On an unexpected journey?

Of course, pregnancy & early parenthood bring major life changes & this time can be full of mixed emotions, both ups & downs. But it is not generally well known that Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) are the most common complication of pregnancy. Grandma sure didn’t talk about it.

But the conversation is changing. We now know an estimated one in five pregnant & birthing people experience PMADs. The numbers are even higher for high-stress parenting groups: families of color, queer families, military families & families with teen parents. Individual risk factors contribute: a history of psychiatric illness, lack of a robust social support system, chronic health problems or pregnancy complications & the birth experience itself. Severe deficits in structural support also impact the mental health of birthing people: there is no mandatory paid parental leave in the United States & the cost of childcare is exorbitant. Welcoming a new baby to the family is no small feat for anyone. For some, maintaining your mental health can be an incredible challenge.

While symptoms of the "baby blues" are extremely common (tearfulness, mood swings, disturbances in sleep & appetite, worry & stress about parenting), they typically begin to lift on their own within 2-3 weeks after delivery as families start to adjust to life with an infant. The difference is PMADs are more intense & persistent, overall more disruptive to functioning & require professional help to manage. You don’t have to handle this all your own.

Symptoms of Perinatal Depression:

• Feelings of anger, irritability and/or rage

• Lack of interest in the baby

• Disturbances of sleep & appetite

• Crying & sadness

• Feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness

• Loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy

• Possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

Symptoms of Perinatal Anxiety:

• Constant worry

• Feeling that something bad might happen

• Racing thoughts

• Disturbances of sleep & appetite

• Inability to sit still

• Physical symptoms could include dizziness, hot flashes diarrhea & nausea

• Feelings of anger, irritability &/or rage

• Nervousness/on edge/anxious, trouble relaxing

There is hope.

Early intervention can make a difference for the mental health of the birthing person. Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders are treatable. Treatment of PMADs can improve the experience parenthood, bonding with the child & also improve health outcomes for the baby & overall well-being of the family.

I have 7 years of experience treating patients navigating high-risk pregnancy & co-occurring mental health concerns through my work with Washington University Department of Psychiatry’s Perinatal Behavioral Health Service. Additionally, I have advanced training in Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International on evidence-based treatment for birthing people struggling with mood symptoms during pre-conception, pregnancy & the postpartum period.

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Investment:

45-50 minute telehealth (virtual) sessions

$135 initial evaluation session, 50-55 minutes

$125 per session for established clients