Perinatal anxiety encompasses anxiety disorders that occur during pregnancy (prenatal anxiety) and after childbirth (postpartum anxiety). Unlike the "baby blues," which are temporary and usually resolve within a few weeks, perinatal anxiety can persist and significantly impact a person's daily functioning.
Bringing a new life into the world is a beautiful experience, but for many moms, the postpartum period can be challenging. Amidst the joy and wonder of welcoming a newborn, some mothers may find themselves struggling with intrusive thoughts – unwelcome, distressing, and often disturbing mental images that can be deeply unsettling. Today, we'll explore what intrusive thoughts are, why they might surface during postpartum, and most importantly, provide moms with practical coping strategies to manage and reduce these intrusive thoughts.
Perinatal mental health issues affect a significant number of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These challenges can manifest as anxiety, depression, or other mood disorders, impacting not only the mother but also the overall family dynamics. IPT has gained prominence as an evidence-based therapy for perinatal mental health due to its focus on interpersonal relationships and its adaptability to address the unique challenges faced by individuals during this transitional time.
The theoretical foundation of IPT revolves around the idea that one's mental health is intricately linked to the quality of their interpersonal relationships. IPT operates on the premise that life events, particularly changes in relationships, can trigger or exacerbate mental health issues. The therapist and the individual collaboratively explore and address problematic interpersonal patterns, enhancing the individual's ability to navigate and manage social interactions effectively.
Baby is coming, you have read all the books and taken the classes on labor, delivery, caring for baby etc. What is your plan for how to take care of yourself during postpartum? I remember not feeling as prepared as I wanted to be for the emotional ups and downs of this time with baby.
As a therapist specializing in postpartum care, I understand the unique challenges new moms face in balancing the needs of their newborns, their own well-being, and the dynamics with family, your partner, and their return to work if that is part of the plan. One crucial aspect of navigating this transformative period is creating a comprehensive postpartum care plan that not only addresses the logistics of caring for your baby but also prioritizes your mental and emotional health. Here's a guide to help you develop a plan in collaboration with your partner:
remember when I was pregnant, I probably read about 10 books on pregnancy and having a newborn. And after I had my first child I remember so many things happening with my body and emotions postpartum, that I said “why don't they write books on this experience?” I felt unprepared as my body recovered from giving birth, navigating my body image, emotions, and questioning if I could do this “mom thing”.
Balancing work and motherhood can feel like spinning plates while riding a unicycle—blindfolded. If you’re a postpartum mom returning to work, you're likely managing sleep deprivation, feeding schedules, emotional changes, and a job that doesn’t pause for diaper blowouts. It’s no surprise that stress and burnout are common among working moms. But here's the good news: you’re not alone, and there are ways to make this balancing act feel less overwhelming.
The power of a solid support network.
As a new mom, you’re not just adjusting to a tiny human who doesn’t come with an instruction manual—you’re also navigating emotional, physical, and identity shifts. And trying to do that solo? That’s a lot.
The truth is, you weren’t meant to do this alone. Motherhood thrives on connection, and building a support network can be the difference between barely surviving and actually finding moments of peace in the chaos.
Becoming a mom is one of the biggest life transitions in a person’s life. It’s beautiful, it’s messy, it’s exhausting, and filled with moments that make your heart feel so full from love (or frustration—sometimes both at once). But amidst the diapers, the sleepless nights, and the endless need to keep a tiny human alive, many mothers find themselves wondering: Who am I anymore? Is this my life forever now?
If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The loss of identity after becoming a mother is real, and it can feel very unsettling. The good news? You CAN find yourself again. It won’t look exactly the same as before, but that doesn’t mean you’re gone.
Let’s talk about why this happens and, most importantly, how you can reconnect with you.
Bringing a new life into the world is a momentous occasion filled with joy and excitement. However, for many mothers, the postpartum period can also be marked by unexpected challenges. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects approximately 1 in 7 women, yet it remains embedded in stigma, misunderstanding, and myths. This blog aims to debunk common myths about postpartum depression, providing clarity and support for mothers who may be struggling with PPD.
Motherhood can be one of the most rewarding and challenging journeys a woman can journey through. From the moment you hold your baby in your arms, your world changes forever. Your priorities shift, your time becomes scarce, and the demands on your energy seem endless. Yet, in the midst of nurturing your child, you are still a person with dreams, goals, and aspirations. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood with your personal ambitions can feel overwhelming, but it is possible to find harmony between the two.
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