Postpartum Counselling
Bringing a new child into this world is one of the most memorable, touching and impactful moments of our lives.
It is also a time of rapid and significant change.
In the postpartum period (up to 1 year after baby is born) parents are at higher risk of mental health concerns including postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, panic, obsessive thinking, postpartum post-traumatic stress, bipolar and psychosis.
Up to 15% of birthing parents experience serious anxiety or depression. This is distinct from the baby blues which is very common (affecting 80%) in the first few weeks after giving birth and eventually passes.
Up to 10% of fathers or non-birthing parents also experience postpartum depression, which commonly goes untreated.
While the exact reasons why some people struggle postpartum are unknown, we do know contributing factors include sleep deprivation, hormonal fluctuations, relationship and identity shifts, mental health history and level of family and social support available.
This perinatal mental health discussion tool is a helpful overview of symptoms and risk factors that you can use to help inform yourself and discuss with your medical provider.
It may feel like a very difficult adjustment. I want you to know I’m here to help.
Are You Experiencing:
- Frustration, rage, anxiety, confusion
- Sadness, loneliness, isolation
- Guilt around not being a ‘good enough’ mother
- Overwhelm
- Increased conflict with your partner
- Changes in your relationship with your partner, family and friends
- Loss of your sense of self
- Distress over your new identity
Counselling can help.
Postpartum counselling is specialized therapy that supports you to manage your mental health, relationships, identity changes and anything else that gets stirred up during the first year after having your child.
With experienced and professional support this life-changing right of passage can be integrated into your life in helpful ways. Over time you can create a balance between caring for your child, building a family and making yourself a priority again.
Get Support With:
- Managing strong emotions
- Healing a traumatic birth
- Postpartum Anxiety
- Postpartum Depression
- Scary, intrusive thoughts
- Adjusting to and making sense of this profound change
The true voice of parenthood lies within each person’s individual experience.
Thrive into motherhood.
Postpartum Counselling can help you get through this difficult time. With a better understanding of what you are experiencing and what is within the normal range of postpartum responses you are reminded this is not your fault. You have not done anything wrong. Through our work together you can access inner resources and develop tools to help you feel more equipped to manage at this important time.
My approach is thorough and gentle. I believe in you and your ability to thrive and am here to be of support along the way.
Start with a complimentary consultation to meet me and hear how I can be of assistance.