Getting pregnant and having a child can be a wonderful and exciting time for many.  However, it can also be extremely difficult emotionally.  Women often experience  the joy and the strain of birthing babies, managing the care of these infants and possibly siblings, the household needs, and often their own jobs.  Immediately following a baby’s birth and for the first two weeks hormonal changes coupled with a lack of sleep can be an especially difficult time for parents.  This experience occurs often and is referred to as “baby blues”, but if it lasts longer than those two weeks, more support may be warranted.  

Our clinicians are passionate about supporting new parents during this transitional period! They have completed specialized training in working with peri and postpartum mental health and would be honored to help you adjust to the stress of having an infant, relieve yourself of any guilt for having uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, and stay connected with your baby and your support system.

Everyone is different, but possible symptoms may include:

• Low or depressed mood
• Sadness and excessive crying
• Loss of interest or pleasure in doing things
• Irritability
• Anxiety and constant worry
• Difficulty focusing
• Disturbances in appetite and/or sleep
• Loss of energy
• Feeling of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
• Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

Perinatal Depression: Perinatal depression may begin while you are pregnant or after the baby is born (when it might be called Postpartum Depression or PPD).  

Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Panic Disorder commonly occur once a baby is born or adopted. Parents feel overwhelmed with anxiety, extremely nervous and panicky.

Postpartum OCD: is characterized by the mother’s intrusive thoughts and behaviors (compulsions) related to the baby.  Behind these thoughts and behaviors is often an extreme fear of the baby being in danger.  These thoughts can be unrelenting and very difficult to manage.  

Lastly, Postpartum Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) PTSD can occur after a real or imagined trauma giving birth or after the baby has been born.  Postpartum PTSD symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares and extreme anxiety.  

Clearly all of these disorders are distressing and can impact a mother’s ability to care for herself, her infant, and any older children.  It can also impact her ability to connect with her newborn.  Additionally, partners and loved ones can also experience these postpartum issues.  

But there is help!  

At Launch Psychological Associates, our clinicians are passionate about supporting new parents during this transitional period! They have completed specialized training in working with peri and postpartum mental health and would be honored to help you adjust to the stress of having an infant, relieve yourself of any guilt for having uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, and stay connected with your baby and your support system.