Maternal Mental Health

Embarking on the journey of parenthood can be a very joyous time for an individual. However, it can bring about many challenges as one adjusts to the new role of becoming a parent. Being a mother of two, I have experienced this first hand and am compelled to offer my support to those who are going through this life transition.

 

The journey to parenthood may be a complex one. Unexpected or expected pregnancy, infertility, loss, and postpartum may be the most challenging and overwhelming time in an individual’s life. Let’s talk about pregnancy. Dedicating nine months of your life growing a human is hard work! We aren’t always prepared for how we are going to feel emotionally and or physically, until we are in this position. Changes that take place during pregnancy can be very difficult to cope with. Wether it be fluctuating hormones, a changing body, or severe morning sickness that interfere with your daily functioning. I want you to know that you are not alone. Many women experience some mood changes during pregnancy and after birth. However, 15-20% of women experience a perinatal mood and or anxiety disorder. In fact, 1 in 7 moms and 1 in 10 dads suffer from Postpartum Depression. (Pospartum Support International, 2021). Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are as follows:

 

Depression during pregnancy and postpartum

Anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum

Pregnancy or Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Postpartum Psychosis

 

Let’s talk about giving birth and life after baby. Sometimes the process of childbirth did not go as planned, such has having a traumatic birth experience or an unwanted change in birth plan occurred. These experiences may leave a woman with feelings of grief and loss. I am here to help you process this and find healing.

 

Once baby is born there are many shifts that take place in life. It is not talked enough about the challenges that may be faced postpartum, whether it be difficulty in establishing breast feeding, relationship difficulties between you and your partner as you adjust to parenthood, or no longer having time for self care. Signs that you may be experiencing a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder are as follows:

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•           Are you feeling sad or depressed?

•           Do you feel more irritable or angry with those around you?

•           Are you having difficulty bonding with your baby?

•           Do you feel anxious or panicky?

•           Are you having problems with eating or sleeping?

•           Are you having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your mind?

•           Do you feel as if you are “out of control” or “going crazy”?

•           Do you feel like you never should have become a mother?

•           Are you worried that you might hurt your baby or yourself?

 

 

I want to support you through this journey and offer a space that is supportive and non judgmental.  I assess and identify what therapeutic approaches are best suited for you and your presenting concerns. Therapeutic approaches I utilize in treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders are as follows: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT),  Attachment Based Therapy, and Mindfulness and Self Compassion.

 

I have participated in many trainings hosted by Postpartum Support International (PSI) and 2020 Mom, including the Maternal Mental Health Certificate Training, PSI Advanced Psychotherapy Certificate Course, and passed the exam to become a Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) clinician.  

 

Schedules can be tricky when caring for a baby. I offer the option to bring your baby to sessions, as I know childcare can add an additional stress to mothers in finding support. Together we can come up with a plan to help you navigate and adjust to this new chapter in your life. Again, you are not alone and I encourage you to reach out. Being a parent is one of the hardest jobs out there.

 

 

References: Postpartum Support International-PSI. (2021, April, 26). Https://www.postpartum.net/.