Perinatal Mental Health Therapy

Perinatal Mental Health Support

Are You Struggling With the Emotional Ups and Downs of Pregnancy or New Motherhood?

Do you often feel overwhelmed or anxious during this transformative time?
Is the stress of motherhood making it hard for you to enjoy your time with your baby?
Are you experiencing feelings of isolation, even when surrounded by loved ones?
Do you find yourself questioning your ability to be a good mother?
Are you yearning for the joy and connection you expected during this period?

Navigating the journey of pregnancy and motherhood can be both beautiful and challenging. Many new mothers experience a range of emotions that can feel isolating and confusing. It’s common to feel lost when the expectations of motherhood clash with reality.

Perinatal Mental Health Symptoms Can Be Overwhelming

You may find yourself caught in a cycle of negative thoughts, feeling like you’re not doing enough for your baby or yourself. On the surface, everything might seem fine, but inside, you’re grappling with a sense of dread or hopelessness. If you’re juggling the demands of caring for a newborn alongside household responsibilities, caring for your other children, it can feel like too much to bear.

Perinatal mental health challenges can manifest physically as well. You may experience fatigue, insomnia, or even physical pain that makes it difficult to engage fully in your role the way you want to. Additionally, when you’re feeling anxious or down, it can become challenging to connect with your partner or loved ones. You might want to share what you’re experiencing but feel held back by anxiety or shame, leaving you to navigate this journey alone.

You are not alone. You don’t have to carry it all by yourself.

With the support of our specialized perinatal and parenting therapists, you can learn to begin to connect with yourself bit by bit, get an understanding of your needs and how those connect to your emotional experience, learn strategies and tools for how to integrate essential emotional regulation strategies that don’t require you to carve out 20 minutes to meditate (although if you have capacity for this, that will certainly help.) Soon you will be on a path toward healing and connection with yourself and your loved ones.

It’s Normal to Face Emotional Challenges in Motherhood

Many new mothers feel isolated in their struggles, but it’s important to recognize that experiencing worries and lower mood during this time is common. These feelings can arise from various sources, including hormonal changes, the stress of adjusting to a new role, the stress of learning what your baby needs and the pressures of parenting.

You may be experiencing thoughts and feelings connected to your birthing experience, especially if it did not go as you hoped it would, that are impacting your mood and leaving you feeling anxious.

You may be trying so hard to breastfeed your baby and it’s been a tough journey for both you and baby. Your baby may be gassy, fussy, and crying all day – you desperately want to help your baby be comfortable but nothing seems to work long term. You’re not sure what to do or who to turn to for help, but you definitely know that no one told you it could be this hard.

While many women may face temporary feelings of anxiety, some may experience more severe perinatal mood disorders that interfere with their ability to function. It’s crucial to seek help when these emotions begin to overwhelm your daily life.

Factors That Contribute to Perinatal Mental Health Challenges

Several factors can contribute to perinatal mental health struggles. A history of anxiety or depression, a difficult pregnancy, or lack of support from family and friends can all play a role, your baby struggling to sleep and so much more. Additionally, the rapid transition into motherhood can lead to feelings of being unprepared or overwhelmed – you might be wondering why doesn’t anyone tell moms how hard it can be?

The demands of caring for a newborn, combined with societal pressures to be the perfect mother, can create a breeding ground for anxiety and self-doubt. In a world where social media often presents an idealized version of motherhood, it’s easy to feel inadequate or alone in your experiences.

Therapy Can Help You Find Your Way Back to Enjoying Being With Your Baby

If what you’ve read above resonates with you then you are in the right place. Our team of compassionate therapists specializing in perinatal mental health and parenting will work with you to explore the root causes of your feelings and work collaboratively with you to gain practical skills to manage your symptoms.

In therapy, you’ll have a safe space to share your fears, doubts, and experiences without judgment. Our therapists are mothers themselves and have lived experience of navigating similar feelings and the transition to motherhood.

Your therapist will create a supportive environment where you can explore your emotions, helping you to understand that seeking help is a courageous and important step in caring for your mental health.

What to Expect in Therapy Sessions

Before your first session, we’ll ask you to complete some intake paperwork to help us understand your background, including how long you’ve been feeling this way, your specific symptoms, and what you hope to achieve through therapy. During your first meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss what led you to seek help, how your emotions have impacted your daily life, and any specific events that may have triggered these feelings. While exploring these aspects, your therapist will also work with you to develop practical strategies for coping and moving forward.

You’ll learn to identify negative beliefs that may be contributing to your anxiety, allowing you to envision a life where you feel more in control and empowered as a mother.

Treatment Methods That Promote Healing

Your therapist will work with you to identify goals for treatment and create a plan to work towards those goals in a way that fits your unique needs and experiences.

Our therapists use attachment based modalities, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Somatic based therapy such as Sensorimotor Psychotherapy, ADHD adapted therapy and more. They have completed additional training in Perinatal Mental Health to ensure they can support you effectively in addressing negative thought patterns and building healthier perspectives. Your therapist will guide you through challenging these beliefs and developing coping strategies.

Additionally, we may incorporate mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, or support groups for new mothers, providing you with tools to manage your emotional well-being.

At our practice, we have helped many mothers reclaim their sense of joy and connection. With the right support, you can learn to navigate the challenges of motherhood and find fulfillment in your role.

You May Still Have Questions About Perinatal Mental Health Therapy…

What if talking about my feelings makes my anxiety worse?

While discussing your feelings may initially feel daunting, it often leads to empowerment and understanding. Therapy focuses not only on exploring the roots of your emotions but also on finding actionable solutions. You may find that addressing your feelings improves your overall quality of life especially as our therapists integrate helping you to connect to your body and learn about the mind body connection.

Can’t I just manage my feelings on my own?

You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Many mothers hesitate to seek help due to stigma or fear of judgment, but reaching out for support is a sign of strength. Trying to cope alone can prolong your suffering and prevent you from experiencing the joy of motherhood which can lead to regret. There is great power in being heard, seen and validated which is why therapy is very effective.

Will I need medication if I see a therapist?

Medication can be beneficial for some women experiencing severe symptoms, but it’s not a requirement. Many mothers find significant relief through therapy alone. If medication is something you’re considering, we can help you navigate that decision and provide referrals as needed.

A Joyful and Connected Motherhood Is Possible

If you’re ready to take the first step toward feeling better and reconnecting with your joy as a mother, please reach out to us for a consultation – you can call or text us at 647-360-8440 or click the button below to schedule a free consultation.

We are here to help you on your journey toward healing and fulfillment in motherhood.