What Is Perinatal Therapy? (And Do I Need It?)
Keywords: perinatal therapy, postpartum counseling, pregnancy mental health, mental health after having a baby, therapy for new moms, birth trauma support, support for new parents, perinatal mental health help
Understanding Perinatal Therapy
When most people think about pregnancy and new parenthood, they imagine joy-filled moments—tiny baby clothes, heartwarming firsts, and happy family photos. But what often goes unspoken is that this season of life can also bring some of the hardest emotional challenges you’ll ever face.
From the heartache of infertility to the anxiety of pregnancy, from the physical and emotional toll of childbirth to the overwhelming demands of caring for a newborn—perinatal therapy is designed to support you through it all.
Perinatal therapy focuses on your mental and emotional health before, during, and after pregnancy. Whether you’re trying to conceive, adjusting to life postpartum, or struggling months (or even years) after having a baby, this type of therapy provides a safe, judgment-free space to explore your feelings, process trauma, and learn healthier ways to cope.
What Challenges Can Perinatal Therapy Help With?
Trying to Conceive & Fertility Struggles: Infertility is an emotionally exhausting experience that can leave you feeling helpless and broken. Therapy provides a space to grieve the losses and hold onto hope as you navigate this uncertain journey.
Pregnancy Anxiety & Depression: While pregnancy is often seen as a happy time, many people experience overwhelming fear, anxiety, or sadness. Therapy can help you manage these emotions and prepare for birth in a grounded, emotionally healthy way.
Birth Trauma & Difficult Deliveries: If your birth experience didn’t go as planned—or left you feeling scared and powerless—therapy helps you process the trauma and find healing.
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: Feeling sad, disconnected, or anxious after having a baby is more common than you might think. You don’t have to face it alone, and you don’t have to just “push through.”
Identity Shifts & Relationship Struggles: Becoming a parent changes everything—your sense of self, your relationships, your career, and even your daily routine. Therapy helps you rediscover who you are in this new season of life.
Who Is Perinatal Therapy For?
Perinatal therapy isn’t just for birth parents. I work with:
Birth parents
Non-birthing parents and partners
Adoptive and foster parents
Parents who have experienced pregnancy or infant loss
Individuals deciding whether or not to have children
If you’re experiencing emotional distress at any stage of this journey, therapy can help.
You Don’t Have to Wait for a Crisis
One of the biggest myths about therapy is that you have to “hit rock bottom” before seeking help. The truth is, therapy is most effective when you reach out before things feel unbearable. If you’re wondering whether what you’re feeling is “normal,” that’s a good enough reason to explore therapy.
You deserve to feel supported, understood, and empowered—no matter where you are in your journey to and through parenthood.