For new parents, it can be upsetting and frightening to have feelings about parenthood that don’t seem “right.”

For some, a morning run, a healthy diet, and receiving help and support from family and friends are sufficient enough to get through the initial adjustment period.

For others, talking to a therapist who specializes in dealing with new parenthood issues can be comforting, relieving, and enlightening. A perinatal mood or anxiety disorder is the most common health issue in the perinatal period, impacting both the birthing parent and their partner.  Symptoms include depression, anxiety, intrusive thoughts and/or difficulty bonding with baby. Symptoms can appear anytime during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth.

Common postpartum symptoms include:

• Feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you should have become a parent in the first place
• Feeling guilty due to high self-expectations
• Not feeling “bonded” with the baby
• Racing or restless thoughts
• Feeling empty and numb as if you’re just going through the motions
• Lack of focus and concentration
• Being afraid that if you reach out for help, others will judge your inabilities as a parent
• Thoughts of running away or leaving your baby behind
• Being constantly in a state of worry
• Rage or increasing anger that feels out of place or misdirected

If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, I invite you to contact me today for a free consultation. I have extensive training in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and together we will help you reconnect to your life and step into your new role as a parent with connection, confidence, and compassion.

I offer individual counseling sessions during pregnancy and postpartum, birth story processing, and postpartum planning services.

Babys under the age of one are welcome.

Trainings

Postpartum Support International and 2020 Moms Components of Care

Postpartum Support International Advanced Psychotherapy

Seleni Institute Maternal Mental Health Training

Seleni Instute Perinatal Greif and Loss Training