Postpartum Mood

“What’s wrong with me?”

 While you might expect the arrival of a new baby to invoke a host of emotions, anger isn’t one of them. Yet, recent research, suggests that a considerable number of women experience a wide range of frightening symptoms during and after pregnancy. These symptoms include not just anger but can range from an inability to enjoy motherhood, depression and anxiety to fatigue and feelings of inadequacy, shame and guilt.

We understand, and can help.

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Lifestart Counseling, PLLC is dedicated to helping women recover from perinatal mood disorders, often called Postpartum Depression (PPD). Through individual and group counseling and educational resources, Lifestart Counseling can provide the support you need to adapt to life with your new baby and to cope with these unfamiliar and conflicting feelings.

What is PPD?

Postpartum Depression is a disorder that affects approximately 20% of women after having a baby.  Drastic changes in your hormone levels after a pregnancy and childbirth can contribute to a wide range of unexpected and sometimes frightening emotions.

The event of childbirth is characterized as one of great joy. The process of anticipation, planning, baby care and adjustments to parenthood are all conveyed as positive, easy and “natural” transitions. However, many pregnant women and new mothers find themselves at the mercy of a variety of debilitating symptoms such as extreme sadness, heightened anxiety, and depression. Women suffering from PPD may feel as if they “can’t do anything right”. Feelings of guilt and shame make it difficult to seek help and support.  Click here to read how Lifestart Counseling can help.

Could I have PPD or another perinatal mood disorder?

 If any of the following statements is TRUE you may be experiencing a difficult adjustment to motherhood that could become a perinatal mood disorder. Please give us a call or e-mail us at Marina@lifestartcounseling.com.

  • you  are not feeling like yourself lately
  • you are not able to sleep when you have the chance
  • you are no longer able to enjoy things you used to find fun or interesting
  • you are not enjoying motherhood
  • you are having scary/ strange thoughts
  • your weight has changed rapidly (gain or loss) lately

Get the facts.

        Please know this: It is not your fault!

PPD is a very real and frustrating group of disorders that are the result of the drastic change in hormone levels during and immediately following a pregnancy.During this time, your body undergoes a variety of changes. In addition, outside stressors such as relationships and financial circumstances can add even more pressure to an already intense emotional situation. Women can become overwhelmed, feeling as if they are “on the brink” emotionally and physically.

Without help, these feelings can easily manifest into a number of anxiety disorders or depression, all of which are included in the collective term “perinatal mood disorders”.

        Please know this: You are not alone!

 Perinatal mood disorders affect 15% to 20% of women around the birth of  child.

        Please, know this: There is treatment!

You can feel like yourself again and begin to enjoy being a parent. Recovery and healing through therapeutic support and education is the goal of the counselors at Lifestart Counseling.

Your well-being is also very important to your health care provider. With your permission, the counselors at Lifestart Counseling will consult with your physician, OBGYN, or pediatrician to help determine the best way to address your individual situation.

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Talk to us.You don’t have to do this alone.Call Lifestart Counseling today and take the first step towards your wellbeing.

Dad’s corner

 The adjustment to life with a new baby impacts dads as well, and can even elicit depressive symptoms in new dads. Often, partners of women with postpartum depression find themselves with the burden of providing all of the support, and having no-one to support them.

If you find yourself wondering what happened to the woman you loved – the woman at your side feels like a stranger since pregnancy or since the baby was born, or are concerned about your role as a dad and a partner, how you will cope with the life change, and the new responsibilities, please, know that you are not alone.

Men can develop postpartum depression. Risk factors are, among other, fatigue and sleep deprivation, relationship stress, financial concerns, atypical family structure. Sometimes, dads feel excluded from the close relationship that develops between mother and child.

If you would like to assess if you may have Paternal Postnatal Depression (PPND) there is a paternal version of the Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale that you can try.

 Please, know that the professionals at Lifestart Counseling can help you through this challenging and important time in your life.

 

For more information on perinatal mood disorders, please visit our Resources section.