Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal Mental Health:
From Conception to Postpartum
More than just Postpartum
What comes to mind when you hear the term postpartum? Perhaps you think of a weepy mother with dirty clothes and messy hair holding a newborn? Or a mother of multiple children trying desperately to keep afloat?
Many people are familiar with postpartum depression, but the range of mental health conditions that occur in early parenthood is far wider and encompasses the time between conception and one-year postpartum (the perinatal period).
Approximately 1 in 7 moms / birthing people experience significant depression or anxiety symptoms during the perinatal period. Common symptoms include sadness and depression, irritability and anger toward your partner, difficulty bonding with your baby, difficulty eating and sleeping, and/or feeling “out of control.”
Unfortunately these feelings and experiences are all too common. Evidence based treatments for postpartum mood and anxiety disorders include psychotherapy and peer support. With support you can feel better.
Specialty Areas
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Birth Trauma
Approximately 9% of birthing individuals experience postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth. There is no single definition or set of events that define birth trauma. Rather, birth trauma is defined by how you subjectively feel about your birthing experience. You may have felt powerless, out of control, confused, or scared for your life, or the life of your baby. Birth trauma is not your fault. “Healthy baby and mom” is not all that matters. Having space to grieve the experience you planned for, but did not get, matters.
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Termination for Medical Reasons
Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR) is the term used to describe a pregnancy that is ended due to fetal abnormalities or to protect the health of the birthing parent. When pregnancy complications arise, there is only a short window to make life-changing decisions. Not all couples are able to lean on family and friends for support or advice due to stigma (especially in our current political climate). I provide compassionate and non-judgmental care to those touched by TFMR.
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Perinatal Depression & Anxiety
Approximately 1 in 7 individuals experience significant depression or anxiety symptoms during the perinatal period. Common symptoms include sadness and depression, irritability and anger toward your partner, difficulty bonding with your baby, difficulty eating and sleeping, and/or feeling “out of control.” You do not need to suffer alone.
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Miscarriage & Loss
A staggering 10-20% of known pregnancies end in miscarriage. Many Western cultures lack rituals for supporting families following perinatal loss. Well meaning friends and family may say insensitive and hurtful things that isolate, rather than support, grieving families. No matter when or why your pregnancy ends, My focus is on supporting you through every moment of the process and helping you grieve the future you imagined.
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Life Following Loss or Infertility
Finally becoming pregnant following fertility interventions or pregnancy loss can bring a wide range of emotions. Heightened anxiety can occur with subsequent pregnancies after loss. You may not want to share your pregnancy news with friends and family. Having a healthy baby does not erase previous loss. Therapy can provide a place to hold both loss and joy.
I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.
Working with a therapist who is certified as a PMH-C ensures that you receive highly specialized care.
Resources
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Postpartum Support International
The mission of Postpartum Support International is to promote awareness, prevention and treatment of mental health issues related to childbearing in every country worldwide.
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The Motherhood Center of New York
The Motherhood Center provides supportive services for new and expecting moms/birthing people, including a range of treatment options for those suffering from perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs.)
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The Seleni Institute
The Seleni Institute treats, trains, supports, and advocates to improve the emotional health of individuals and their families during the family-building years.