pregnancy & postpartum
pregnancy & expectant parents: A bun in the oven
“Protecting your mental health during pregnancy is protecting your baby’s health, too.” - NAMI. Along with the bun in the oven comes physical, hormonal and emotional changes, life adjustments, shift in dynamic between you and your partner, as well as additional personal and professional stressors. Anxiety and depression are common mental health concerns during pregnancy, affecting about 10-15% of pregnant women, according to the Royal College of Psychiatrists.
What are common mental health challenges during pregnancy:
Anxiety & Worry: Persistent and excessive worry, feeling overwhelmed, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, irritability, feeling doom or panic which interferes with daily life, relationships and work.
Depression (Antenatal Depression): Persistent sadness, low energy, and lack of motivation.
Body Image Issues: Struggles with body image, physical changes, or self-esteem.High-risk pregnancies: When the mother or baby, or both, are at an increased risk of complications as a direct result of the pregnancy. Complications can exacerbate mental health challenges, leading to feelings of fear, worry, and loss of control.
Relationship Strains: Stress in partnership or family dynamics due to upcoming changes.
Sleep Problems: Insomnia due to discomfort, hormonal shifts, or anxious thoughts.
Fear of Labor & Delivery; Intense fear of childbirth, especially for first-time moms or those with past trauma.
Work & Financial Stress: Worrying about maternity leave, career impact, or financial stability.
As someone who had a high risk pregnancy, I understand the anticipation and stress over a situation that I didn’t have much control of. Waiting for the arrival of your little one(s) can really exacerbate how much you enjoy predictability, control, and knowing what to expect. You may be experiencing a range of emotions when it “should” to be a glowing, exciting time. You may be mourning your old life and self as if you will never see either again. Solicited or non-solicited “dread” talk from others (e.g. “you’re never going to sleep again”) can add even more stress and anxiety to what you’re experiencing. Whether you are a new parent or a veteran, every experience is different with its own twists and turns and set of challenges.
therapy for expectant parents:
Prepartum (or prenatal) therapy helps expectant mothers manage stress, anxiety, depression, and emotional challenges during pregnancy. I can help support you with coping strategies, emotional support, and tools to prepare for childbirth and parenthood. We will focus on your strengths and what you can control, managing your support system (it takes a village), and for you to take care of yourself!
It is possible to go through this next phase of your life with a sense of relief and enjoyment.
