Prenatal and Postpartum Mental Health

Though society tells us the prenatal and postpartum years are meant to be filled with unencumbered love and joy, they are also marked by intense change and uncertainty. There is no shame in acknowledging how hard this stage of life is. Your struggles do not make you a bad parent.

In addition to the present-day demands of parenting, the prenatal and postpartum stages can also activate unresolved traumas from the past. Bringing a new child into this world can remind us of our own childhood experiences and the ways our caregivers failed to meet our needs. Baby’s cries are evolutionarily wired to invoke strong emotions in their caregivers. And attending to babies’ needs can feel all-consuming and leave no space for self care.

As a trained perinatal mental health provider, I aim to create space for you to explore the full range of emotions and experiences associated with your prenatal and postpartum journeys, especially those experiences society may not allow you to share elsewhere. It is possible to heal from emotional wounds arising during this life stage, and gaining support during these transitions can be life-changing.

I completed my clinical therapy internship at Perinatal Support Washington, where I received intensive supervision and comprehensive experience working with the prenatal and postpartum populations. My therapy practice takes a holistic approach. I work with your other medical providers, including OBGYNs, psychiatrists, lactation consultants, and pelvic floor physical therapists as needed to ensure you are getting appropriate care.

Areas of prenatal and postpartum mental health care can include but are not limited to: infertility, IVF, difficult pregnancy, mood changes, fatigue, nausea, unexpected medical diagnoses, miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth, infant loss, premature birth, Cesarean sections, NICU stays, birth trauma, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, intrusive thoughts, relationship changes, gender role changes, workplace discrimination, domestic violence, single parenting, body image struggles, breastfeeding pain, vaginal pain, pain during sex, loss of sex drive, medical trauma, sleep deprivation, guilt, hormone imbalance, loss of identity, grief, and more.