Perinatal Mental Health

“You’ve just had a baby. Anticipation is at an all-time high. Suddenly, the responsibility of fiercely loving this precious, utterly dependent human being has transformed into sheer terror. You realize life will never be the same. You feel different. You look different. You are different. Confidence has been replaced with cluelessness. Your carefree outlook has been replaced by an unrecognizable, ever-present bundle of raw nerves. Perhaps most unsettling and without cause, you find yourself waiting for something horrendous to happen, at every turn.”

- Karen Kleiman, MSW, Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers

It is common for new parents to experience moments of worry or sadness in the days and weeks following the birth of a baby. For some, these feelings may intensify or last longer than a few weeks - a sign of postpartum depression and/or anxiety, which affects 1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers. These symptoms can also occur during the pregnancy period. In fact, perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD) are the most common complications of childbearing. Additional perinatal challenges such as pregnancy and infant loss, infertility, birth trauma, parenting multiples, and adoptions can also heightened the symptoms of PMADs.

Most do not realize that PMAD is treatable. One of the barriers to seeking treatment is the shame and guilt that a parent feels for not enjoying the experience of having a newborn. The myth is that this is a time of happiness but in reality, it is not always a “bundle of joy”. Becoming a parent is a physically and mentally challenging (not to mention, expensive) process for some. Being a parent is hard, even if others make it look easy, especially on social media. Remember that you are not alone. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well.

I was one of the 1 in 8 couples affected by infertility and the 1 in 7 mothers who experienced postpartum depression and anxiety. As a IVF mom (who experienced early pregnancy loss and birth trauma), a PMAD survivor, and a mental health advocate, my mission is to bring awareness, acceptance, and evidence-based care to this community. I have completed advanced trainings in Perinatal Psychotherapy and received my Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International.

Together, we can climb out of the darkness!