Pregnancy and Postpartum

This period of life often brings a lot of "shoulds." You "should be nothing but happy. You "should" only feel grateful. You "shouldn't" feel sad, alone, scared, or mad. These expectations put immense pressure on new moms, moms-to-be, and those struggling. Yet, it's normal not to always feel these "shoulds". There's nothing wrong with you- this can be a challenging time, and sometimes it feels like your hormones are in control. Let's work together to help you feel whole again.

You’ve got a little one now. Congratulations! This new season of life is full of complex feelings of joy, fear and loss. Perhaps, life post partum just isn’t what you thought it would be. Maybe your past childhood trauma (that you worked so hard on in therapy) has popped back up again in light of now being a parent yourself. Having a space to be honest about these feelings and experiences can help you be the parent you want to be.

No matter what, becoming a parent is life changing. With that change can come joy and also loss. Postpartum depression, anxiety, and OCD can look much different before, during, and after pregnancy. I am trained and prepared to help you identify these sneaky symptoms and help you live the full life you desire as a parent and just as you.

I am certified in perinatal mental health counseling and love to support pregnant people and partners through pregnancy and the postpartum period as the transition to parenthood can be both beautiful and difficult.

Pregnancy & Postpartum can be some toughest life changing transitions in a woman's life. Losing oneself in motherhood is a common experience. Becoming overwhelmed, stressed, getting stuck in your thoughts, & constant pressure or comparison can plague a new mom or mother in transition. I am passionate about helping moms find their way through this new phase of life, while also bringing elements of her old life. (Perinatal Mood Disorders Trained- Postpartum Support International)

If you're pregnant, or recently gave birth, struggle can show up in lots of ways: depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts and actions, PTSD, and in rare cases psychosis. You do not have to suffer alone and there is nothing "wrong" with being unable to bask in the glow of pregnancy and parenthood the way you're "supposed to." These issues are treatable with compassion, acceptance, and research-backed therapy. Let's normalize your scary thoughts and figure out your plan for recovery together.

I was in active practice as a labor and delivery nurse for 20 years, from 2000 to 2020. This experience along with my training in clinical psychology has allowed me to understand challenges within the peripartum period from a unique perspective. I can assist with mood disorders, pregnancy loss/grief, infertility, and birth trauma, and I am an advocate for women's healthcare across the board.

This time in our lives gives us a lot of "shoulds". You "should" be nothing but happy. You "should" only feel grateful. You "should" not feel sad, or alone, or scared. This puts so much pressure on new moms, moms-to-be, or those struggling. Yet, it can be normal not to feel these "shoulds". There's nothing wrong with you- this can be a hard time, and sometimes our hormones feel like they're in control. Let's work together to make you feel whole again.

Life transitions can be difficult, and preparing for the arrival of a child are no different. Even in the best of circumstances, a new addition to your family can spark difficulties. Physical, emotional and financial stress can take a toll, and so many women feel stress about what they “should” be doing. Parenthood is rewarding, but we can’t pretend it isn’t hard. It truly takes a village, and I am happy to be a part of yours.

Are you experiencing difficulties adjusting to pregnancy, coping with anxiety or depression during pregnancy, or struggling with the challenges of postpartum adjustment? You're not alone. I'm here to offer a safe and supportive space where you can explore your emotions, process your experiences, and develop effective coping strategies. As a therapist specializing in pregnancy and postpartum challenges, I'm here to provide compassionate support and guidance to individuals and families.

You did the hard part, or so you thought. The pregnancy and birthing is finally over but now life seems so much more overwhelming. Everyone makes it look so easy and yet that is not your experience. The ruminating thoughts swirl in your head, it would be scary for people to hear what you've been thinking. And the anxiety feels so high you just can't concentrate. You know you need the help and feel like such a failure. But it is finally time, reach out today.

All parts of the perinatal, postpartum and parenting journey are, shall we say, interesting, and sometimes those experiences become much more intense than we ever expected! Let's acknowledge this path can be anytime from considering having a kid through adjusting to parenthood with your third (or more!). So many challenges are found along the way, sometimes needing more support than you readily have available. Whatever your story is, I am prepared to walk alongside you on your perinatal path.

Becoming a mother is the most difficult and complicated adjustment you will ever experience. Your body and life will never be the same. From the moment you share the news of your pregnancy, anyone and everyone seems to have an opinion, and it feels like you're wearing a t-shirt that says, "Please Advise Me On Caring For My Offspring." Don't try to get through this time alone. Let's talk about creating a plan to make sure you stay mentally healthy even on very little sleep.

Specialties include: infertility, miscarriage, perinatal & postpartum depression/anxiety, attachment & past trauma impacting current parenting anxieties or difficulties, & supporting couples through the transition of becoming parents Certifications: Maternal Mental Health Certification Gottman Bringing Baby Home Educator Gottman Emotion Coach for Parents of children 3-15

Parenting is stressful and the early months can be the hardest! There are lot of expectations placed on mothers by themselves and others and it can be difficult when things don't go as planned or certain standards feel unrealistic to live up to. Because of the extreme stress, change, and hormonal changes, it's very common for women to notice heightened anxiety, depression, or other strong emotions during pregnancy and the months following.

Pregnancy and Postpartum life can be HARD. Because it's so challenging, women often experience Postpartum Depression, and lesser discussed Postpartum Anxiety. I'm here to help you navigate life with your new little one, tackle your new role as a parent, and keep connected with your partner.

My interest in the field of perinatal mental health began in 2021 after my son was born. I began training in perinatal mood disorders in 2022 through Postpartum Support International. I became certified in 2023. I have worked with clients through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.