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”.
As we hear more about women experiencing prenatal or postpartum depression and anxiety, unfortunately, there remains a stigma surrounding seeking help for maternal mental health issues, which can prevent women from accessing the support they need. Today, we will discuss why the stigma remains and how to overcome the barriers of seeking help.
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.
During the pandemic, we were living in Colorado at the time and I realized how hard getting through winter could be with nowhere to go and not much to do. Everything is dry, dead, and cold for so many months. I wanted to find a way to lean into winter versus fighting against it and during my search I came across hygge. With this idea it has allowed opportunity to appreciate the season of winter while we wait for all that is great about Spring. With one more month of winter left, finding solace and comfort becomes essential for maintaining mental well-being.
Hygge is a concept that has gained popularity in recent years for its emphasis on warmth, connection, and simplicity is "hygge." Originating from Denmark, hygge (pronounced hoo-ga) encompasses a lifestyle that promotes coziness and contentment, especially during the colder months.
Becoming a mother is a journey filled with joy, anticipation, and love. However, for many women, the perinatal period can also bring about significant emotional challenges. As a therapist specializing in perinatal mental well-being, it’s important to explore effective therapeutic approaches to support mothers in this unique stage of life. One such approach that has gained prominence in recent years is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and it is an evidenced based approach for treating perinatal mental health.
I. What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on the connection between thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It operates on the premise that our thoughts influence our emotions, which in turn impact our actions. CBT aims to identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors to foster healthier mental well-being.
In the busyness of motherhood, balancing various responsibilities and navigating the challenges of daily life, you may often find yourself struggling with overwhelming feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression. Practicing mindfulness-based therapy can be a helpful approach in navigating these emotional challenges. In this blog post, we will explore what mindfulness-based therapy is, its benefits for those struggling with depression and anxiety, and three examples of mindfulness strategies.
