"The soul would have no rainbow if the eyes had no tears ." ~Native American Proverb
Pregnancy and Postnatal Distress
"Why am I feeling like this? I thought I was supposed to feel happy? I thought I was supposed to love this, yet I feel sad, anxious, and afraid. What's wrong with me?" Are these questions you have or feelings that you experience?
Pregnancy and postpartum distress can feel incredibly scary. You might be experiencing mood swings or feel worried about the health of your baby. In extreme cases you might have thoughts of harming your baby or yourself. Perhaps you are wondering whether you have a Parinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMAD) or are you experiencing baby blues.
Some woman find pregnancy and the postpartum period to be a little challenging while others (20%) suffer from PMAD's. This can feel confusing. Its important to note that hormonal changes such as the quick drop in Estrogen and Progesterone, loss of energy, loss of identity, and lack of sleep as well as a history of mental imbalance can all lead to different challenges. Whether you are a mother struggling with pregnancy or postpartum distress or have a PMAD it is essential to seek out support as soon as possible.
PMAD's Include:
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Postpartum Depression
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Parinatal Anxiety
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Parinatal Traumatic Stress Disorder
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Parinatal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Research shows that PMAD's can be the leading cause of complication during childbirth. PMAD's can greatly impact your capacity to bond with your baby as your heart so desires. Its important to know that this is not your fault and there is help for you.
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PMAD Symptoms Include:
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Depressed mood or severe mood swings
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Excessive crying
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Difficulty bonding with your baby
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Withdrawing from family and friends
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Loss of appetite or eating much more than usual
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Inability to sleep (insomnia) or sleeping too much
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Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
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Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy
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Intense irritability and anger
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Fear that you're not a good mother
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Hopelessness
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Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy
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Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions
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Restlessness
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Severe anxiety and panic attacks
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Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby
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Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
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Delusions and hallucinations
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During therapy we will work together to unpack all the feelings that are present during pregnancy and/or the postpartum period. We will work towards creating coping strategies that will support your physical, social and emotional well being. Through different therapeutic interventions we will work towards helping you feel more grounded and in control of your thoughts and feelings. If needed we will focus on increasing your capacity to bond with your baby in utero and after birth. Together with your partner we can work to understand emotional changes, to process hard feelings and to create a strong foundation for your family.
It is important to seek help as soon as possible. The earlier these symptoms are addressed the better the outcome for you and your baby. Please reach out to schedule a free consultation. I would be happy to support you during this challenging time.
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Areas of Focus
*Preganacy and postpartum distress
*Baby Blues
*Parinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
*Supporting Couples during this challenging time
*Bonding with your baby during pregnancy
*Bonding with your baby after they arrive
