Postpartum & Maternal Mental Health

Offering in-person therapy for perinatal mental health in Massapequa Park, NY
Offering online therapy for perinatal mental health in New York

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal mental health is focused on the time period of pregnancy and continuing through the first year post-birth, or postpartum. During this time period many emotional and physical processes are occurring. Hormones fluctuate, sometimes quickly and sharply, which can lead to mood changes. A pregnant or postpartum person is exploring and figuring out their new role as a parent, which can be stressful and overwhelming. The journey of being pregnant and welcoming a child into the home can involve unexpected stressful events, such as illness, a sudden change to the birth plan, birth complications, and difficulty breastfeeding. The attention (or lack thereof) from friends and family can trigger many emotions as well. Finally, sleep can be difficult whether it be due to discomfort during pregnancy or disruptions from a newborn needing care.

Perinatal mental health focuses on recognizing, normalizing, and treating the many emotions that arise during the pregnancy and postpartum time period.

How can Therapy Help me while I'm Pregnant?

Pregnancy can be very stressful. Your body is constantly undergoing changes as hormones fluctuate and a tiny human grows within you. Navigating this journey can be stressful and lead to a roller coaster of emotions. Our therapists are here to help you to process those emotions and work towards enjoying this part of your life as much as possible.

Therapy can focus on learning and incorporating coping skills that can help with managing symptoms of anxiety and depression that can be exacerbated during pregnancy. The experiences of pregnancy can bring up memories of past experiences and traumas that you may want to process and work through prior to giving birth to your child. Planning for the arrival of your child can be supported by your therapist in your work with them.

What are the Three Types of Postpartum?

Postpartum Depression - Within the first few days after giving birth most new moms experience the "baby blues", which can include many shifts in mood and emotions for the following 2 weeks. For some mothers, these symptoms last beyond 2 weeks and it is then identified as Postpartum Depression. Symptoms of Postpartum Depression include crying, irritability, hopelessness, low energy, loss of interest in hobbies and activities, feeling overwhelmed, and depressed mood. It can lead to difficulty in bonding with the child and withdrawing from family and friends.

Postpartum Anxiety - Postpartum anxiety can also develop following the birth of a new child. It can occur alongside Postpartum Depression or alone. It can include symptoms such as feeling short of breath, gastrointestinal concerns, intrusive racing irrational thoughts, overwhelming irrational fears, irritability, checking things repeatedly, and disrupted sleep. People experiencing postpartum anxiety may feel like their baby is constantly in danger.

Postpartum Psychosis - Postpartum Psychosis is the rarest of postpartum concerns, and usually develops within the first week after delivery. Symptoms are severe and can include hallucinations, delusions, obsessive thoughts about the child, paranoia, sleep concerns, and feelings of confusion. Postpartum Psychosis can lead to making attempts to hurt yourself or your baby. For this reason, immediate and intensive treatment is important to keep everyone safe.

How can Therapy Help with Postpartum Concerns?
Therapy provides a non-judgmental safe environment to explore and process your thoughts and emotions with another person. As a person with a new child, many thoughts and feelings are likely to arise, some of which you joyously share with others and post on social media, and others that you may feel unsure of or uncomfortable with. Therapy can help you to work through these difficult thoughts and feelings so that you can move forward in bonding with your child.

Online Therapy in NY for Peripartum & Postpartum Concerns

Online therapy in NY can be extremely beneficial when focusing on peripartum and postpartum concerns. During the process of pregnancy you may feel energized one day and lethargic the next. It can be difficult to be able to commit to regular therapy appointments in the office due to doctor visits, preparing for the new child, trying to maintain a work schedule, and feeling tired. Online therapy affords you flexibility to attend sessions in a restful position at home.

As you welcome your baby into your home, it is likely that you will be very busy and may not have the time to attend appointments with added travel time to and from the office. Participating in appointments via online therapy allows you to maximize your time effectively. Your online therapist may involve the child in your therapy via telehealth if you both think it would be helpful as you work towards your goals.

Questions about Peripartum & Postpartum Therapy in NY?

Call us at (516) 406-8991. Speak with a therapist to answer your questions about therapy for peripartum and postpartum concerns.

Ready to Schedule an Appointment for Peripartum & Postpartum Therapy in NY?

Fill out our Contact Form, or use our online portal to check availability in real time and request an initial appointment.