Because Being a Parent Isn’t All Roses and Butterflies

You’ve seen the commercials, the oh-so-perfect pregnancy posts, and pictures of smiling, happy parents with their babies on social media. That’s what pregnancy and becoming a parent are supposed to look like, right?

Wrong. 

There is no “supposed to” when it comes to pregnancy, giving birth, and caring for a baby. Unfortunately, our society tends to gloss over all the not-so-pretty possibilities. The reality is that pregnancy and having a baby can lead to some pretty challenging perinatal mental health issues (now called PMADS – Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders).

And you know what? It’s okay.

Perinatal mental health concerns are much more common than you may think. It’s just that people don’t want to talk about it because it’s not pretty.

But I want to talk about it with you. I want to help you through challenging thoughts, emotions, and experiences so you can genuinely live the value-driven life you desire.

About Me »

Mother holding newborn's hand. Perinatal Mental health therapist

The Not-So-Pretty Things I Can Help You With

Woman looking at sonogram photo in need of pregnancy support

So much about pregnancy and childbirth is complex, and everyone’s experience is different. There’s no guarantee that everything will go as you’ve imagined, and sometimes unsuspecting emotions, thoughts, and challenges arise.

Whether you’ve struggled with perinatal mental health issues during or after pregnancy, no matter what they are, I’m here to walk beside you through it all.

My personal experiences and professional expertise over the years have equipped me with the necessary understanding, empathy, and abilities to help you through anything related to pregnancy and early parenting.

Some of my experience includes:

  • Having a perfect pregnancy only to have it end in a traumatic delivery.
  • Working with women who had complicated pregnancies and bedrest prescriptions.
  • Following many through fertility treatments to delivery.
  • Offering support to parents after receiving a challenging diagnosis for themselves or their baby in utero.
  • Providing perinatal and postpartum counseling for perinatal mood disorders like postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD.
  • Counseling grieving parents through pregnancy and infant loss.
  • Helping parents through concerns about having a second child after a traumatic pregnancy, complications, or birth.
  • Working with new parents through the struggles of early parenthood.
  • Supporting parents through the trauma of leaving their baby in the NICU.
Breast milk and a bottle

As your perinatal mental health therapist, I can help you work through the thoughts, emotions, and experiences that don’t align with what you want for your life.

Because I’ve gone through some of these experiences, I can connect with you on a deep, meaningful, and empathetic level through in-person or online perinatal mental health counseling.

Schedule Online

“What if I fall? Oh, but my darling, what if you fly?”
~ Erin Hanson

Signs You May Be Experiencing Perinatal Mental Health Concerns

Recognizing perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS) can be tricky. Your changing hormones throughout and after pregnancy can leave you feeling more irritable, tired, and sad than ever before. But if you feel “off,” sad, and anxious or can’t shake unwanted intrusive thoughts, seeking perinatal or postpartum counseling is a must.

The good news is that PMADS are treatable. And I can help.

Here are some signs and symptoms of perinatal mental health concerns:

Perinatal Depression

  • overwhelmingly depressed most days
  • loss of interest in activities you once enjoyed
  • weight gain or loss
  • changes in sleep patterns
  • fatigue and tiredness
  • feelings of guilt or worthlessness
  • inability to concentrate
  • suicidal thoughts
  • difficulty bonding with your baby
  • severe mood swings
  • fears of not being a “good parent”

Perinatal Anxiety

  • constantly worrying about your baby
  • feeling overwhelmed by everyday activities
  • feeling irritable, resentful, or angry
  • experiencing distressing, intrusive thoughts repeatedly
  • having scary thoughts about harm coming to your baby
  • feeling afraid to be alone with your baby
  • panic attacks
  • appetite changes
  • physical symptoms like body aches, headaches, and lightheadedness

Perinatal OCD

  • intense fear that something your baby uses or touches will make them sick
  • thoughts of harming your baby
  • washing or sterilizing your baby’s items excessively
  • repeatedly checking on your baby during naps and bedtime
  • seeking constant reassurance from others to tell you your baby is fine and you’re a good parent

Get Authentic, Honest, and Caring
Perinatal Mental Health Therapy

You don’t need another person telling you pregnancy and early parenthood is like something out of a beautiful dream.

I know it’s not.

You’re exhausted, worried, anxious, sad, irritable, sleep-deprived, and sometimes just plain miserable. You may even feel guilty for thinking things like,

“Will this baby destroy my life?”

“Will I lose myself?

“Will my body ever be the same?”

“I don’t even know if I want this baby anymore.”

You don’t have to be ashamed of any of these thoughts. Sometimes pregnancy and parenthood are messy, unpredictable, life-changing, and really, really hard.

I get it.

Woman having an online therapy session for postpartum support

Are You Ready to Take the Next Step?

Whether through in-person or online postpartum counseling and perinatal mental health counseling with me, I’ll give you a safe space to express those and all thoughts and feelings. In me, you have a genuine, compassionate ally.

And I’m ready to help you through whatever comes your way during these challenging years.

Schedule Online