Perinatal Mental Health

Prenatal Mental Health and Wellness

Pregnancy can be a challenging experience, both physically and emotionally. You might be experiencing intense emotions, worrying about the health and safety of your growing baby, or encountering new life stressors. If you have a history of depression, anxiety or trauma, sometimes these issues re-surface in pregnancy making it difficult to enjoy this time. 

Having a place to process these feelings and to prepare for the fundamental change that is parenthood, can be very helpful. Prenatal mental health care is also preventative care. If you are concerned about postpartum depression, we can take steps to address your concerns. 

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Topics that come up include:

• Emotional changes

• Mood and anxiety issues

• Physical changes

• Preparation for birth

• Preparation for baby

• Self-care

• Concerns about emotional wellbeing in postpartum

• Prevention of postpartum depression and anxiety

Postpartum Mental Health and Wellness

In some ways, we are parenting through a unique time and paving our own path as we go. Rest assured, you are not alone if you're feeling overwhelmed or if  you are experiencing intense and uncomfortable emotions in postpartum. 

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Concerns that come up include:

• Adjustment to new roles 

• Birth trauma 

• Self-care 

• Body image

• Bonding with the new baby

• Baby care  

• Reconnecting with partners

• Sexual health 

• Pelvic health and pelvic pain

• Managing family & paid caregivers

• Return to work.

Postpartum Depression and Anxiety (Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders)

Women often experience emotional changes after giving birth. These can include "baby blues" as well as depression and anxiety which can greatly interfere with functioning and quality of life. Up to 20% of women experience depression in postpartum and even more experience bothersome, uncomfortable symptoms of anxiety. If you are feeling this way, you are not alone! With treatment, it can get much better. 

Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders are not confined to birth mothers. Fathers and partners can also feel depressed and anxious, the whole family unit deserves care and attention for the baby and parents to thrive.

I'm here to offer support, guidance and evidence-based treatment designed to reduce your suffering and help you enjoy being a parent.  

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Postpartum therapy includes:

• Assessment and diagnosis

• Emotional support

• Tailored, evidence-based treatment to improve your symptoms and functioning

• Couples and family therapy with focus on the health of the whole family unit

• Help connecting with quality resources in the community to further support your healing.

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