How long does postpartum therapy typically last?

The duration of postpartum therapy varies depending on individual needs. Some may benefit from short-term support, while others may choose longer-term counseling to address ongoing challenges and personal growth.

Postpartum and Perinatal Mental Health Counseling

What is Postpartum and Perinatal Mental Health?

Q: When is the right time to consider postpartum therapy?

Postpartum therapy can be beneficial at any point during the postpartum period. If you're experiencing emotional challenges, mood changes, or difficulties adjusting to motherhood, seeking therapy early on can provide valuable support.

Perinatal mental health refers to a woman’s mental health during pregnancy and the postpartum period. A perinatal mental health therapist can be a helpful resource and support to help women deal with and overcome mental health challenges during that period of time.

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Common Questions Related to Postpartum and Perinatal Mental Health

It is supposed to be a happy and exciting time when you are pregnant and about to have a baby, right?

Then, why am I feeling sad and depressed?
Why do I have so many fears about everything?
How come I have feelings of loss?
Why do I feel no connection?
It’s scary that I have negative thoughts and feelings toward my baby.
What is going on with me?
Am I a bad mother? Am I going crazy?

Well, because it is a life-changing process that involves a lot of challenges, which nobody really tells you before you have a baby, and the process usually does not go as perfectly as we have imagined.

Postpartum and Perinatal Changes May Include:

Hormonal changes
Changes in body image
Pregnancy/birth not going as expected
Your body needing to heal from having a baby
Consistently not getting enough sleep
Establishing a new routine
Transitioning to a new identity of being a mom
Bonding and connecting with the baby
Adjusting to changes in responsibilities and relationships
Changes in sense of freedom, control, and self-esteem
Impact on sense of career and career potential

When you add other complicating factors, such as a traumatic birth and a baby having medical issues, it can be overwhelming for the mom to handle.

What is the research on postpartum and maternal mental health?

According to Postpartum Support International (PSI), “while many women experience some mild mood change or the blues during or after the birth of a child, 1 in 7 women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety. 1 in 10 dads become depressed during the first year.” The symptoms can become severe enough to meet the criteria for one of the Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD) and have negative consequences for the mom, the baby, other family members, and society.

“I started to experience a sick sensation in my stomach; it was as if a vise were tightening around my chest. Instead of the nervous anxiety that often accompanies panic, a feeling of devastation overcame me. I hardly moved. Sitting on my bed, I let out a deep, slow, guttural wail. I wasn’t simply emotional or weepy, like I had been told I might be. This was something quite different. This was sadness of a shockingly different magnitude. It felt as if it would never go away.”

Down Came the Rain: My Journey Through Postpartum Depression by Brooke Shields, 2005

A woman in a yellow dress standing in a field. Image representing postpartum and perinatal mental health counseling.

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Examples of Postpartum Issues That a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist Can Help With:

Depression
Anxiety or Panic Disorder
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder
Perinatal Bipolar Disorder
Psychosis

What Causes These Postpartum Issues?

These disorders can affect people at any time. However, according to PSI (Postpartum Support International), there is a marked increase in the prevalence of these disorders during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It likely arises from a complex interaction of both biological and environmental factors.

These postpartum and perinatal risk factors may include:

Genetics
Biological sensitivity to hormonal changes
History of depression, anxiety, or other mental health disorders, including a history of PMAD
History of trauma, or a recent traumatic event
Lack of social/environmental as well as financial support
High-stress parenting, such as single moms and moms of multiples

A woman and child enjoying a serene beach. Promoting postpartum and perinatal mental health counseling.

With Help From a Postpartum Mental Health Therapist in North Carolina, You Will:

gain more support in a safe environment during a very challenging time of your life
recognize the real impact of becoming a parent on different areas of your life
learn to navigate through the challenges and adjust to the changes
gain a better understanding of how your thoughts and behaviors may have contributed to and even perpetuated the problems
learn different tools to obtain relief from troubling symptoms and relationship struggles
have improved quality of life and satisfaction

Common questions about Postpartum therapy

What is postpartum therapy?

Postpartum therapy is a specialized form of counseling that focuses on the emotional well-being of mothers and sometimes fathers during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It addresses various challenges, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and the adjustments that come with motherhood.

When is the right time to consider postpartum therapy?

Postpartum therapy can be beneficial at any point during pregnancy and the postpartum period. If you’re experiencing emotional challenges, mood changes, or difficulties adjusting to motherhood, seeking therapy early on can provide valuable support.

What issues does postpartum therapy address?

Postpartum therapy addresses a range of issues, including postpartum depression, anxiety, stress, relationship changes, self-esteem concerns, and the overall emotional well-being of mothers during the pregnancy and postpartum period.

Is postpartum therapy only for those with severe postpartum depression?

No, postpartum therapy is for any mother experiencing emotional challenges during the pregnancy and postpartum period, whether mild or severe. It offers support, coping strategies, and a safe space for expression.

How does online postpartum therapy work?

Online postpartum therapy provides the convenience of remote counseling through secure virtual platforms. It allows mothers to access professional support from the comfort of their homes, breaking down barriers to seeking help.

What can I expect in a postpartum therapy session?

In a postpartum therapy session, you can expect a safe and non-judgmental space to discuss your feelings and challenges. The therapist will work collaboratively with you to develop coping strategies and personalized approaches to improve your well-being.

Can partners be involved in postpartum therapy sessions?

Absolutely. Postpartum therapy can involve partners, offering a supportive space for open communication, understanding, and collaboration in navigating the challenges of the postpartum period. However, it is not couples counseling. The focus of the session would still be on supporting the mother.

How do I know if I need postpartum therapy?

If you’re experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, difficulty bonding with your baby, changes in sleep or appetite, or any emotional distress, seeking the guidance of a postpartum therapist can be beneficial.

How do I get started with postpartum therapy?

Getting started is as simple as reaching out to a qualified postpartum therapist. You can schedule an appointment with one of our postpartum therapists directly from the website or contact our client care coordinator to get started. Taking this step is a positive and proactive move toward prioritizing your maternal well-being.