Therapy for Perinatal, Pregnancy, and
Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

Therapy for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

This time is often described as one of the best of your life. You’ve probably seen images of a glowing mother holding her newborn.

Maybe you’re having moments like that—or maybe you’re in it so deeply that you find yourself wondering what everyone else is talking about.

Because the truth is—it can be really hard.

What This Can Feel Like During the Transition to Motherhood

You may find yourself:

• Feeling constantly on edge, anxious, or irritable

• Overwhelmed and burned out

• Overthinking decisions related to your baby or parenting

• Struggling to relax or sleep, even when you have the opportunity

• Struggling to leave the house

• Feeling disconnected—from yourself, your partner, or your baby

• Questioning whether you’re doing enough or doing things “right”

• Carrying a sense of guilt, pressure, or self-doubt

• Feeling self-conscious about changes to your body

These experiences are more common than people talk about—and they’re something you don’t have to navigate alone.

Understanding Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression

Approximately 80% of women experience what’s commonly referred to as the “Baby Blues” in the days following birth, which is caused by lack of sleep and hormonal shifts.

Common signs can include crying, anxiety, and mood swings. The “Baby Blues” are temporary and relatively mild, and you can still experience moments of joy and connection.

Postpartum Depression, on the other hand, tends to feel more persistent and overwhelming. You may find yourself crying more often than not, feeling unusually irritable or reactive, or struggling with a sense of heaviness that doesn’t lift. You may feel stuck in a deeper sense of loss- whether that’s a shift in identity, changes in your relationships, or the feeling that your sense of freedom or sense of self has changed in ways you weren’t prepared for.

Understanding Postpartum Anxiety

Postpartum anxiety is an anxiety disorder that develops after childbirth. It involves ongoing worry, fear, or a sense of dread about motherhood. You may find yourself constantly thinking about your baby’s health and safety, struggling to relax, or having difficulty sleeping—even when your baby is asleep. Unlike the typical worries that come with being a new parent, postpartum anxiety involves persistent, intrusive thoughts that can disrupt your day-to-day life.

How Therapy Can Support You

• Develop practical, sustainable strategies to manage Postpartum Anxiety, Depression, and overwhelm

• Improve sleep and learn how to quiet your mind, so you can rest more easily when your baby is asleep

• Strengthen your bond with your baby

• Process identity changes and losses while finding small ways to feel like yourself again

• Let go of unrealistic expectations and relate to yourself with more compassion

• Develop a clearer understanding of your needs and communicate them more effectively with your partner and others

• Build confidence in your role as a parent while receiving guidance on effective parenting approaches that support a positive parent-child relationship

Other Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders

Sometimes what you’re experiencing may not fit neatly into Postpartum depression or Anxiety. The postpartum period can also include:

• Postpartum anger or rage

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), including symptoms related to birth trauma

Approaches such as EMDR can be especially helpful in processing birth trauma and reducing its emotional intensity.

Therapy for Pregnancy

You’ve probably heard, “Sleep now—you won’t be able to once the baby arrives.”

But it’s not that simple. Maybe you’re already waking up multiple times at night to use the bathroom, or lying awake with your mind racing- worrying if the delivery will go smoothly, whether you will be a good mom, if you have the right stroller…

Becoming a parent is often described as a joyful time—but for many people, it also brings a level of emotional intensity that can feel unexpected.

The postpartum period receives significantly more attention, but pregnancy brings its own set of challenges. It’s normal to feel some anxiety during pregnancy- after all, you're about to embark on a life-changing event. Hormonal changes and uncertainty can all contribute to a sense of anxiety that feels overwhelming or difficult to manage.

Therapy during pregnancy, often referred to as prenatal or perinatal therapy, offers a supportive space to care for your emotional well-being and navigate the challenges that come with this transition.

How Therapy Can Support You

• Navigate anxiety, stress, and emotional changes with more ease

• Begin to relate to your changing body with greater acceptance and care

• Strengthen communication, boundaries, and self-advocacy with your partner and medical providers

• Feel more prepared for birth, postpartum, and parenthood

• Identify your needs and develop a supportive postpartum plan

• Process fears, past experiences, or challenges related to pregnancy or loss

A Final Note About My Work as a Perinatal Therapist

Every parent’s experience during the prenatal and postpartum period is unique. My own experiences across pregnancy, birth, and postpartum deepened my understanding of how varied—and complex—this transition can be.

This personal perspective, combined with my clinical work, led me to pursue certification in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International, along with advanced EMDR training in perinatal and infant mental health.

Online Therapy for Pregnant and Postpartum New Moms

All sessions are held virtually, making it easier to access therapy during a time when leaving home or finding childcare may feel difficult.

I work with pregnant and postpartum moms across Illinois, Washington, Indiana, and Michigan.

If you’re ready for support, you can reach out here.