Perinatal and Postnatal Therapy

Becoming a parent is a radical and life-changing event. In some ways our whole sense of self changes. For many new mothers the shifts that pregnancy and caring for a baby bring are unexpected and overwhelming. While we often hear about the bliss of new parenthood, less is said about when it gets really, really hard. It is pretty common to sometimes have scary feelings and thoughts as we begin life with a new baby. And birth doesn’t always go as expected—for some mothers and babies, birth involves medical interventions that are experienced as traumatic. 

When you are pregnant or caring for a baby, the thought of starting therapy may sound overwhelming. You are exhausted. Just getting in a shower can feel like a major accomplishment. Despite the exhaustion that new parenthood brings, seeking therapy can eventually bring relief. This is especially true if you have been feeling very sad for more than three weeks after having your baby, if you have been teary, unable to sleep, or overwhelmingly angry. None of this is uncommon, but you shouldn’t go through it alone.

Therapy can provide a space to talk about what entering parenthood has been like for you. If some of this experience has felt unspeakable, then making space to talk about and understand these feelings may bring comfort. 

Our sessions will be a chance to talk, understand, and find ways to get you feeling like your old self again, or help you to bridge your old self with your new identity as a parent.