perinatal mental health
Could you use some support as you navigate pregnancy and postpartum?
Do you have a history of mental health concerns such as anxiety or depression that are becoming increasingly difficult to manage during pregnancy or postpartum?
Looking to build or improve coping skills as you prepare to expand your family?
Is past trauma resurfacing or new traumas coming up on your journey to parenthood?
Ready to build or strengthen communication skills with your partner as you both transition to parenthood?
I am here to support you. I have specialized training in helping individual clients and couples navigate challenges in pregnancy and early stages of parenthood.
perinatal mental health…
peri - around/ natal- birth
refers to mental health issues and concerns (from both parents) that can occur during pregnancy and up to two years after birth. Perinatal mental Health (PMH) can include a wide range of conditions, such as mood disorders, anxiety, and anxiety-related disorders. It can also include conditions that begin before pregnancy and mental health concerns related to pregnancy loss and fertility.
perinatal mental health support in Texas
Perinatal mental health support is meant to assist clients and couples at any stage in their reproductive journey. This includes, but is not limited to pregnancy, postpartum, breastfeeding and the mental health challenges associated with them.
These major life events and transitions can be emotionally difficult and may require some support to get through them. The challenges that come with growing your family are natural, but you do not have to face them alone.
As someone who is both a mother and a partner, I know that bringing life into the world is deeply fulfilling and can also be deeply triggering and stressful. You and your partner deserve support during this emotional, joyful and stressful journey. I am here for you.
signs you may benefit from additional perinatal mental health support
feeling sad or depressed
feeling more irritable and angry with those around you
having difficulty bonding with your baby
having problems with eating and sleeping
having upsetting thoughts that you can’t get out of your head
feeling as if you are ‘out of control” or “going crazy”
feeling anxious or panicky
a sense of horror about the obsessions
fear of being left alone with your baby
hypervigilance in protecting your baby
obsessions/intrusive thoughts - persistent, repetitive upsetting thoughts or mental images related to baby.
compulsions- you may do certain things over and over again to reduce fears and obsessions. ex. needing to clean constantly, check things many times.
flashbacks or nightmares about your childbirth experience
having racing thoughts or trouble concentrating
feelings of guilt, shame or hopelessness
loss of interest, joy or pleasure in things you used to enjoy
possible thoughts of harming the baby or yourself
You are not alone. While many parents experience some mild mood changes during or after the birth of a child, 15 to 20% of women experience more significant symptoms of depression or anxiety (Postpartum Support International).
Specialty Support
Pregnancy and the postpartum period can be tender, overwhelming, and deeply transformative. My clinical work focuses on supporting individuals and families navigating pregnancy, postpartum, loss, birth experiences, identity transitions, and the emotional realities of parenting. This includes working with anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, relationship changes, and the nervous system adjustments that often accompany this season of life.
As a mother, I understand, firsthand, challenges that come with the experience of pregnancy, postpartum and breastfeeding. I also have specialized training in treating pregnancy and postpartum mental health concerns and am working towards certification in Perinatal Mental Health from Postpartum Support International. I bring both professional training and personal insight to supporting individuals and families through the emotional and physical changes of pregnancy and postpartum.
Inclusive Support
I want you to feel comfortable, safe, seen and heard in this space. Which is why I have undergone extensive formal training on the impact of race, gender, sexuality and other identities on healing, mental health and parenthood. Every family is different and there is such beauty in that! So, it is my goal that all genders, sexual orientations, polyamorous partnerships, single parent families and individuals that are seeking support feel welcome, celebrated and encouraged to do so with me.