Free Guide ToPregnancy & Postpartum Mood Disorders
Are you a mom-to-be or a new mom feeling overwhelmed?
Are you an expectant or new mom feeling overwhelmed or unsure about motherhood? I am here to support and guide you on this transformative journey.
Are you an expectant mother struggling with feelings of depression and anxiety or perhaps a new mother feeling that motherhood is not how you expected it to be?
We’ve all seen the pictures of the glowing new mother holding her newborn baby, who is nursing without difficulty as he drifts off into a peaceful sleep. Although that idyllic representation of motherhood is lovely, it is hardly the norm.
To begin, many expectant mothers experience significant emotional changes during pregnancy. Many women fear that these feelings may continue or worsen after the birth of their baby. Some women experience very difficult labors and the experience can have a huge effect on how she feels emotionally in the weeks or months afterwards.
Most new moms are sleep deprived, frustrated and overwhelmed by juggling the challenges of a new baby with their other obligations. Some experience irritation toward their partner for not offering more support and most find themselves wishing for more hours in the day.
First, take a deep breath, give yourself some credit for all you do, and recognize that you are not alone. Between 10 – 20 percent of women suffer from pregnancy anxiety and/or depression and one in five mothers report experiencing some level of postpartum depression (PPD).
It is not only PPD that is common, many women experience anxiety, racing thoughts and even intrusive thoughts that harm is going to come to the baby and in more recent years, the has been a greater recognition that these feelings of over-stimulation and overwhelm can lead to feelings of rage.
Having a baby – whether it’s your first or fourth – requires a significant amount of energy and is a major life transition. Although it may not feel like it (mom guilt is rampant) you are most likely doing many more things right than wrong, it’s just that our brains tend to dwell on the negative.
If you are a new mother and recognize any of these symptoms, please know that, with help, postpartum depression and the other, similar disorders, are very treatable. Women can, and do respond well to treatment. You do not need to continue to feel this way.
By providing therapy remotely throughout Illinois & Florida, by phone or video sessions, I help people access specialist help in the most convenient way. Read more about how remote sessions work Video & Phone Sessions.
What Can I Do Right Now That Will Help
I am very passionate about being an advocate for women’s mental health as this time in a woman’s life is when she is most vulnerable. As a mental health counselor with 25 years of clinical experience working with pregnant and postpartum parents, and as the Director of a not-for-profit organization that supports women and their families, I am hoping my knowledge can be of help to you.
When you are feeling overwhelmed it is hard to spend time looking all over the internet for answers so I have written a guide and screening tool that can point you in the right direction.
Section 1 – discusses the types and symptoms of pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders.
Section 2 – discusses professional treatment options
Section 3 – highlights self-help strategies and things you can do to start to feel better.
If you feel that you may be experiencing pregnancy or postpartum mood disorder, or worry that you may be at risk of developing it, please download my free booklets below.
My free booklets
I think my booklet can provide a great starting point but if you are experiencing a lot of symptoms, they just don’t seem to be going away, or if the self-help strategies are just not enough, you may want to think about how therapy with a specialist can help.
In addition to 25 years of working with mothers and families, I have also served 20 years as the director of the Postpartum Alliance of Illinois, a statewide nonprofit organization that provides support to pregnant and postpartum women and their families.
My extensive experience will help you create strategies to cope with feelings of guilt, sadness, anger and anxiety, adjust to the life transitions that baby brings, and balance the needs of your family, relationships, career and most importantly, yourself.
Free Screening Test & Guide To Pregnancy and Postpartum Stress, Anxiety & Depression
If you feel that you may be experiencing pregnancy or postpartum mood disorder, or worry that you may be at risk of developing it, please download my free booklets below.
If you have any questions about how counseling can be useful to your particular circumstances. Please call me on 847 791-7722 or email me below.
No two moms experience is the same but everyone can benefit from specialized support.
If you are thinking about getting counseling and you’d like to talk to someone about the things that are troubling you, I am happy to help.