Counseling for Other Perinatal Challenges
Breastfeeding Challenges & Mental Health:
Have you asked: "Why is breastfeeding so hard?" "Is it okay to stop breastfeeding for my mental health?" Breastfeeding difficulties (latch problems, low supply, pain, exhaustion) can contribute to or worsen postpartum depression and anxiety. Many parents feel intense guilt or shame about formula feeding or early weaning, creating a vicious cycle. The pressure to breastfeed, combined with sleep deprivation and physical pain, can lead to burnout and difficulty bonding. Your mental health matters as much as feeding choices - there is no shame in formula feeding or combination feeding. We are here to help you navigate these decisions and reduce shame.
Sleep Deprivation:
Have you asked: "How much sleep is too little?" "Can sleep deprivation cause postpartum depression?" Severe sleep deprivation is one of the strongest risk factors for perinatal mood disorders and can worsen existing conditions. Lack of sleep affects hormone regulation (including milk supply for breastfeeding parents), cognitive function, emotional regulation, immune function, and postpartum recovery. Sleep deprivation can also trigger manic episodes in those with bipolar disorder. Getting support to protect sleep - through partner rotation, pumping for shared feeds, or asking for help - is essential for mental health, and we can help you problem-solve how to get more rest and work collaboratively together.
Perinatal OCD:
Have you ever asked: "Why do I have scary thoughts about my baby?" "Am I going to hurt my baby?" Perinatal OCD affects 3-5% of new parents and involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts about harm coming to the baby (often through contamination, accidents, or intentional harm), along with compulsive behaviors like excessive checking, cleaning, or avoidance. These thoughts are deeply distressing but do NOT mean you will act on them - they're a symptom of OCD, not your true desires. Treatment through specialized therapy (ERP) is highly effective.
Perinatal Bipolar Disorder:
Have you ever asked: "Why do I have so much energy but also feel depressed?" "Is this more than postpartum depression?" Research shows that 50% of women with bipolar disorder are first diagnosed in the postpartum period. Symptoms can include severe mood swings, periods of elevated energy or irritability followed by depression, racing thoughts, and impulsive behavior. Childbirth can trigger manic or depressive episodes, and proper diagnosis is crucial because treatment differs significantly from standard postpartum depression treatment.
Postpartum Psychosis:
This is rare but good for you and your loved ones to know about! Do you feel like you may be losing touch with reality, or asked "Why am I seeing/hearing things that aren't there?" Postpartum psychosis is a psychiatric emergency affecting 1-2 per 1,000 new mothers, usually within the first two weeks after birth. Symptoms include hallucinations, delusions, severe confusion, disorganized thinking, paranoia, and rapid mood changes. This is NOT the same as intrusive thoughts from OCD - it requires immediate medical attention and hospitalization. It is highly treatable with early intervention, and most women recover fully.
Partner Support & Relationship Strain:
Have you asked: "How can my partner help?" "Why doesn't my partner understand what I need?" The transition to parenthood creates significant relationship stress, and lack of adequate partner support is a major risk factor for perinatal mental health problems. Parents need partners who share nighttime responsibilities, take on household tasks, provide emotional support, and understand the physical and mental demands of the postpartum period. Many partners want to help but don't know how - education, communication, and shared responsibility are key to protecting parental mental health and relationship health.
