Perinatal Mental Health
You’ve heard of "prenatal" and "postpartum," but what’s "perinatal"? It’s the time from conception to your baby’s first year. So much happens during this time—it’s exciting, overwhelming, joyful, and sometimes isolating. You might feel everything from disbelief and joy to physical and emotional aches, all at once. It's a wild ride, for sure!
Taking care of your mental health during this time is so important, not just for you but for your baby, too. When you’re feeling supported and balanced, it helps you connect with your baby and feel more grounded as you navigate all these changes.
I've Been There, Too
As a new mom, I remember the overwhelming mix of emotions—joy, isolation, and everything in between. Everywhere I went, people would say, "Enjoy this time; it goes by so quickly." But while I wanted to cherish those moments with my newborn, I was also grappling with so many other emotions at the same time.
Reaching Out for Support Changed Everything
I knew I needed help, but (yes, even therapists struggle with this!) it took time for me to reach out. When I finally connected with a therapist, my internal world shifted.
Through therapy, I was able to:
✔ Process the range of emotions I was experiencing
✔ Understand different parts of myself
✔ Work through the trauma I had experienced in such a short time
Most importantly, I realized:
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I wasn’t alone.
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My feelings were far more common than I had thought.
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Being seen as an individual—not just as a new mom—helped me reconnect with myself.
Perinatal Mental Health: A Critical Yet Overlooked Period
The perinatal period—from pregnancy through your baby’s first year—is a time of intense emotional and physical change.
You may experience:
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Anxiety, depression, loneliness, or rage
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Hormonal shifts & physical changes
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The stress of new responsibilities
Despite being such a transformative time, perinatal mental health is often overlooked.
You Don’t Have to Navigate This Alone
I’m here to support you by:
✔ Normalizing what you’re going through
✔ Sharing resources (if you’d like them!)
✔ Providing a warm, safe space where you can express yourself
Seeking help is a gift you give yourself—creating space for healing, self-compassion, and growth.
Common Perinatal MH Challenges
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Anxiety and depression during pregnancy
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Postpartum depression & anxiety
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Suicidal thoughts
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Struggles with body image & self-esteem
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Traumatic birth experience and/or NICU stay
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Increased irritability and rage
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Relationship stress
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Feelings of loneliness & isolation
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Difficulty bonding with your baby
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Fear of birth and/or labor
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Distrust in and negative experiences with medical professionals
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Feeding challenges
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Pelvic floor issues & other physical concerns
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Loss of self
How I Can See You
No Unsolicited advice
Oh, the unsolicited advice that new parents get! It comes from every direction. But don’t worry—you won’t get any advice here. You’re on your own, kid. I’m not going to tell you to “sleep when the baby sleeps” or ask, “have you tried…?” Instead, I’ll give you the space to talk through whatever’s weighing on you.
I will be curious about you
It seems like the moment you get pregnant, you're suddenly called "mama" or "daddy," and your name—and identity—goes out the window. Rest assured, I will only call you by your name. I’ll ask about your experiences and how you’re feeling about everything, focusing on you, not just your new role.
Connecting you to resources
Let’s find a village for you! Together, we’ll explore the kind of support you need, and I’ll help connect you with trauma- and perinatal-informed providers who are safe and supportive. This could include a pelvic floor therapist, lactation consultants (whether for nursing or formula support), gynecologists, and more.
Offer supportive and non-judgmental care
The last thing you need is to feel judged by your therapist. I’m here to support you through this challenging and rewarding season of life. I understand how complicated and isolating it can feel, and I’m deeply committed to making sure you feel seen, heard, and validated.