I can’t sleep. I can’t eat. I don’t feel like myself.

Our culture tells us to expect the time after having a baby to be idyllic and full of positive emotions, but it is not uncommon for the postpartum time to be physically and emotionally challenging, including the emergence of mood and anxiety symptoms that interfere with well-being and enjoyment of life. Maternal ambivalence—the mixed feelings we have about our mothering role and sometimes our children—can feel like a taboo subject for a woman experiencing it. These feelings are often compounded by shame and embarrassment that cause many women to suffer in silence, saying to themselves things like:

“Shouldn’t I be happy? I just had a baby!”

“Is there something wrong with me?”

“I don’t feel like the mother I wanted to be.”

Many women assume these feelings will pass if they can just ‘tough it out,’ but it’s not necessary to lose the enjoyment of this precious time with a new baby, and unfortunately these symptoms can progress and put a woman, her infant, and her family at risk if left untreated.

One in seven women experience a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy or the postpartum period.

You are not alone. Help is available.

With over 20 years of specialized training and experience in reproductive mental health, we can help you identify, understand, and improve your symptoms. If you’ve been experiencing symptoms such as worry and anxiety, depression and sadness, changes in sleep or appetite, irritability, disinterest in things you used to enjoy, or thoughts about harming yourself or your baby*, it would be a good idea to seek consultation. Post-partum depression is highly treatable.

• If you are having thoughts of hurting yourself or your baby, please seek help immediately by contacting your OB/GYN or going to the nearest emergency room as this is a serious mental health symptom requiring urgent attention.

The central focus of wellness in the postpartum period involves learning how to take care of yourself while learning how to care for and bond with your baby as well as attend to the central relationship in your life—all while growing into your new identity as a mother. This is a tall order and takes time—often more time than any of us would like. Together we will discover the right combination of self-care ingredients and therapeutic interventions for you.

Call to schedule a free telephone evaluation to see if you might benefit from treatment.