Category Archives: New Parents

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Perinatal Mental Health: A Brief Q & A

Counseling, New Parents, Parents

If you’ve heard the phrase perinatal mental health and not been sure what that means, you are not alone.    This post will provide a brief overview of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.  It is a quick read with links to more information, if needed.   Please take a few minutes to check it out, especially if you are concerned that you or a loved one may be struggling.

What is a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder?
A perinatal mood or anxiety disorder is one that emerges during pregnancy or within the first 12 months after childbirth.

While it is believed that 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues,” the symptoms of a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder are more severe and last longer.

  • 15-20% of women experience significant symptoms of depression or anxiety after childbirth.
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders affect women of all ages and backgrounds.
  • New fathers can also experience depression or anxiety.

Continue reading Perinatal Mental Health: A Brief Q & A →

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What is postpartum anxiety?

Counseling, Families, New Parents, Parents

In my personal experience as a mom-to-be, I often heard about postpartum depression.    My doctor’s screened for it.  My friends experienced it.  It was talked about in the news.   On the other hand, I don’t remember hearing about postpartum anxiety until I began to learn more about perinatal mental health, in my role as a therapist.

6% of pregnant women develop anxiety.

10% of women develop anxiety during the postpartum period.

Continue reading What is postpartum anxiety? →

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Do I have Postpartum Depression?

Counseling, Families, New Parents, Parents

If you (or a loved one) have recently had a baby and are experiencing changes in your mood you may be wondering if you are experiencing postpartum depression.      It can be difficult to differentiate between the normal emotional adjustments to becoming a parent and a perinatal mental health concern such as postpartum depression.     In fact, it is estimated that around 80% of new mothers experience the “baby blues” during the first 2-3 weeks postpartum.

The symptoms of postpartum depression are more severe and don’t go away quickly.   It is believed that at least 15% of women experience significant depression following the birth of a child.   If you experience any of the following symptoms during the first year postpartum and, you may be experiencing postpartum depression: Continue reading Do I have Postpartum Depression? →