Perinatal Mental Health

The excitement of bringing a new life into the world quickly turns into exhaustion, fear and overwhelm during your postpartum season. This sometimes shows up as the “baby blues”, which for some women includes frequent tearfulness, poor sleep, irritability and anxiety. You may wonder if you are experiencing postpartum depression and concerned about your maternal mental health. All of these symptoms are reflective of a woman’s mental health during the perinatal and postnatal stages of being a new mom. This can affect up to 75% of women. However, when the parent begins to experience more symptoms more frequently and more intensely, it it can lead to the new parent feeling ashamed, isolated, feeling inadequate and quickly escalating to a lack of interest in anything, including the new baby and partner. If the new parent already has any previous history with anxiety, this new time in her life can intensify and create even more intense responses, such as rapid breathing, chest pain, shakiness and dizziness. Nearly 20% of new moms/parents experience more intense reactions to the new baby, and it can begin anywhere within the first year of the baby’s life. It is okay to reach out and support your perinatal mental health.

How do you know the right time to seek the support of one of our therapists?

Your symptoms interfere with your relationship with your baby and your family
You feel isolated and the support of family and friends is not enough
You believe that things are getting worse, not better

We offer individual counseling, and a New Mom Support Group. Our perinatal mental health counselors also offer telehealth counseling, in Kansas and Missouri.

Perinatal Mental Health. New Born Baby Face.

For some women, a morning run, a healthy diet and receiving help and support from family and friends are sufficient enough to get through the initial adjustment period. Let’s face it. Finding time to invest in yourself with a new baby, or adding a new baby to an already growing family, can feel overwhelming and impossible. You may even be having difficulty connecting with your partner, or having time to talk with your friends, let alone get outside to get some fresh air.

You may be reluctant, thinking that this will go away soon, or even fearful that you will be judged on your parenting, self-care, or even fearful that you will be prescribed medication while pregnant or breastfeeding. These are not only legitimate concerns to be heard, but it is even more important to know that you are not alone in your experience, or on your journey. We are here. We care.

Your baby’s Pediatrician, or your OB/GYN may recommend that you see a therapist if they notice any of the symptoms, or if you have a history of postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety. Or, you may choose to invest in your mental health during your pregnancy and afterward. Either way, we have skilled therapists ready to support you throughout your perinatal and postpartum journey. Our perinatal therapists have additional training, and specialized experience, in perinatal, and postpartum issues, and understand the hormonal changes that are occurring within your body, in addition to the changes that occur within your family.

Common Postpartum Symptoms Include:

Feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you should have become a mother in the first place
Feeling guilty due to high self-expectations
Not feeling “bonded” with the baby
Your thoughts are racing and you can’t quiet your mind
Feeling empty and numb as if you’re just going through the motions
Lack of focus and concentration
Being afraid that if you reach out for help, others will judge your inabilities
Thoughts of running away or leaving your baby behind
Being constantly in a state of worry