Prenatal/Postpartum Depression Counseling
Have you ever asked:
"Why can't I feel connected to my baby?" "Is it normal to feel nothing inside?" "Why can't I sleep even when the baby sleeps?" "Why am I crying in the shower?" "Why does this feel so much harder than I thought it would?" "Am I just not cut out for this?" "Is something wrong with me?" "Did I make a mistake having a baby?"
You're not alone. And nothing is wrong with you. Postpartum depression is real, it's common, and it's treatable. You don't have to go through the motions. You don't have to pretend. You just need support - and a space where you can be honest about what you're really feeling.
The truth? 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience perinatal depression. It's not a character flaw. It's not weakness. And it doesn't mean you don't love your baby. If you're struggling, you deserve support - not judgment. Let's find a way forward.
Wondering if you might have postpartum depression?
Symptoms of Perinatal Depression:
Symptoms can start anytime during pregnancy or postpartum and may look different for each person: feelings of anger, irritability, or rage; lack of interest in the baby; sleep disturbances (even when baby is sleeping) or changes in appetite; crying and persistent sadness; feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness; loss of interest or joy in things you used to enjoy; possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself. You just no longer feel like yourself.
Risk Factors:
If you have some of these risk factors, it does not necessarily mean you will develop PPD. However, risk factors include: personal or family history of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions; PMDD or severe PMS; inadequate support in caring for the baby; financial or relationship stress; history of abuse or trauma; complications during pregnancy, birth, or lactation; thyroid imbalance or diabetes; unplanned or unwanted pregnancy; pregnancy or infant loss; having multiples or a baby in the NICU; and belonging to high-stress parenting groups (LGBTQ+ families, military families, teen parents, single parents, parents of color, near-miss survivors). Don't panic if you have some of these - just reach out for support (and talk to your medical provider if you haven't already, to discuss options).