Your experience matters, you deserve to have a safe space to process everything that you are feeling.

Work with one of our Maternal Mental Health Specialists:

 

Review mindset shifts, breathing techniques, risk factors, and managing Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, and more

Process and talk through your experiences, past trauma or current fears. I collaborate with your personal providers for the best care possible

Be in the know about upcoming speaking events from our brilliant guest speakers such as Doulas, Lactation Consultants, Chiropractors, Nutritionists, Yoga Teachers, and more

Process through pregnancy loss, infant loss, fertility challenges or pregnancy challenges 

Create birth or postpartum plan 

Connect with providers in the Atlanta/Newnan Metro Areas who we love and trust

Learn to set boundaries with friends, partners, and providers

Participate in partner sessions to create the most supportive environment possible

Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal mental health issues are those that arise during pregnancy and in the first year following the birth of a baby.  Experts estimate that 20-30% of women develop a mental health problem in the perinatal period.  The most common problems are depression and anxiety, but mental illnesses in expectant and new parents can include anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and psychosis.

If left untreated, perinatal mental health problems can have significant and long-term effects on the woman, her baby, her partner, and other family members.  Antepartum and postpartum treatment can help support the development of a healthy relationship between mother and child.

Maternal mental health therapists can address the needs of women with more complex mental health needs, as well as those who need advice with planning a pregnancy or processing an unexpected pregnancy, loss, infertility, and more.

How does pregnancy affect mental health?

For some, pregnancy can be a joyful and exciting time.  But this is not always true.  An unexpected pregnancy or unwanted pregnancy can result in mixed or even negative feelings.

Even when the pregnancy is planned, it brings with it many uncertainties and significant changes.  During pregnancy, the individual has to manage physical changes (morning sickness, changes in body shape, exhaustion, hormonal fluctuations), social changes (stopping work, changes in everyday lifestyle), and relationship changes (being a mother, shifting friendships and romantic relationships).

Many expectant mothers are fearful about childbirth, complications with the pregnancy, their own health, and the health of their baby.

Stressed out mother with new baby

Perinatal mental health problems can also arise from anxiety about being a good mother.  Lack of support is another factor that can give rise to perinatal mental health issues.

Complications during pregnancy, such as stillbirth, abortion, miscarriage, or pregnancy loss, are commonly associated with depression and anxiety.

Women with a pre-existing mental illness may experience a worsening of their symptoms during pregnancy and/or after childbirth.  This can be due to stopping medications, anxious or negative thoughts about the pregnancy, or new and upsetting feelings about motherhood.

Do I need postpartum depression treatment?

Most new mothers experience strong emotions immediately after the birth of a child.  Some of these emotions can be negative and are called postpartum “baby blues.” They can last for up to 2 weeks after childbirth and include mood swings, anxiety, crying spells, and sleep difficulties.

In some women, the symptoms of postpartum depression can last for several months or longer.  Signs and symptoms of postpartum depression may include sadness, hopelessness, restlessness, worthlessness, irritability, anger, anxiety, mood swings, crying spells, feeling overwhelmed, inability to concentrate, trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, tiredness, and withdrawal from family and friends.  In some cases of postpartum depression, a woman can have thoughts of harming herself or her baby or recurrent thoughts of suicide and death.

A rare condition called postpartum psychosis occurs in some women within a week of giving birth.  It is associated with severe symptoms like confusion, obsessive thoughts, sleep problems, hallucinations, paranoia, and attempts to harm herself or her baby.

If you are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms, it’s important to seek treatment.  Postpartum depression therapy and counseling can help you care for your baby, complete everyday tasks, and develop a healthy, loving relationship with your baby.

Postpartum depression and other mental health issues in the perinatal period are not something to be embarrassed about.  They are common and treatable.  Sharing your symptoms with a mental health expert can help you get the appropriate treatment.

Postpartum baby blues typically resolve on their own in 1-2 weeks.  You should try to get as much rest as possible and accept help from friends and family if you have the opportunity.  Take some time out for yourself and connect with other new mothers, so you don’t feel alone.

If you have postpartum depression, counseling or therapy can be very helpful.  Talking about your concerns with a licensed mental health professional can help you identify stressors and find relief, process through the many feelings associated with pregnancy and motherhood, and set realistic goals.  In some cases, antidepressant or antianxiety medications may be required. Your mental health professional can help connect you to local resources and support you in decision-making.

Postpartum Depression

What if I don't have the standard postpartum depression symptoms? Can something still be wrong?

In short, absolutely. PPD (or postpartum depression) is most commonly known yet there are several other perinatal mood and anxiety disorders that can causes discomfort, fear and overwhelm for mothers. Postpartum anxiety and postpartum OCD are often missed by providers and are not screened for enough. Common symptoms include intrusive thoughts relating to harming the baby, fear of being left alone the baby, hypervigilance in protecting the baby and compulsions (things like needing to clean constantly, check things many times, count or reorder things.)

 

You may need support if you find yourself

  • obsessing over baby sleep and schedules
  • avoiding certain rooms, routines or items due to fear of harming baby
  • having persistent thoughts that are sexual or scary in nature
  • not being able to sleep due to obsessions and compulsions

How can I maximize mental well-being during pregnancy and after childbirth?

  • Find time to do things you enjoy, which improve your mood and help you relax.
  • Practice mindfulness (living in the present) and meditation.
  • Accept help from family and friends.
  • Talk about any concerns or worries with a mental health professional.
  • Eat a healthy, balanced diet that works for you and your baby.
  • Prioritize sleep.
  • Exercise when possible (ask your OB/GYN about appropriate exercises during pregnancy and after childbirth).
  • Stop smoking and drinking alcohol.

At Nurture and Be Therapy Services, we specialize in perinatal therapy and counseling.  If you are interested in speaking with one of our licensed therapists, then please contact us today so we can assist you.

In the meantime, please see more helpful content below from our Nurture & Be Podcast:

 

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