Pregnancy, childbirth and parenthood are some of the most extraordinary and complicated experiences of a lifetime.  But we often don't talk about how emotionally, physically and mentally-draining these experiences are. When we try, we are often invalidated or shamed in social circles. While there can be precious moments of joy and profound love, there is also anxiety, confusion, grief and anger. Women still often bear the full burden of many unrecognized responsibilities and expectations, living in a culture that still tells them they need to be and do it all.  It's no surprise that many moms secretly feel that they are just not measuring up to unreachable expectations.  Add postpartum mental illness to the picture and daily life can feel even more overwhelming and impossible to manage.

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The truth is that anyone-- regardless of economic, ethnic or personal background-- can be struck with postpartum anxiety and depression, including fathers and non-biological parents.  It often catches families by surprise.   In fact, recent studies indicate that as many as 1 in 5 women experiences PPD.  Experiencing these debilitating symptoms while sleep-deprived, trying to care for an infant can make each day feel like you are swimming upstream, fighting a strong current that is pushing you down. Without the right support,  symptoms will often worsen and sometimes become quite serious.

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        It doesn't have to be this lonely or hard.  Therapy can be where we begin to take care of and hold space for you.  We may explore how pregnancy and motherhood have impacted your life and identity.  We may talk about how tired, confused and worried you are since you had your baby. Perhaps your struggles are actually a very normal reaction to the profound adjustments of parenthood in a society that does not support parents enough.  Perhaps your symptoms are also a sign of postpartum illness.   My perinatal training will help us to quickly discern what direction we need to go in to help you to take the steps necessary to feel better.   Because it takes a village to support a family, I try to collaborate closely with partners, lactation consultants, pediatricians, OB GYNs and other involved providers.

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