Infertility

Becoming a parent is not always an easy journey. The act of getting pregnant is sometimes the greatest barrier to starting a family. Receiving an infertility diagnosis, and being told that this journey will be more challenging will often bring up significant stress, anxiety, grief and sometimes depression.

It can be challenging to discuss these complex feelings with loved ones. Infertility can often place strain on your relationship as you are both going through your own emotional process. It is also common for friends and family to not respond in an understanding manner. This sometimes leads to hurtful and invalidating comments and advice.

 It can be helpful to receive support during this journey. You do not need to go through this alone. I’d be honored to join you on your path to parenthood.

Miscarriage and Pregnancy Loss

The pain and grief from a miscarriage or still birth is indescribable. From the moment you become pregnant you begin to envision your pregnancy, birth, and all the milestones to come. It is hard to process how all of these hopes and dreams can be ripped away so quickly.

It can be hard to talk to your loved ones, even your partner as this loss is very different from others you may have experienced. Often, this is one of the deepest pains you will ever go through in your life, though others around you may just encourage you to move forward and keep trying. Many emotions arise during this time and life feels very unfair. You feel like no one understands your pain. I will create a safe space for you to experience and process this pain and help you heal from this unimaginable loss.

Pregnancy

Pregnancy is like no other experience you will ever go through in your lifetime. It is a time of great transition, both physically and mentally. Your hormones are shifting, your body is changing, and all of a sudden your thoughts shift to this little being that your body is working so hard to grow. 

For many, learning they are pregnant comes with great joy and excitement. However, there are many other complex emotions and worries that can arise during pregnancy. You may have been carefree prior to pregnancy and now you are worried about every little detail. Maybe you are crying more than usual, or you just cannot stand feeling sick anymore.

Those who experienced infertility or pregnancy loss prior to their current pregnancy are at even higher risk of anxiety. It can be difficult to allow yourself to get excited, it can be hard to go to doctor’s visits, and it can be scary as you approach the day you give birth. Some may even experience sadness or depression during their pregnancy in response to painful memories and experiences. 

No matter what you are going through during this pregnancy, it can be helpful to receive support. Receiving help during pregnancy has been shown to help reduce postpartum distress. 

Postpartum

Becoming a parent is a life altering experience. After birth your body and mind go through tremendous changes. Physically you are tired. Your body is working hard to heal and take care of this new being. Mentally you are experiencing an identity shift, loss of independence, and relationship changes. You experience body image issues, lack of sleep and a wide range of emotions. It is understandably overwhelming.

Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) are more common than you may think. 1 in 5 new moms will suffer from a mood or anxiety disorder within the first year after birth. It is often challenging for new moms to seek help even when they recognize something is wrong. Postpartum Depression and Anxiety often come with embarrassment, shame, and confusion. You may find yourself feeling so alone, like no one in the world can understand the distress you are in. You do not have to go through this alone. I have helped many new moms navigate these complex feelings and changes. Together we will work to get you feeling better.