Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health

Becoming a parent is a journey unlike any other journey people embark on in a lifetime. It is often marked with joy, excitement, hope, and deep love and connection. Sometimes it does not feel like that at first. Things feel harder than you expected, sadness and worry creep in at a level you did not know could even exist. And you feel alone. 

How do you tell someone that this thing you wanted, maybe even struggled to have, feels awful right now? You put on a brave face and pretend that everything is going so well because that is what is expected.  Baby blues, sure, that people talk about. But that rest, the depressed mood, the constant worries, the thoughts that just will not leave you alone, no ability to rest at all and feeling like you are doing something wrong. 

No one talks, really talks about when this happens. But these thoughts and feeling are the reality for many parents.  And you do not need to suffer in silence or alone. One in four moms, and 1 in 10 dads will struggle with a perinatal mood and/or anxiety disorder (PMAD) within the first year of their child’s life.

I have many years experience working with parents struggling with PMADs. I also hold a certification in Postpartum Mental Health from Postpartum Support International which is the leading organization dedicated to helping families struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety and distress. I welcome you to reach to me to see I am a good fit to help support you as navigate this journey.