like mom gets all the attention.

You don’t even have to be a genetic parent to be struggling with perinatal difficulties. Adoptive parents can experience post-adoptive depression – it can be as debilitating as post-birth depression. Adopting parents often have questioning feelings about tough decisions, adjusting to the new parenting role, bonding difficulties, unresolved infertility issues, and others.

Same-sex couples may also encounter unique challenges. I make particular efforts to use the language that would make you comfortable in session. I try to create a secure environment for all clients regardless of sexual orientation and identity. I will ask specific questions so that I learn the terms that you most connect with so that I can best serve you. Evidence shows that health care outcomes for LGBTQ couples are improved when healthcare providers are knowledgeable about and sensitive to the unique needs of their clients.

No matter your age, sex, or stage of your journey; I can help you cope effectively and get into the groove of your “new normal” life.

Now is the time. Help yourself – help your family. Call me: (347) 927-9442.