Parenthood can bring so much joy, and yet, so much anxiety and uncertainty. For the new mother, it can bring a myriad of emotions that can be triggered by hormones, expectations on mothers, or even postpartum depression; whereas the transition to parenthood can bring about frustration, anxiety, depression and stress in response to this new role for any gender. Some parents may remain blissful throughout pregnancy, only to discover that they are stressed, exhausted, or overwhelmed by the transition to becoming a new parent. We may want to be ‘good’ parents, but are plagued by self-doubt and confused by the often conflicting parenting advice given by family, friends, and even experts in the field.
Postpartum blues, depression, and anxiety can be extremely upsetting for new mothers. For some, this comes as a complete surprise, marking the first time they've experienced debilitating depression or anxiety. Others may have had previous episodes, but the feelings arise suddenly and intensely in a way they didn’t anticipate. This can feel like a persistent negative mood or an unsettling thought loop on repeat, leaving new mothers feeling helpless, hopeless, and extremely disappointed, particularly when they had envisioned feeling very differently after giving birth.
Postpartum blues are extremely common, with up to 70% of new mothers experiencing some form in the first few weeks after giving birth. Postpartum Depression (PPD), which is more severe and lasts longer, occurs in about 1 in 9 new mothers. Symptoms can include feelings of worthlessness, fears of being disconnected from the child, worry about being a bad parent, anger, sadness, and nonstop crying. Postpartum anxiety can lead to near-constant worry, sleep disruptions, and obsessive, racing thoughts. Many new mothers experience both conditions simultaneously or alternately.
While the exact causes of postpartum depression and anxiety vary, several factors contribute to these conditions in the months following childbirth. These include hormonal fluctuations, loss of identity, lack of sleep, conflict with a spouse, frustration and confusion over caring for a new infant, concerns about physical changes in the body, lack of freedom, and feelings of isolation. By utilizing a combination of CBT, mindfulness, and hypnosis, we help identify the contributing causes of depression and anxiety. Our approach includes helping clients visualize a more uplifting future and setting tangible goals to end the cycle of distressing thoughts and feelings accompanying postpartum depression.
The transition into parenthood is a beautiful experience, yet it can also be extremely challenging. It’s a time full of mixed emotions where new parents can feel blissful about the birth of their child while also feeling financially and emotionally strained. This major life change and new set of responsibilities can feel completely exhausting and overwhelming.
As Clinical Psychologists, we support individuals and couples through the various challenges that arise during this transition, including issues related to identity and parenting techniques. We understand the struggles new mothers face, such as hormonal fluctuations, loss of identity, breastfeeding difficulties, navigating complex career and financial decisions, sleep deprivation, isolation, and new strains on relationships. Our approach combines mindfulness and hypnotherapy to support new mothers through postpartum issues, as well as helping both mothers and fathers transition into parenthood.
We provide comprehensive prenatal and postnatal therapy, acknowledging that postpartum symptoms can emerge as early as the third trimester. Our practice includes Parent Management Training, offering psychoeducation and skills for emotion regulation and reinforcement techniques to support their children. Incorporating mindfulness and hypnotherapy, we help parents navigate high-risk pregnancies, changing family dynamics, and the integration of new family members.
Blending hypnosis, mindfulness, and therapy techniques, we support the transition into motherhood and address parenting issues. Our experience with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), psychoanalysis, and relational therapy allows us to create a safe environment for exploring thoughts and feelings. By using hypnosis and mindfulness, we help clients find peace and calmness when feeling overwhelmed, fostering a more balanced and fulfilling experience of parenthood.
Engage in our specialized therapeutic program tailored to address the unique challenges of postpartum depression. We offer valuable insights and coping strategies, empowering you to navigate this period with understanding, confidence, and peace of mind.
