Perinatal Counseling & Postpartum Therapy

Comprehensive prenatal and postpartum support for birthing people.

Folks having babies need far more support than they get.

Your journey to parenthood is an incredible adventure filled with joy, anticipation and new challenges but it’s not always sunshine & rainbow babies. You might need the help of a trained perinatal therapist if:

  • You feel anxious & afraid. The uncertainty of what lies ahead, the potential complications, and the profound impact of bringing a new baby into the family can create an overwhelming sense of apprehension and unease. Before baby is born, this might look like spending an exorbitant amount of time working on a birthing plan or packing your hospital bag to get things “just perfect”. After baby is born, this might look like staring at the baby monitor all night as you think about all the ways something bad could happen.

  • You feel exhausted. You might be struggling to get pregnant, going through IVF or grieving after loss. The relentless cycle of hope and disappointment, along with the ongoing effort required to plan and track your cycle, can leave you drained and fatigued.

  • You feel overwhelmed. Your fears over allowing others to care for the baby might cause you to take on too many responsibilities for their care. You might start to resent your partner for “not doing it right” or your family members for wanting to spend too much time around the baby. At the same time, you might have trouble calming the baby down or getting them to sleep. It all feels like too much.

1 in 5 birthing people struggle with perinatal anxiety and depression.

You can enjoy this stage of your life.

how we can help

Struggling through this whole stage is common.

Seeking therapy for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) is an essential step towards your well-being and the well-being of your baby. PMADs are common and treatable conditions that many individuals experience during pregnancy or after childbirth.

Through therapy, you can gain a deeper understanding of your emotions, develop effective coping strategies, and receive the support you need to navigate this challenging period in your life.

Our therapy sessions provide a safe, non-judgmental space where you can freely express your feelings, fears, and concerns. Together, we will work to alleviate your symptoms, improve your emotional and mental health, and help you build a stronger foundation for your family's future.

You don't have to face PMADs alone – our therapists are here to support you on your journey towards recovery and well-being. Our therapists are perinatal mental health specialists. They can help you through this process with skills that many therapists do not have, tailoring each step to your unique needs and circumstances.

Perinatal depression can sound like:

  • "I just don't feel like myself anymore."

  • "I'm overwhelmed all the time, and I can't shake this sadness."

  • "I'm so tired, no matter how much I sleep."

  • "I don't think I'm bonding with the baby like I should be."

  • "I feel like I'm failing as a parent."

  • "I can't find any joy in things I used to love."

  • "I'm so anxious about everything, even the smallest things."

  • "I feel like I'm a burden to my family."

  • "I can't concentrate on anything; my mind is always racing."

  • "I cry all the time, and I don't even know why."

  • "I'm scared to talk to anyone about how I'm feeling."

  • "I'm so exhausted; I can't even get out of bed some days."

  • "I feel so alone, even when I'm surrounded by people."

  • "I'm not sure I can handle this; it's too much for me."

  • "I wish I could just run away from everything."

Perinatal anxiety can sound like:

  • "I feel like something terrible is going to happen."

  • "I'm constantly on edge and can't relax."

  • "I'm so afraid that I won't be a good parent."

  • "I can't sleep at night because my mind is racing with anxious thoughts."

  • "I'm scared to leave the house with the baby."

  • "I keep checking on the baby throughout the night to make sure they're okay."

  • "I feel overwhelmed by all the responsibilities."

  • "I'm having trouble concentrating or making decisions."

  • "I'm afraid to ask for help because it means I'm failing as a parent."

  • "I'm having physical symptoms like a racing heart, sweating, and shortness of breath."

  • "I'm avoiding social situations because I'm worried about how others perceive me."

  • "I feel guilty for feeling this way when I should be happy."

  • "I'm having intrusive thoughts about something bad happening to the baby."

  • "I'm having trouble bonding with the baby."

imagine if you could…

Learn coping skills to deal with your symptoms.

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Learn the skills necessary to deal with your anxiety and depression symptoms. Our therapists are trained to work specifically with perinatal mood disorders and each also can use EMDR as a helping tool. We are prepared to help you learn how to deal with what is causing you the most trouble.

Learn how to bond with your baby.

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Enhancing parent-infant bonding is a crucial aspect of our therapy for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs). Through our supportive and evidence-based approach, we will work together to foster a deep and nurturing connection between you and your baby, helping you experience the joy and fulfillment that parenthood can bring.

Feel confident in your approach to parenting.

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Our goal in therapy is to empower you to feel confident in your parenting journey. Together, we'll explore effective strategies and provide you with the support and guidance needed to navigate the challenges of parenthood with self-assurance and competence.

we want you to know:

We know how hard it is for you to ask for help.

That’s why we’ve made it easy for you to get started.

faqs

Common questions about therapy for perinatal & postpartum mood disorders

  • "Perinatal" refers to the period surrounding childbirth, encompassing both the time during pregnancy (antenatal) and the time after childbirth (postnatal). It generally includes the weeks before and after delivery and involves significant physical and emotional changes for both the birthing person and the baby. Perinatal healthcare and support focus on ensuring the well-being of both the pregnant individual and the newborn during this critical time.

  • The term "birthing person" is used to be more inclusive in discussions around pregnancy and childbirth. It recognizes that not only cisgender women can become pregnant and give birth; transgender and non-binary individuals can also experience pregnancy and childbirth. Using "birthing person" is important because it acknowledges and respects the diversity of gender identities and experiences related to pregnancy and childbirth, helping to create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals who may go through this process. It reflects a commitment to gender inclusivity and promotes equitable access to healthcare and support during the perinatal period.

  • Therapy can be a valuable resource for individuals facing the emotional challenges of struggling to get pregnant. Through therapy, we can explore and address the complex feelings of frustration, anxiety, and sadness that often accompany this journey. We'll work together to develop coping strategies, enhance communication within your relationship, and build resilience, ultimately supporting you in navigating the emotional ups and downs of fertility challenges with greater strength and resilience.

  • Call, text or email us to schedule your free consultation. We will determine if we are a good fit for your needs and get you on our schedule for regular sessions.

    Megan Bolger specializes in working with perinatal mental health and can assist you in this area.

Ready to get started?

We’re here for you.

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