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 women and couples navigate challenges in pregnancy and early stages of parenthood.

request an appointment

Note: This link will take you to Usawa Wellness Services’ booking page. Be sure to request your appointment with Harmony.

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 women 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).

how I can help

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 offer tailored treatment plans through individual and couples/relationship therapy to support new parents with this transition.

individual therapy

If you are currently pregnant or recently postpartum, individual therapy with me can help provide you with the support you need. Together, we can work through these challenges to help you foster secure bonds, deepen relationships and cultivate emotional wellness for yourself during this time.

couples therapy

If you and your partner are trying to become pregnant, preparing for parenthood or already in the thick of it and could just use some support, couples therapy may be beneficial for you. In couples therapy, you and your partner can process emotions that have come up throughout your pregnancy, postpartum and parenting experience. We can practice skills like co-regulation, communication and providing emotional support. Navigating parenthood and partnership is tough, you deserve support as you are growing through this challenging time.