Mental health from pregnancy to parenthood

Having a baby is a beautiful time in a person’s life, but it can also bring about big feelings and

unique challenges. “Perinatal” refers to the time period including pregnancy, childbirth,

postpartum, and early parenthood. These experiences may bring about new mental health

struggles. It can feel difficult when people around you are saying things like “childbirth is a

blessing” and “you’re glowing!” while inside you may be distressed or overwhelmed. In my therapy

practice, I believe we should embrace conversations around perinatal mental health and I strive

to provide women and birthing people with a safe place to land during this time. People in the perinatal stages of life

can find meaningful relief and significant improvement in symptoms by using therapy as an extra

layer of support.

While there remains some stigma around perinatal mental health issues, growing research shows

the positive impact of seeking support and therapeutic resources. Some common mental health

issues surrounding pregnancy, childbirth, and early parenthood are:

Perinatal Mood Disorders: Anxiety, depression, and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) are mental health struggles that many

people experience throughout their lives. However, it’s common to experience heightened levels

of anxiety or depression during pregnancy, which can be exacerbated by hormonal shifts,

physical discomfort, and concerns about childbirth and parenthood. Therapy can be a helpful

strategy for coping with mood changes during pregnancy.

Postpartum Mood Disorders: After childbirth, some people experience feelings of

sadness, overwhelm, or anxiety, sometimes worsened by childbirth trauma. These symptoms can

vary in severity but can be a hurdle in caring for yourself and your newborn.

Adjustment to Motherhood: The transition to parenthood can be a tricky one, and people may

struggle with adjusting to their role as a new parent, changes in their identity and relationships,

and the demands of caregiving. Some people also experience difficulty with their newborn, such

as breastfeeding or sleep issues. Specialized therapy for new parents can help alleviate some of

the stress during this transitional period.

Social Support and Isolation: So much responsibility lands on the shoulders of the new mom, and

this can cause feelings of isolation and overwhelm. Building in social interaction and support for

new parents, including therapy, can help to lessen feelings of disconnection.

Perinatal mental health is crucial to a birthing person’s well-being during pregnancy and the postpartum

period. These big changes in your life can create a ripple effect, not only on your emotional

wellness, but also on your relationships, work, and overall ability to thrive. If you’re experiencing

pregnancy anxiety, postpartum depression, postpartum OCD, or any of the perinatal struggles mentioned, please

know you’re not alone. As the saying goes, it’s crucial to fill your own cup in order to be able to

care for others. By investing in your own well-being, you’ll be best equipped to take on the

responsibilities of parenthood.

As a parent myself, I understand how challenging this time period can be. If you feel therapy

might be a good fit for you, I’d love to connect and discuss ways I can support you. Together, we

will work to create a therapeutic plan for navigating the perinatal period and getting to a place

where you are supported and in your new role.

If you’re looking for maternal mental health support, postpartum depression treatment, or a

perinatal therapist in Evanston, Illinois or via telehealth, please reach out and schedule a

consultation to see if we’re a good fit. I look forward to hearing from you.