Providing support and understanding during this new phase of life
✦
Providing support and understanding during this new phase of life ✦
Postpartum Depression Therapist
Online therapy in Minneapolis, MN
and throughout Minneapolis & Arizona
Do you feel like you're not living up to your own expectations for being a parent?
Life might feel a little chaotic right now. You definitely weren’t expecting things to be so difficult and different from what you thought parenthood would be like. You expected to be able to know how to handle everything with the baby and life but you’re feeling like you have no idea what you’re doing.You might be feeling like you…
Don’t know who you are
Can’t say “no” despite you feeling like you want to scream “NO” at the top of your lungs
Overthink everything and constantly worry about something bad happening to your baby
Will never sleep more than an hour or two at a time again
Can’t keep up with household chores
Haven’t showered in days
Struggling to connect with your baby and/or your partner
Don’t understand why things are so difficult
Miss the independence you had before the baby
You’re struggling to figure out how you’re going to manage everything you have on your plate.
It’s ok you’re not feeling ok.
I know it may feel really hard right now to ask for help. You feel like all the other parents have their shit together. You’re tied up with everything you have going on with the baby that you feel guilty for even think about taking the time to help yourself, yet it is the thing you need the most. You don’t have to struggle on your own.
Therapy is a place dedicated entirely to you, to help you prioritize your life so that things can start to feel more manageable. Therapy is a place where you can say out loud the things you might not have been comfortable saying to others for fear of shame and/or guilt. Therapy is ultimately a place where you can gain confidence in your skills as a parent and your identity not just as a parent but as a human being, set healthy expectations with others and yourself, and take a break without feeling guilty.
What's the difference between "Baby blues" and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?
BABY BLUES
Typically occur for about 1-2 weeks after your baby is born and usually go away after that.
Feelings of being frustrated, guilt, irritability or overwhelm.
Racing thoughts including, I’m a bad mother because I don’t know how to sooth my baby
Likely to have rapid mood changes (happy one moment, sad the next)
Changes in sleep pattern (more or less)
Shame and guilt
Can’t concentrate
Don’t feel a connection to the baby initially but eventually you start connecting with them.
POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION
More than just the baby blues, doesn’t go away after 2 weeks.
Uninterested in your newborn for more than 2 weeks
Feeling overwhelmed, worthless, intense anxious, crying or sad all the time, extremely low energy or motivation and forgetful
Like you want to sleep or eat more or less than you usually do
Intensely worried about your baby
Can’t leave the baby with anyone but you
Checking on the baby frequently without cause
Uninterested. in doing things you used to enjoy
Physical symptoms include headachy, pain in your chest or like you can’t catch your breath, can’t sit still, upset stomach
What if you couldfeel like this…
Feel confident in your ability as a parent
Process feelings of guilt and shame
Learn to say no to others
Improve communication with your partner
Find a balance between your new and old life
Start being kind and understanding towards yourself
Reduce your constant worry about everything
Improve your self-care without guilt or shame
I’m here to help you feel like the amazing parent you already are.
Common questions about Postpartum Depression
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Perinatal is conception, anytime during the pregnancy and through the first year after birth.
PMADs more than just the baby blues, it includes Postpartum Depression, Anxiety, Panic disorders, OCD, PTSD, and Postpartum Psychosis.
It is important to understand that you are ‘Postpartum’ no matter the age of your child/children.
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Here are some ways to help…
• Take time for yourself
• Shower or bath
• Listen to calming music
• Give yourself a break, validate how you're feeling
• Take deep breaths
• Do small achievable tasks
• Take one day at a time
• See a therapy and/or a psychiatrist
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Absolutely, according to Postpartum Support International nearly 1 in 10 dads get postpartum depression.
In addition to supporting mothers, I also work with fathers who struggle with adjusting to this new phase of life. Maybe you just need support because your partner is struggling
Can LGBTQ+ parents get Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?
According to Postpartum Support International LGBTQ+ parents are at a higher risk of perinatal mood struggles due to a variety of things.
I understand the unique challenges that can come from being a parent and someone who identifies as being LGBTQ+, learn more about how I can support you in this new chapter of your life.
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Having a plan for dealing with the various issues associated with giving birth and bringing your baby home is usually an afterthought. This often contributes to the birthing parent to feel an increase in stress, isolation, and variety of other emotions.
The Bump has an excellent example of a birth plan.
Baby chick has an excellent example of a postpartum plan.
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It’s a common misconception that you can’t have Postpartum Anxiety and/or depression if it’s not your first child but you can absolutely have these challenges no matter how many children you have. We don’t completely understand why you may get Postpartum Depression and/or Anxiety with one child but not the next but it’s always a possibility. The severity can also vary with each child you have.
You don’t have to do this alone.
Postpartum Support International
HelpLine: 1.800.944.4773
Text in English: 800-944-4773
Text en Español: 971-203-7773