There can be a lot of emotions and stressors that come with pregnancy, birth, and baby. Many of which individuals, couples, and families are unsure of how to navigate and cope with these major life changes. It is important to know that you are not alone in navigating this stage of your life, many feel lost and alone but there are others out there looking for support too. Perinatal mental health support is a specialized area of mental health care that focuses on the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This period, often referred to as the perinatal period, encompasses the time from conception through the first year after childbirth. Perinatal mental health support aims to address the unique challenges and emotional experiences that individuals may encounter during this time. Perinatal mental health support recognizes the significance of emotional well-being during the transition to parenthood and aims to provide individuals and families with the resources and strategies needed to navigate this critical period successfully. It emphasizes early intervention, personalized care, and a holistic approach to mental health and well-being.
A therapist specializing in perinatal mental health can help guide you on this next stage of your life, provide resources and support, and build your database of coping strategies. Some factors that contribute to postpartum resilience: adequate self-care, having enough help, feeling understood, having a manageable level of stress, feeling ready for the baby, and having realistic expectations. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or are just experiencing symptoms of Postpartum Depression (PPD), Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), Postpartum Obsessive Complusive Disorder (P-OCD), Postpartum Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (P-PTSD), or Postpartum Psychosis, please know that there is help and support out there for you. You are not alone in this overwhelming, terrifying and challenging time in your life.
When Seeing a therapist in the perinatal period could be beneficial:
- when you need help coping with birth and reproductive trauma
- when you have had a miscarriage or stillbirth
- when you are struggling with the idea of becoming a parent
- when you are not feeling connected to your partner, support system, and/or baby
- when you had a challenging pregnancy, or infertility struggles
- when you need support and guidance around becoming a parent
- when you feel parenthood is not what you expected
- when you are feeling like a failure, have guilt and shame around filling the role of “good mom/dad”
- when you struggling to balance fantasy vs. reality (competition/comparison to others)
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