Perinatal mental health
I am certified as a specialist in perinatal mental health (PMH-C) by Postpartum Support International, the leading training and credentialing agency in the field. CBT is a first-line treatment for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, making these complementary specialties.
Read on for more information about postpartum issues, and don’t wait to set up a professional support network as part of your journey into parenthood.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) affect many hopeful, expectant, and new parents, often catching them off guard. The reality of becoming a parent doesn’t always match expectations.
Up to 1 in 5 moms and 1 in 10 dads will experience one or more PMADs. Peripartum depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, and trauma are common and may be treated at the outpatient level. Postpartum psychosis is a rare complication and medical emergency. Other peripartum issues may center around fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, relationship conflicts, role transitions, body image issues, financial stressors, and more.
Often, societal assumptions about pregnancy and parenthood contribute to the problem - and to the resulting spiral of guilt, shame, and isolation. Consider the impact of some of these common assumptions in a case where the circumstances simply don’t match:
All pregnancies are wanted.
Getting pregnant is easy/hard.
A pregnancy/delivery means a healthy baby.
A C-section birth is the "easy way out."
Bonding with baby will happen instantly.
Breastfeeding will come easily/naturally.
Becoming a parent is a joyous thing.
Social and professional support go a long way during the peripartum period. Effective planning during pregnancy, which may include partners or families, can help mobilize resources and practical assistance. Don’t wait to set up a support network.
If postpartum mood symptoms are present, get help. Therapy is the best path to recovery. You may consider telehealth for its convenience and accessibility.
Postpartum Support International also offers many free, specialized online support groups. Some of these include: NICU parents, military moms, LGBTQIA+, BIPOC, single parents, and dads support groups. Visit https://www.postpartum.net/ for more.