sound familiar?
I can’t stop crying. I can’t stop worrying. Why is this so hard?
Why am I not bonding with my baby? I’m so exhausted.
I don’t recognize myself. I should be able to handle this.
Am I a bad mom?
I get it, I’m a mom too. I vividly remember (like it was yesterday) sitting on the toilet crying my eyes out, in unison with my baby, thinking, “What have I done to my life?”. Even though I thought I was prepared, the reality of being responsible for my baby’s life was more than overwhelming. I felt guilty and ashamed for even having this thought, let alone for feeling anything other than how fabulous it was to be a mom.
What I didn’t know at the time was that the idea of being a perfect mom was a myth. The truth is, regardless of your path to parenthood, or whether it’s your first or fourth time,
becoming a mom is a HUGE adjustment for most women.
you are not alone-
it’s ok to ask for help
What are the “Baby Blues” and do I have them?
50-80% of women, in diverse cultures, experience postpartum “blues”, commonly referred to as the baby blues. Postpartum dads get the baby blues too! Symptoms include tearfulness, reactivity, and happiness. You feel like you’re on an emotional rollercoaster. Postpartum blues usually peaks 3-5 days after delivery and is unrelated to stress or psychiatric history and is thought to be caused by hormone withdrawal and or the effects of maternal bonding hormones.
If the blues persist beyond 2 weeks or worsen, you might be experiencing a postpartum mood or anxiety disorder which can be treated
Perinatal Mood Disorders
Depression during pregnancy and postpartum depression
Anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum anxiety
Postpartum Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
Postpartum psychosis
“1 in 7 mothers experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum.”
how i can help
I provide warm and compassionate online therapy and support for women experiencing prenatal and postpartum overwhelm, depression and anxiety, as well as pre or post-adoption depression and anxiety.
Together we will focus on:
cultivating self-care and self-compassion
explore available resources for help
examine negative thought patterns and behaviors
develop your inner resources and coping skills to reduce anxiety and relieve depression.
To learn more about me and my practice philosophy click HERE
Resources
*If you are in crisis or at risk of harming yourself or your baby call 911 or go to your nearest Emergency Room
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255
Postpartum Support International Helpline (does not handle emergencies)
1-800-944-4773 or text 503-894-9453
