Perinatal mental health is all about how you’re doing emotionally during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It includes things like perinatal depression, anxiety, birth trauma, postpartum OCD, and more affecting about 1 in 5 moms.
If you’re faced with pregnancy loss, infertility, birth trauma, or postpartum challenges, it’s common to feel a mix of grief, anxiety, guilt, or overwhelm and that’s okay. These feelings are real and valid.
You might notice trouble sleeping, difficulty bonding, mood swings, or just feeling “off” in ways you can’t quite explain. You’re not weak, broken, or failing. You’re human and you deserve support.
How Are You Feeling?
During pregnancy or after birth, it’s normal to have ups and downs, but if you’re noticing these feelings are getting in the way of your daily life, it could be time to reach out:
Sadness or hopelessness
Constant worry or feeling on edge
Trouble sleeping or feeling tired all the time
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Unwanted, upsetting thoughts
Feeling irritable or angry
Panic attacks or overwhelming fear
Flashbacks or nightmares from a traumatic event
These feelings are more common than you might think, and it’s completely okay to ask for help. Reaching out for support is a strong, brave step—and we’re here to walk with you - you do not have to do this alone.
Did you know, approximately 75% of those affected by maternal mental health conditions do not receive the treatment they need.
What are PMADS?
PMADs stands for Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders: a group of emotional health challenges that can happen during pregnancy or in the months after having a baby. You might hear people talk about postpartum depression, anxiety, or even something called postpartum OCD or PTSD, these are all types of PMADs:
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
A common condition that causes deep sadness and difficulty coping after having a baby. It’s more than just feeling “blue.”
Symptoms:
Persistent sadness or hopelessness
Low energy or fatigue
Trouble bonding with your baby
Changes in appetite or sleep
Feelings of guilt or worthlessness
Anxiety, worry or intrusive thoughts
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Ongoing, excessive worry about everyday things, including your health, baby, or future.
Symptoms:
Constant worry or feeling “on edge”
Racing thoughts or difficulty concentrating
Irritability
Muscle tension
Trouble sleeping
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (often about your baby’s safety) that cause anxiety, sometimes leading to repetitive behaviors to ease the worry.
Symptoms:
Disturbing, persistent thoughts or fears
Repetitive actions or rituals (checking, cleaning)
Feeling driven to perform rituals to reduce anxiety
Knowing the thoughts are irrational but still feeling scared
Panic Disorder
Sudden episodes of intense fear, called panic attacks, that can feel overwhelming and frightening.
Symptoms:
Racing heart or chest pain
Shortness of breath
Dizziness or lightheadedness
Feeling detached or like you’re losing control
Fear of future attacks
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Emotional distress following a traumatic event, such as a difficult birth experience or pregnancy loss
Symptoms:
Flashbacks or nightmares
Avoiding reminders of the trauma
Feeling numb or detached
Being easily startled or on edge
Mood fluctuations
Difficulty sleeping
Postpartum Psychosis
A condition that can cause intense changes in mood and thinking shortly after birth. If you notice sudden, strong shifts in how you feel or think, it’s important to reach out for support right away.
Symptoms:
Hallucinations (seeeing or hearing things others dont hear) or delusions (beliefs that others dont find to be true)
Confusion, disorientation, difficulty organizing thoughts
Extreme body stillness or slowness
Behaviors that seem unusual and out of character.
Impulsive or dangerous behaviors
Bipolar Disorder
A condition that includes a period (now or in the past) with persistently elevated mood that interferes with functioning.
Symptoms:
Periods of elevated mood or severe irritability
Confusion or disorientation
Rapid thoughts or speech
Increase in activity which is out of character
Impulsive or risky behavior
Acting strangely or dangerously
May include Hallucinations (seeing or hearing things others dont) or delusions (beliefs that others don't believe to be true)
What can I expect from perinatal therapy?
When you choose a therapist specially trained in perinatal mental health, your therapist will listen with understanding and help you make sense of your emotions, thoughts, and experiences in a way that feels safe and comforting.
In therapy, you’ll learn tools and strategies to manage overwhelming feelings like anxiety, depression, or stress. This might include simple techniques for calming your mind, improving sleep, or building healthier routines. Your therapist will also help you work through challenges like bonding with your baby, coping with loss or trauma, or navigating changes in relationships and identity. Every session is tailored to your needs, at your pace.
The goal of therapy is to support your well-being so you can feel more grounded, connected, and confident as you move through this important time. Remember, you don’t have to do this alone—help is here to guide you every step of the way.
Frequently Asked Questions
This is supposed to be the happiest time in my life, what's wrong with me?
I’m worried I’ll be judged or seen as a bad parent for seeking help?
I can barely keep my head above water as a parent, how do I fit in therapy?
How do I schedule an appointment?
Do you accept insurance?
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