Postpartum Mental Health
How can a pregnancy and postpartum therapist help?
As a new mother, you may be experiencing a wide range of emotions, often simultaneously, which can feel confusing or overwhelming. These feelings are driven by physical changes, hormonal fluctuations, social pressures, and the major life transition that comes with motherhood. It’s common to feel a mix of joy, love, anxiety, overwhelm, guilt, shame, sadness, grief, irritability, frustration, resentment, depression, euphoria, confusion, and self-doubt—sometimes all at once or rapidly cycling through them. A postpartum therapist can help you make sense of all these seemingly conflicting emotions,
It's important to understand that these feelings are normal and that you're not alone in experiencing them. Postpartum Mental Health (also known as Perinatal Mental Health) refers to your emotional well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It's a term that encompasses the range of emotions and mental health challenges that can arise during this transformative time in your life. Postpartum therapy focuses on supporting and addressing any emotional struggles you may face during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Postpartum Depression and Postpartum Anxiety are common in postpartum women. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a group of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy, after giving birth, or after experiencing pregnancy or infant loss. The perinatal period is generally defined as pregnancy through 12 months after giving birth. “Postpartum depression” is a term often used interchangeably with PMADs. A postpartum depression therapist can help normalize your thoughts and feelings and help you understand the difference between postpartum depression vs baby blues.
PMADs include conditions such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, postpartum OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), postpartum PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), and postpartum psychosis.
These disorders can significantly impact the emotional well-being and functioning of women during the perinatal period. Research has shown us that attention should be paid to the entire perinatal period, because a high number of women begin struggling with PMADs during pregnancy. For that reason, therapy during pregnancy is important as well.
PMADs are very common, and in the US, one in five perinatal women are diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder and one in eight women report symptoms of depression after giving birth. A postpartum therapist can help you determine if what you are experiencing meets the criteria for postpartum depression.
Postpartum mental health is crucial, because it directly impacts your overall well-being and the well-being of your baby. Taking care of your emotional health during the perinatal period is just as important as taking care of your physical health. By engaging in postpartum therapy and addressing any mental health concerns you may have, you can ensure that you fully enjoy and embrace this special time in your life and in the life of your baby.
It's important to remember that seeking help from a postpartum depression therapist is not a sign of weakness or failure. In fact, it's a courageous and proactive step towards taking care of yourself, your baby, and your family. By reaching out for support, you can access the resources, guidance, and understanding you need to navigate the challenges that may arise during this period.
Prioritizing your postpartum mental health is an investment in the health of your entire family. You don't have to face these challenges alone. Seeking the support of a postpartum therapist can make a significant difference in your overall experience as a new mother. I specialize in providing support and guidance specifically tailored to the unique emotional experiences of perinatal women. I can help you navigate the range of emotions you may be feeling and provide coping strategies that will help you on your journey to wellness. I can provide information, resources, and support for moms experiencing PMADs, as well as offer specialized postpartum therapy services tailored to address these conditions.
As a Postpartum Therapist in California, I offer many services utilizing evidence-based treatments. Some services at Shameless Mama Wellness include treatment for postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, birth trauma therapy, therapy for miscarriage and loss, pregnancy therapy and treatment for NICU PTSD.
Online therapy available to new moms in California.
I provide a safe haven to discuss the thoughts you keep hidden.
Motherhood should come naturally and be instinctive for all women. Motherhood is a learning process, and it's normal to feel unsure or need guidance. It's okay to seek support and learn as you go.
All new mothers should feel an instant bond with and overwhelming love for their baby. Bonding with your baby can take time and may not happen instantly for everyone. It's a unique journey for each mother and baby. Bonding can take time, and that’s okay.
Asking for help or support as a new mother is a sign of weakness or failure. Asking for help is a sign of strength and self-awareness. It's important to reach out and build a support network to navigate the challenges of motherhood.
New mothers should be able to handle everything on their own without needing assistance. No one can do it all alone. It's essential to have a support system in place to share the responsibilities and provide assistance when needed.
Postpartum depression is rare and only affects a small percentage of women. Postpartum depression is a common condition that can affect any new mother. It's important to recognize the signs and seek help without shame or judgment.
It's selfish for new mothers to prioritize their own needs and self-care. Prioritizing self-care is crucial for your well-being and ability to care for your baby. Taking care of yourself allows you to be the best mother you can be and allows you to be present for your baby and your family.
Feeling overwhelmed or experiencing negative emotions means you're not a good mother. It’s normal to experience a range of emotions as a new mother, including moments of frustration or overwhelm. It doesn't diminish your love for or dedication to your child.
Breastfeeding is natural and should come easily to you. Breastfeeding is tricky and can be difficult for many new moms. Maybe your body doesn’t produce enough milk for your baby, or maybe your baby has difficulty latching. Maybe you are experiencing other common problems with breastfeeding. This may have you feeling like a failure as a mom from the very start. It’s not your fault, Mama! It’s not as easy as you have been made to believe.
Breastfeeding is the only "right" way to feed your baby, and formula feeding is inferior. “Breast is best.” Breastfeeding and formula feeding are valid and healthy options for feeding your baby. A well-fed baby is best, regardless of the method. The most important thing is that your baby is nourished and loved.
New mothers should be able to bounce back physically and emotionally quickly after childbirth. Physical and emotional recovery after childbirth takes time. It's important to be patient with yourself and seek support if you're struggling.
It's normal for new mothers to feel happy and content all the time, without any negative emotions. It's normal to experience a mix of emotions as a new mother, including moments of joy, exhaustion, and sadness. It's okay to seek help and support when needed.
Having “scary thoughts” means you are a bad or dangerous mother. It is very common for new mothers to experience intrusive or scary thoughts. These thoughts are generally a result of anxiety and do not reflect your true intention or character. These thoughts are typically a manifestation of the overwhelming love and protectiveness you feel toward your baby. THOUGHTS ARE NOT ACTIONS!
Some common myths (and truths) about becoming a new mother:
“Successful mothers are not the ones that have never struggled. They are the ones that never give up, despite the struggles.”
— Sharon Jaynes