Perinatal Mental Health
Do not navigate the journey of new parenthood alone.
Are you experiencing anxiety about your baby's health, doing things right, or the future?
Are you feeling depressed or disconnected at this time when you think you should be happy?
Are you struggling with identity shifts while you're adjusting to being a parent?
Are your relationships suffering do to the significant changes in your life?
If any of these things bother you, please know that you are not alone. These feelings are valid and a natural part of such a profound life change. They don't mean you're not a good parent; they mean you're human, adapting to an extraordinary new role. You should be proud of yourself for wanting to take good care of yourself! Up to 50% of perinatal depression cases remain undiagnosed due to the stigma surrounding the condition and patients' reluctance to disclose symptoms. We are so glad you are looking into seeking help. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us just to have a conversation.
What is perinatal mental health anyway?
The perinatal period encompasses all things before and after childbirth. This can include fertility challenges, pregnancy, birth, postpartum, loss, and the early years of parenting. Both women and men can experience mental health symptoms during the perinatal period, when both parents are experiencing the stress of a major life change. Although “postpartum depression" is a more recognized term, "perinatal" is a more comprehensive term that includes all kinds of mental health challenges, both before and after birth, and including both men and women.
This period, while often anticipated with hope and joy, can also be a time of intense system activation, grief, and reorganization. Past traumas may resurface, and new ones can unfold, creating layers of confusing emotions. The nervous system experiences changes, identity changes, and relationships change, all under high stress and often little sleep.
What are the issues that people face in the perinatal period?
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Anxiety
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Depression
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Previous trauma surfacing
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Infant loss / grief
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Challenges with high-risk pregnancies
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Birth trauma
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Breastfeeding challenges
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Infertility
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NICU experiences
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Perinatal mental health conditions (including OCD, bipolar disorder, and ADHD impacting parenting)
Why are we the right choice for perinatal therapy?
Luckily, we have Britni Hulser, LCSW on our team. She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International (PSI). She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience working with clients in the perinatal stage.
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Second, we utilize modalities that tap into the nervous system and foster adaptive information processing. We are not just reducing symptoms. We are helping the nervous system organize around safety and connection rather than fear and fragmentation. This is very important because of the somatic aspects of pregnancy and major shifts in identity.
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Is it dangerous to work on my trauma during the perinatal period? Is EMDR safe while I am pregnant?
We have done a lot of EMDR with pregnant women, and have had great success. There is nothing dangerous about EMDR, when it is done with care, containment, and connection. We are not overwhelming the nervous system—we’re strengthening it. We will work with you at your pace and will always honor your body, your mind, and the time you need to feel safe. Communication with your therapist about fears, conflicting feelings, and body sensations are always a part of the EMDR process. This will keep you in your "window of tolerance" and keep you from feeling overwhelmed.
Relevant Blog Posts
What about postpartum depression? With so much on my plate, and how low I feel, how can I prioritize therapy?
It's common to experience hormonal, physical, emotional, and financial changes after having a baby. These changes can cause symptoms of postpartum depression. You may experience alternating highs and lows, frequent crying, irritability and fatigue, as well as feelings of guilt, anxiety and inability to care for your baby or yourself. About 1 in 8 women have post partum depression and many go through this alone due to feeling guilty or just being to overwhelmed to seek help. Just the fact that you are reading this proves that you understand the importance of prioritizing yourself so that you can be there for your baby. We understand how hard it is to reach out. We try to make it as easy as possible. We offer sessions online so that you can get to the session without childcare or even getting your shoes on. We are happy to talk first, about what you are experiencing, your specific needs, and if we are a good fit before ever scheduling an appointment.