Here for you, mama.

I’m not ready for this. I’m terrified. I’m going to hurt my baby. I’m not a good mother….. Sound familiar?

Let’s be honest, pregnancy and parenthood can be A LOT. This life experience is a huge shift to life as you know it. Many women and families experience a range of emotions, as well as grief and loss. Fertility issues, trauma, loss, anxiety, and depression are all common in this phase of life; and unfortunately our society does not always extend open arms to wrap you in.

Each pregnancy, perinatal, labor & delivery, and postpartum experience is completely unique to you; however you may experience reactions, emotions, and thoughts that are quite common. Up to 20% of pregnant women and new moms will develop a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD). While these experiences can be overwhelming and difficulty, they are treatable. Most notably, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), psychoeducation, and even couples therapy have show to be significantly helpful in managing symptoms. For some, medication may be an additional support needed.

I am trained specifically in PMADs through the Postpartum Support International (PSI) organization and have earned my perinatal mental health provider certification (PMH-C). I understand you may feel as though you have nowhere to go with your thoughts and want you to know that you are welcome on my couch. I believe in your strength and our ability to work together to overcome this.

Additionally, I am aware that postpartum mood disorders (anxiety and depression) can affect fathers as well (approximately 5-15% of new fathers) . I encourage fathers struggling to seek support and help and have experience working with couples together to get through this challenging time.

Common issues that need perinatal focused therapy:

  • Feeling depressed, hopelessness, or void of feelings

  • Lack of interest in baby

  • Feeling anxious, worried, or panicky

  • Flashbacks to pregnancy and/or delivery OR having a baby in the NICU

  • Scary and unwanted thoughts

  • Difficulty sleeping, concentrating

  • Feeling more energetic than usual (as though you don’t need any rest at all)

  • Difficulty with relationships (family and/or partner) after baby

  • Stress about transition to life after baby

Support for the fertility journey

Whether this is a planned journey, or one that has thrown you onto a new path (IVF, IUI, or other reproductive health obstacles) ; it brings up many emotions. If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, fears about being a parent, or simply need additional support around your journey, therapy can help. Let’s work together to make sure you feel empowered to take on this next step.

Birth Trauma

Prevention and Treatment of Traumatic Childbirth (PATTCh) indicates that between 25 and 34 percent of women report their births were traumatic. Birth trauma is defined as the distress a mother undergoes during the birth of their child, either physically or emotionally.

Risk factors for birth trauma include:

  • The birthing experience not going as planned, including complications in labor

  • Needing intervention during labor or difficulty advocating for needs during the birth process

  • Mom or baby suffering from a birth injury or needing medical attention, including NICU stays.

This can leave a mother feeling shame, anger, resentment, or left ruminating/replaying the event in their head; and are also signs that a mother may be experiencing PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder).

If this is you, know that trauma therapy can help. Rebecca is trained in EMDR and works towards helping clients reprocess and heal from these experiences.

Reach out.

If any of this sounds like you, please reach out today to schedule a consultation and to see current availability. You don’t have to do this alone.