Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
I remember getting ready to be discharged from the hospital after delivering my new firstborn and reality suddenly hit me like a ton of bricks, “This human is ACTUALLY going home with me.” That thought alone, was quite scary and intimidating. I suddenly doubted my abilities as a new mother with running thoughts such as “What if I don’t know what I’m doing? What if I’m not a good mother? What if I do something wrong?” What ifs. Through the lens of my mental health professional brain, I was fully aware that my child was safe and healthy. That also meant that my child needed a mother that could provide safety and security including prioritizing my mental health and emotional well-being. That was my motivation.
As both a mother and a therapist, I know how overwhelming the journey to parenthood can be. The physical, emotional, and mental changes during pregnancy and after giving birth can feel like a rollercoaster. That's why perinatal mental health therapy is so important. At Untangled Minds, I offer support and guidance to new and expecting parents as well as seasoned parents facing these challenges and life transitions.
What is Perinatal Mental Health?
For many, the term "perinatal" may be unfamiliar. So, what is perinatal? It refers to the period during pregnancy through the first year following childbirth, a time that can be filled with both emotional highs and intense challenges. Perinatal mental health therapy focuses on the unique psychological and emotional needs that arise during this life changing period. Whether you are experiencing anxiety, mood swings, or simply need support as you navigate this new chapter, perinatal mental health therapy can provide the guidance you need to feel grounded and empowered.
The Importance of Perinatal Mental Health Therapy
As a mother, I’ve gained a deep understanding of how valuable perinatal mental health therapy can be. Becoming a new parent brings many changes—your identity shifts, relationships evolve, and a wide range of emotions surface. It can feel overwhelming to handle it all alone. Therapy provides a safe, supportive space to explore these feelings and develop strategies to care for your mental and emotional health. Through perinatal mental health therapy, you learn to manage the uncertainty, stress, and exhaustion that often come with this big life transition.
Perinatal mental health consists of varying severity of symptoms that can affect the parent(s) during pregnancy and postpartum. The demands of caring for a newborn, body changes, and societal expectations can lead to intense feelings of anxiety, fear, or even panic. It is important to understand when symptoms are no longer the “baby blues”. The term “Postpartum Depression” is often used to describe the mental health experience of parents following childbirth. However, the accurate terminology to describe the different spectrum of disorders in perinatal mental health is Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders or PMAD. The disorders include:
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Anxiety
Perinatal Panic Disorder
Perinatal Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Postpartum Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Perinatal Bipolar Disorder
Postpartum Psychosis
Perinatal mental health treatment can include talk therapy, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and other mindfulness exercises. These treatment plans are tailored to each person’s unique needs. Having experienced my own personal motherhood journey, I combine both my professional expertise and personal understanding to guide other parentss through these challenging emotions.
If you or someone you know is struggling during the perinatal period, seeking support is crucial. Whether it’s through perinatal mental health treatment or simply talking through the overwhelming feelings that can come with parenting, therapy equips you with the emotional toolkit to approach this journey with more confidence and peace.
Embracing the Journey
Perinatal mental health therapy is about more than addressing psychological and emotional challenges—it’s about embracing the full experience of parenthood, with all its highs and lows. At Untangled Minds, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, adjusting to new roles, or simply need a space to talk, I’m here to help.
As both a therapist and a mother, I’ve learned that asking for help is one of the bravest things we can do. Perinatal mental health therapy gives us the support we need to be present not only for our children, but for ourselves. It’s a path to healing, growth, and thriving in parenthood.
If you’re ready to start this journey of healing and growth, my practice at Untangled Minds is here for you.