Perinatal Mental Health

Have you noticed that stepping into parenthood doesn’t quite feel the way you anticipated it would?

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The transition into parenthood is complex. It can bring about conflicting and unexpected challenges, joys, and emotions. I support parents as they adjust to a shift in their identity, possible perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, and the stressors of family life.

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What are PMADS?

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The perinatal period, which lasts during pregnancy and into the first year postpartum, is such a transformative time during which parents experience a wide variety of emotions and experiences. While much of the experience can be wonderful, it can also be HARD. There is an increased risk during the perinatal period of developing mood and anxiety disorders. Depression in the perinatal period is the most under-diagnosed obstetric complication in America. Mood and anxiety disorders in the perinatal period can affect anyone. Perinatal depression or anxiety affects 1 out of every 5 to 7 women during this period, and every 1 out of 10 men, according to the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. Others may experience panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or psychosis. There is often stigma and shame around these experiences.

 

The following are some of the realities that people experience during the perinatal period:​

• Many individuals experience pregnancies that do not lead to live births, affecting mood and anxiety in the aftermath and, potentially, during future pregnancies.

• About 1/3 of parents have a traumatic experience during childbirth.

• Breastfeeding does not always come easily or naturally.

• Some parents face stressors related to infants’ health, including separation from babies or extended NICU stays.

 

I use evidence-based treatment methods to work with clients facing challenges in the perinatal period.

 

My practice offers you the option to remain entirely virtual, should you choose. No need to change out of your jammies or worry about baby’s nap, feeding schedule, etc. Meet with me from the comfort of your own home. Or, if taking a few hours away from the house is important to you, find an escape in my office for an hour. Baby is always welcome!