Postpartum Adjustment and Postpartum Mood Disorders

The most pervasive myth of motherhood is that once you become a mother your needs no longer matter.  Mothers are expected to become martyrs, setting aside personal needs, desires, and an individual sense of self, all in the service of giving to their children.  We laugh about sleepless nights and unshowered days, often without acknowledging the deep uncertainty, mixed emotions, and sense of isolation that motherhood can bring.  Without a village to vulnerably lean on during these times, we are left holding these painful emotions alone, afraid to share the racing thoughts, feelings of panic, or sense of detachment we may be experiencing. We may be surprised as old wounds from our own childhood reappear, viewing in new light what we did or did not have.  At times these unresolved feelings persist for months or years before we seek help, leaving us uncertain around what is normal and what needs more attention.

Whether pregnant or postpartum, I believe that nurturing the mother is not an afterthought but a deeply needed focus for the health of the individual, the family, and the world.  My work focuses on supporting individuals and couples in their adjustment to parenthood both during pregnancy and for years after birth.  Therapy is offered for a range of perinatal mood disorders, birth trauma, perinatal loss, as well as in the general adjustment to life after baby.  Therapy is also available to support mothers without mothers and those processing their own attachment trauma as they parent.  Schedule a free 20 minute consultation to learn more.