Perinatal & Postpartum Therapy

Are you overwhelmed by the upcoming arrival of a baby?

Has life after birth been a whirlwind?

Are you experiencing an increase in anxiety and feeling tearful?

Has guilt and shame been running through your mind frequently?

Are you struggling with intrusive thoughts or fears that are keeping you from being the person or mom you want to be?

Whether you're embarking on the journey of starting a family, facing fertility challenges, experiencing pregnancy, or navigating the complexities of parenthood, this chapter of your life can bring both joy and fulfillment, along with feelings of overwhelm and stress. It's natural to encounter a wide spectrum of emotions during this period, ranging from excitement and happiness to anxiety and exhaustion. It's important to recognize that these challenges can also impact the non-birthing partner and may involve a process of rediscovering one's identity amidst the changes.

Therapy offers a valuable resource to navigate through this stage of life. It provides a safe and supportive environment where you can explore your feelings, address concerns or challenges, and develop coping strategies to manage stress and anxiety. Therapy serves as a nonjudgmental space to identify your unique needs and goals, fostering confidence and empowerment while strengthening coping skills during times of stress. Additionally, it offers insights into the importance of self-care and practical ways to incorporate it into your busy life in a manner that resonates with you. Furthermore, therapy can address concerns related to perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs), such as postpartum anxiety and depression.

You don't have to face these struggles alone or pretend that everything is okay when it isn't. Recognizing when to seek help and support demonstrates courage and strength, and you deserve the opportunity to receive the support you need.

Common Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)

Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are a group of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy or the postpartum period. These disorders can significantly impact a mother's well-being and her ability to care for herself and her baby. Here are some of the most common PMADs:

Postpartum Depression (PPD):
One of the most prevalent PMADs, postpartum depression is characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, anxiety, and loss of interest in activities. It can also manifest as fatigue, sleep disturbances, and changes in appetite.

Postpartum Anxiety (PPA):
Postpartum anxiety involves excessive worry, fear, and nervousness, often centered around the baby's health or safety. Physical symptoms like a racing heart, muscle tension, and difficulty sleeping are also common.

Postpartum Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (POCD):
POCD is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts or images, often related to harm coming to the baby. These thoughts can be distressing and lead to compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing anxiety.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD):
A traumatic childbirth experience or other perinatal events can lead to PTSD, marked by flashbacks, nightmares, avoidance behaviors, and hypervigilance.

Postpartum Panic Disorder:
This condition involves sudden and intense episodes of fear or anxiety (panic attacks), often accompanied by physical symptoms like a racing heart, shortness of breath, and dizziness.

Postpartum Psychosis:
A rare but serious condition involving a break from reality, with symptoms such as delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking. Postpartum psychosis requires immediate medical attention.

“It’s crucial to recognize that PMADs are treatable mental health conditions. If you or someone you know is struggling with a PMAD, seeking professional help is essential. With appropriate support, therapy, and medication (if needed), mothers can recover and thrive during the postpartum period.”

Key Features of Pregnancy and Postpartum Support Therapy

  • Focuses on supporting the emotional well-being of individuals throughout the perinatal period, including pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period.

  • Provides support and counseling to individuals during pregnancy, addressing concerns, anxieties, and emotional adjustments related to pregnancy and impending parenthood.

  • Offers therapeutic support to individuals following childbirth, addressing issues such as postpartum depression, anxiety, adjustment difficulties, and birth trauma.

  • Supports the development of a healthy parent-infant bond by addressing attachment-related issues, bonding difficulties, and adjustment to parenthood.

  • Addresses maternal mental health concerns, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (such as postpartum depression and anxiety), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other psychological challenges specific to the perinatal period.

  • Provides support and counseling for partners and family members to navigate the emotional challenges and adjustments associated with pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum recovery.

  • Offers psychoeducation on perinatal mental health, childbirth, breastfeeding, infant care, and other relevant topics to promote informed decision-making and coping strategies

  • Offers couples therapy or relational support to address relationship issues, communication challenges, and adjustments to parenthood experienced by couples during the perinatal period.

  • Provides trauma-informed therapy for individuals who have experienced birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility, or other traumatic events related to the perinatal period.

  • Teaches self-care strategies, coping skills, relaxation techniques, and stress management strategies to promote emotional resilience and well-being during the perinatal period.

  • Collaborates with healthcare providers, obstetricians, midwives, doulas, lactation consultants, and other perinatal professionals to provide comprehensive care and referrals as needed.

Overall, pregnancy and postpartum support therapy aims to promote the mental health and well-being of individuals and families during the transformative journey of pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood. By addressing emotional challenges and providing therapeutic support, perinatal therapists help individuals navigate this significant life transition with resilience and empowerment.

Get Started By Booking a Consult

Taking the first steps towards finding support to heal, change, and grow takes courage. Whether you are ready to schedule a session or you are still deciding if therapy is for you, We encourage you to reach out to our team. We would be happy to answer any questions you may have and to discuss options with you. To make sure we are a good fit, we can provide a free 20 min consultation.

Please provide your information in the contact form below and we will get back to you as soon as possible to schedule a session or answer your questions. 

Picture of a couple holding hands and smiling.

Mentaya

We have partnered with Mentaya to help clients use their out-of-network benefits to save money on therapy. Use this tool below to see if you qualify for reimbursement for my services.

Here's how it works:
1. Sign up for Mentaya: https://mentaya.co/inviteclient/mapleleafcounseling
2. Our practice will enter your sessions into the platform.
3. Mentaya submits the claim and handles any insurance follow-up.
4. You get reimbursed by insurance!

Mentaya charges a 5% fee per claim, which includes handling any paperwork required, dealing with denials, and calling insurance companies.