Life changes the moment you discover you are pregnant. There is a surge of emotions: some good, some bad, some overwhelming. Often, there is a mixture of all of it! For many, the positive pregnancy test came with intense feelings because the timing didn’t feel right, or maybe it wasn’t in the plans. For others, you have been waiting for month/years for this moment, but the emotions and feelings are so big. It suddenly seems so scary, you don’t know what to expect, and you are already feeling so protective. Literally, everything changes all at once.
Not every woman enjoys being pregnant.
Everyone talks about how beautiful pregnancy is, and it is, but it’s also painful, you lose your body, and many times feel not in control of your own physical health. Doctors are telling you what to eat, how to sleep, and maybe even how to deliver. It is stressful. You might be afraid of making the wrong decision. So, you might feel like you are an afterthought in this process. We want to help you feel in control of your body, help with a birthing plan that feels right for you, and help you advocate for your needs. We also want to help with the anxiety when you have to adapt and adjust.
Wait! Don’t forget about Dad!
If you are an expecting dad/partner, you might be feeling overwhelmed with this transition. You might be feeling protective of your partner, and at the same time trying to make sense with all these changes, as well. Sometimes, you might feel like an afterthought in this whole process. But, your whole world is changing too! We want to give you a place to adjust, cope with the normal stressors/anxieties, and prepare for this overwhelming change in your life/family.
Birth trauma is real, and it may cause PTSD symptoms
Many people experience a trauma during their delivery. You had a birthing plan that felt right for you, and all of that changed. It didn’t happen. Maybe, you felt like you had no control during child’s birth. Or, the way they came into the world was unexpected and traumatic. Perhaps, the delivery process felt cold, with little compassion.
You’re trying to make sense of what happened. You experienced trauma, but people keep telling you, “all that matters is baby is healthy.” This statement doesn’t feel right. You are thankful your baby is here now, but you are still feeling something. Perhaps, your child is here, but they have had lasting health issues due to delivery and you’re still trying to process what happened, all while caring for their medically complex needs. We are here for you. You deserve to be able to heal physically and emotionally from all your experiences. You matter, too; you deserve to matter.
Postpartum Depression & Postpartum, Anxiety
The newborn phase is one of the most difficult time periods for any parent. 80 % of moms experience baby blues. This happens when a woman experiences hormonal shifts that causes moodiness, irritability, and mild depression. Up to 20 % of mothers experience postpartum depression/anxiety. This can be an extremely scary time. Your family is adjusting to a new member that requires 24 hour care, sleep is limited at best, and the body is physically healing. Maybe, you even feel guilty because you think you should be feeling happier. Ultimately, this isn’t a time to feel alone. We want to help you feel better, and allow you to adjust and bond with your new baby.
What many people do not know is that one in ten dads suffer from postpartum mental health issues after having a baby. We know that your struggle can be hidden and sometimes felt like it doesn’t deserve to be made a priority. It does. We want to help you make sense of your feelings, find relief, and adjust to the newness of the perinatal period.
Pregnancy and childbirth affects marriages too.
The perinatal period doesn’t just impact moms, it impacts dads and the relationship, too. There are numerous reasons why having a baby can impact a relationship. Expanding the family literally changes everything in a couple’s life, including a mom’s mental and emotional health. For instance, postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety is extremely difficult for new moms. They are trying to navigate the exhausting demands of motherhood and overcome the powerful symptoms of postpartum anxiety and depression. This can cause both partners to feel confused, unsupported, uncared for, and/or exhausted. Often, new moms need more support than ever, but new dads/partners don’t understand the mood swings or why their spouse is withdrawing. This confusion can lead to new dads/partners to also begin to withdraw from the relationship. They feel unsure of their role or what is needed from them. This can lead to resentment and both partners wonder what happened to their relationship.
Counseling can help you overcome marital challenges before you bring home your new baby.
The best thing to do is to address all of this before the baby comes. My best advice for expecting couples is to start couples counseling before the baby arrives, similarly to starting premarital counseling before getting married. During this time, the counseling will address signs of postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety, action plans, and allow for understanding of what life after a baby will look like. If you have already had a child, the next best thing to do is start counseling and begin reading the literature. I recommend Becoming Us: 8 Steps to Grow a Family that Thrives by Elly Taylor. I also recommend And Baby Makes Three by Drs. John and Julie Gottman.
Our counselor Kristin Tallackson is trained in the Becoming Us curriculum. Also, the majority of the Heights Family Counseling's staff is trained in Gottman Couples Therapy.
Online Therapy in Texas for Postpartum and Perinatal Concerns:
We know it’s hard to find the energy to make another appointment when you’re pregnant. Maybe, your doctor has advised you against being out in public during the Coronavirus pandemic. Perhaps you can’t coordinate your schedule to match your spouse’s so you can meet with a therapist. Or, you’ve had your baby and you can’t leave the house for anything that’s non-essential. All of these things may make it hard to see a counselor before you give birth. But, don’t worry, our talented team of therapists offers online counseling for pregnant mothers, their partners, and new moms and dads via online therapy in Texas.
Begin Perinatal and Postpartum Counseling in Houston, TX or San Antonio, TX
The impact having a child has on your mental health is profound. Rather you’re a first-time mom, a veteran mother, or a husband or partner, adding a new life to your family can be immensely challenging. But, we can help. You are not alone And, you deserve to be supported during this time. To begin counseling in Houston, TX and San Antonio, TX follow these steps:
Contact our therapy clinic and make an appointment for a free consultation
Meet with one of our compassionate therapists,
Begin postpartum and perinatal counseling and find joy in bringing a new life into the world.
