Did you know? 1 in 7 Moms and 1 in 10 Dads suffer from postpartum depression. While many women experience some mild mood changes during or after the birth of a child, 15 to 20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. Please know that with informed care you can prevent a worsening of these symptoms and can fully recover. There is no reason to continue to suffer.

Women of every culture, age, income level and race can develop perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Symptoms can appear any time during pregnancy and the first 12 months after childbirth. There are effective and well-researched treatment options to help you recover. Although the term “postpartum depression” is most often used, there are actually several forms of illness that women may experience.

For new moms, it can be upsetting and frightening to have feelings about motherhood that don’t seem “right.”

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. For others, talking to a therapist who specializes in dealing with new motherhood issues can be comforting, relieving and enlightening.

Therapists who have extensive education and training in post-partum disorders understand that hormone changes, personal and family history, and social support are all vital factors in understanding and alleviating postpartum symptoms.

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

If one or more of the above symptoms resonates with you, I invite you to contact me today for a free consultation. Together, we’ll find the underlying issues that make you feel disconnected from your baby and create a strategy for moving forward. Contact me today to see how I can help.