Therapy for Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Therapy for Pregnancy
Do you hate it when people tell you, “You should sleep now because you won't be able to sleep when the baby is born?” Well, sure, if you didn't have to go to the bathroom a few times a night, or if you weren't tossing and turning in your sleep worrying if the delivery will go smoothly, if you will be a good mom, if you have the right crib, and so on…
The postpartum period receives significantly more attention, but pregnancy comes with 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, and nothing can make you feel more anxious than change itself. Add hormones to the mix, and anxiety can spiral out of control.
Yes, anxiety is a normal part of pregnancy, but it can feel unmanageable at times. Therapy during pregnancy, often referred to as prenatal or perinatal therapy, is a type of counseling that focuses on improving the emotional health of pregnant women. It addresses many of the concerns and challenges that pregnancy can bring.
What are the Benefits of Therapy for Pregnant Women?
Foster Emotional Well-being:
Develop skills to cope with symptoms of depression, stress, anxiety, or other mental health challenges that may occur during pregnancy
Develop skills to cope with mood swings and hormonal changes
Learn how to embrace and even appreciate your changing body
Explore self-care practices
Learn to Build Positive Connections and Healthier Relationships:
Navigate changes in relationships with partners, family, and friends that occur during pregnancy
Improve communication skills and establish boundaries with partners, family, and friends
Improve self-advocacy skills, particularly when dealing with medical providers
Prepare for Birth and Parenting:
Develop tools and skills for handling the upcoming birth and the challenges of early parenthood'
Process Trauma:
Work through any past traumas or fears related to pregnancy, childbirth, or parenting
Support for infertility or pregnancy loss
Therapy for Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
People say this is the best time of your life. You’ve probably seen photos of a glowing mother holding her newborn. Maybe you can notice some of the amazing moments right now, or maybe you’re in it so deep that you wonder what everyone else is talking about. It’s f*ing hard!
Understanding Baby Blues vs. Postpartum Depression
Approximately 80% of women experience the condition known as the “Baby Blues," which is caused by lack of sleep and hormone withdrawal. The most common signs of the “Baby Blues” are crying, anxiety, and mood swings. This phase is temporary and relatively mild, and it is still possible to have moments of joy during this time.
Postpartum Depression, on the other hand, is much more intense. You can't stop crying. You are so angry that you snap at your partner the moment they come home from work. An individual with postpartum depression may become stuck on the losses, such as the loss of identity, loss of freedom, and even a change in relationships as you used to know them.
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is an anxiety disorder that develops after childbirth. It involves excessive worry, fear, or dread about motherhood, the baby's well-being, or other aspects of life. Many women experiencing postpartum anxiety tend to intensely focus on the health and safety of their baby. They often have trouble falling or staying asleep, even when the baby is sleeping. Unlike the normal worries that come with being a new parent, postpartum anxiety involves persistent and intrusive thoughts that disrupt your day-to-day life.
What are the Benefits of Therapy for Women with Postpartum Depression and Anxiety?
Foster Emotional Well-being:
Re-evaluate your expectations, shifting towards more realistic ones
Explore and understand feelings of grief, shame, or guilt in a non-judgmental space
Develop skills to cope with postpartum depression or anxiety
Identify and challenge negative thought patterns, promoting a more positive mindset
Learn stress management techniques to cope with the demands of motherhood and daily life
Discover techniques to calm your mind in order to fall asleep
Learn to Build Positive Connections and Healthier Relationships:
Explore and overcome barriers to asking for help
Strengthen self-advocacy skills to effectively communicate your needs
Improve communication skills and establish boundaries with friends, family, and partners
Receive guidance on effective parenting strategies to build a positive parent-child relationship
Embrace Your New Identity in an Empathic, Non-judgmental Space:
Gain insight into your priorities while navigating motherhood
Explore self-care practices tailored to your individual needs, promoting overall well-being and balance
What are Other Types of Postpartum Mood Disorders?
Sometimes what you are going through does not feel like postpartum depression or anxiety. During the postpartum period, women may also symptoms of postpartum anger or rage, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). PTSD can be triggered by birth trauma. EMDR is very effective for treating birth trauma.
A Final Note About Ivy
Every parent's experience during the prenatal or postpartum period is unique. Ivy's experiences during her pregnancy, births, and postpartum period were very different. This personal journey led her to pursue a certification in Perinatal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International, as well as advanced EMDR training in Perinatal and Infant Mental Health.
Get Started with Therapy for Pregnancy and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety in Evanston, Chicago, IL and Beyond
You’re getting advice from everyone, whether it’s welcomed or not, from the baby’s sleep to the breastmilk or formula choice. (Hint: fed is best). Instead, seek support in an empathic, non-judgemental space to explore, heal, and grow. You can choose to carve out the therapy time for yourself, but your baby is welcome in session.
Ivy Ellis, LCSW is a licensed mental health therapist who is committed to empowering women during pregnancy and the postpartum period in Evanston, Chicago, and beyond. She offers counseling to adults throughout preconception, pregnancy, postpartum, and the journey of parenting. Ivy, at Empathic Counseling Center, offers online therapy for women in Illinois, Minnesota, Washington, Indiana, and Michigan. Her practice is LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC inclusive and affirming.