Perinatal Therapy in Denver

Understanding Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal mental health encompasses emotional wellbeing during pregnancy (prenatal period) and the first year after birth (postpartum period). Many people think mental health challenges only occur after birth, but prenatal depression symptoms and other perinatal mental health conditions are incredibly common and equally deserving of treatment.

Common perinatal mental health conditions:

• Prenatal depression and anxiety during pregnancy

• Peripartum depression that begins during pregnancy or postpartum

• Postpartum depression, anxiety, and mood disorders

• Birth trauma and perinatal PTSD

• Pregnancy loss grief and infertility trauma

Recognizing Prenatal Depression Symptoms

Prenatal depression affects 10-20% of pregnant women, but it often goes undiagnosed because symptoms are attributed to "normal" pregnancy changes.

Common prenatal depression symptoms include:

• Persistent sadness, emptiness, or feeling overwhelmed during pregnancy

• Loss of interest in activities you previously enjoyed

• Excessive worry about your baby's health or your ability to be a good mother

• Difficulty sleeping beyond typical pregnancy discomfort

• Feeling guilty, worthless, or like a burden to others

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions about pregnancy and birth

• Thoughts of harming yourself or not wanting to be pregnant

• Feeling disconnected from your pregnancy or baby

Prenatal anxiety symptoms may include:

• Constant worry about miscarriage, birth defects, or pregnancy complications

• Racing thoughts about all the things that could go wrong

• Physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, sweating, or shortness of breath

• Obsessive research about pregnancy risks and symptoms

Understanding Peripartum Depression

Peripartum depression is the clinical term for depression that occurs during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. This broader definition recognizes that perinatal mental health issues don't start and stop with delivery - they can begin during pregnancy and continue postpartum, or develop at any point during this vulnerable period.

Key features of peripartum depression:

• Can begin during pregnancy, immediately after birth, or months postpartum

• Often involves specific concerns about being a good mother or bonding with the baby

• May be accompanied by anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or trauma symptoms

• Requires specialized treatment that considers pregnancy and breastfeeding safety

My Specialized Approach to Perinatal Mental Health

Perinatal Mental Health Expertise: I understand the unique challenges of emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and early motherhood, providing informed care throughout your entire perinatal journey.

Pregnancy-Safe Treatment: All therapeutic approaches are carefully considered for safety during pregnancy and breastfeeding, with collaboration with your healthcare providers when needed.

Trauma-Informed Care: Birth trauma, medical procedures, pregnancy loss, and other traumatic experiences require specialized attention using approaches like EMDR therapy.

Holistic Support: Addressing not just symptoms but your relationships, identity, body changes, and life circumstances during this major transition.

Therapeutic Approaches I Use

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Proven effective for perinatal depression, focusing on relationship changes and role transitions during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Addressing anxious thoughts about pregnancy, birth, and parenting while developing practical coping strategies.

EMDR for Perinatal Trauma: Processing birth trauma, pregnancy loss, infertility trauma, or other traumatic experiences. Learn more about EMDR therapy.

Attachment and Bonding Support: Helping develop secure attachment with your baby, especially if bonding feels difficult.

Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Developing present-moment awareness and reducing anxiety about pregnancy outcomes and parenting challenges.

Specialized Services

Pregnancy Loss Support: Compassionate care for miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, including complicated grief and trying to conceive again.

Infertility Mental Health: Support for the emotional challenges of fertility treatments and pregnancy after infertility.

High-Risk Pregnancy Support: Mental health care for women with pregnancy complications or medical conditions affecting pregnancy.

Birth Trauma Processing: Support for difficult labor, delivery, or NICU experiences that create lasting emotional impact.

When to Seek Perinatal Mental Health Support

During Pregnancy:

• Persistent sadness or anxiety that interferes with daily functioning

• Difficulty enjoying your pregnancy or feeling connected to your baby

• Excessive worry about pregnancy complications or birth outcomes

• Thoughts of harming yourself or not wanting to be pregnant

After Birth:

• Symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Birth trauma symptoms or PTSD reactions

• Intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or your baby

Crisis Resources: If you're having thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room immediately.

Recovery and Healing

Healing from perinatal mental health challenges is absolutely possible with appropriate support. Recovery often includes:

• Emotional regulation skills for managing mood swings and anxiety

• Improved relationships and communication with your partner

• Processing trauma from difficult pregnancy or birth experiences

• Developing secure bonding with your baby at your own pace

• Self-compassion during this challenging and transformative time

Ready to Get the Support You Deserve?

Perinatal mental health challenges are real, common, and treatable. Whether you're currently pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or in your first year postpartum, specialized support can make a tremendous difference.

You deserve to feel emotionally healthy and supported throughout your entire perinatal journey.

Schedule a consultation to discuss how perinatal therapy can support your mental health during pregnancy and beyond.

Related services: Depression Therapy | Anxiety Therapy | Trauma Therapy | Body Image Therapy | EMDR Therapy | Relationship Therapy | Postpartum Therapy | Nutrition Therapy

More about my approach: My therapeutic philosophy