Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in Happy Valley, OR
![Photo of Katy Schaefer, LCSW , CADCI, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2ebdbe81-ae69-4cae-be5e-24fef819419e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Katy Schaefer
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW , CADCI
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Happy Valley, OR 97015
Areas of specialty include, substance use disorders, women's issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression/anxiety and new parent transition, stage of life adjustment, persistent and/or chronic pain.
Accepting new clients, 18+. Empowering clients to listen to their core self so you can more openly make decisions based on your priorities and goals is at the heart of the therapy work we will do together. I have often been told by clients that I have a way of addressing difficult topics or giving perspective in a way that is compassionate, strength-based, skill focused. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space that is full of encouragement, acknowledgement and welcomes feedback to inform progress potential is a commitment I remain steadfast in. I incorporate several modalities including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness and ACT.
Areas of specialty include, substance use disorders, women's issues, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression/anxiety and new parent transition, stage of life adjustment, persistent and/or chronic pain.
Accepting new clients, 18+. Empowering clients to listen to their core self so you can more openly make decisions based on your priorities and goals is at the heart of the therapy work we will do together. I have often been told by clients that I have a way of addressing difficult topics or giving perspective in a way that is compassionate, strength-based, skill focused. Creating a safe, non-judgmental space that is full of encouragement, acknowledgement and welcomes feedback to inform progress potential is a commitment I remain steadfast in. I incorporate several modalities including CBT, DBT, Mindfulness and ACT.
![Photo of Jacquie Rae Andrews - Resilient Minds Family Therapy, LLC, MA, LPC, RPT, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/01867fe1-6089-4627-ac38-ed492d2531a7/2/320x400.jpeg)
Resilient Minds Family Therapy, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, RPT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Happy Valley, OR 97015 (Online Only)
I also love helping women overcome postpartum issues, transition to motherhood, and life hardship.
My therapeutic work focuses on understanding your inner world to build a trusting relationship. Creating a safe and nonjudgemental environment for you is my goal. During the therapy process I aim to define problem areas to help you, your marriage, or your child overcome obstacles pertaining to emotional issues or behavioral issues. I work with kids who experience issues with divorce, school, peers, learning, discipline, and trauma. When working with couples, I use a specific scientific method aimed at addressing particular troubled areas in the relationship from communication issues and conflict to affairs.
I also love helping women overcome postpartum issues, transition to motherhood, and life hardship.
My therapeutic work focuses on understanding your inner world to build a trusting relationship. Creating a safe and nonjudgemental environment for you is my goal. During the therapy process I aim to define problem areas to help you, your marriage, or your child overcome obstacles pertaining to emotional issues or behavioral issues. I work with kids who experience issues with divorce, school, peers, learning, discipline, and trauma. When working with couples, I use a specific scientific method aimed at addressing particular troubled areas in the relationship from communication issues and conflict to affairs.
![Photo of Carolyn Hoffmann, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4760867f-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Chronic stress, life changes, loss, trauma, illness, or relational problems can cause coping difficulties that impact quality of life. Although time alone can sometimes help, meaningful resolution of the problems and real growth takes place within the context of a supportive relationship. It is within a nurturing relationship that individuals heal and grow.
Chronic stress, life changes, loss, trauma, illness, or relational problems can cause coping difficulties that impact quality of life. Although time alone can sometimes help, meaningful resolution of the problems and real growth takes place within the context of a supportive relationship. It is within a nurturing relationship that individuals heal and grow.
![Photo of Dawnne Howard Professional Counselor Associate, MA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b1fa7cc-bcbf-409e-be19-b78c2e665360/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dawnne Howard Professional Counselor Associate
Professional Counselor Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Happy Valley, OR 97086 (Online Only)
My approach includes understanding that trust and rapport is important to foster a therapeutic relationship that can help facilitate the change you want to see in your life. The belief that each person is uniquely made from their specific experiences drives my passion to connect and tailor treatment to each person’s individual needs. Treatment with me includes helping you reach your goals by helping you develop the tools and skills needed to grow in confidence as you become the person you want to be. I enjoy working on topics that include but are not limited to building self-esteem and self-worth, learning to manage strong emotions.
My approach includes understanding that trust and rapport is important to foster a therapeutic relationship that can help facilitate the change you want to see in your life. The belief that each person is uniquely made from their specific experiences drives my passion to connect and tailor treatment to each person’s individual needs. Treatment with me includes helping you reach your goals by helping you develop the tools and skills needed to grow in confidence as you become the person you want to be. I enjoy working on topics that include but are not limited to building self-esteem and self-worth, learning to manage strong emotions.
![Photo of Heather Taplett, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c1dd2091-87e7-49a8-a8bb-c39fc13418f3/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am currently providing telehealth appointments. Are you seeking therapy for yourself, your child, or marriage? Are you sad? Anxious? Are you worried about your teen? Are you having trouble in a romantic relationship? Have you recently experienced a loss? Whatever you are facing, you don't have to do it alone. I want join you in the process of healing and changing. Together, we will revisit the values that motivate you to pursue change and work to pursue your goals through experiences both in and out of session.
I am currently providing telehealth appointments. Are you seeking therapy for yourself, your child, or marriage? Are you sad? Anxious? Are you worried about your teen? Are you having trouble in a romantic relationship? Have you recently experienced a loss? Whatever you are facing, you don't have to do it alone. I want join you in the process of healing and changing. Together, we will revisit the values that motivate you to pursue change and work to pursue your goals through experiences both in and out of session.
![Photo of Tiffany Kettermann, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/420b9afd-9bae-477c-af42-c24d738f7e5b/3/320x400.jpeg)
Are you struggling to understand a relationship that may be abusive, trying to heal from trauma, or need support with gender, identity, or LGBTQ2SIA+ issues? Health Allies specializes in healing from narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, and trauma. We also have many therapist who specialize and identify with the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. If you have struggled with any of the above, we can help you sort out your goals for healing and help you get to a better place.
Are you struggling to understand a relationship that may be abusive, trying to heal from trauma, or need support with gender, identity, or LGBTQ2SIA+ issues? Health Allies specializes in healing from narcissistic abuse, domestic violence, PTSD, and trauma. We also have many therapist who specialize and identify with the LGBTQ2SIA+ community. If you have struggled with any of the above, we can help you sort out your goals for healing and help you get to a better place.
![Photo of Dr. Jessica Moran, LMFT, PhD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0ffd922b-2a2d-468e-abd7-fe4a779949fb/2/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jessica Moran
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PhD
Verified Verified
Happy Valley, OR 97015
Waitlist for new clients
You are successful. Others often make comments about how "perfect your life is" because from the outside they see someone with a perfect marriage, great kids, and a wonderful job. But on the inside you feel anything but perfect. You are struggling to keep your head above water, you haven't felt connected to your spouse in months, sex has disappeared and you no longer have the energy to even try to initiate intimacy. You're frustrated with most or all areas of your life and feel like you have no one to turn to that will understand.
You are successful. Others often make comments about how "perfect your life is" because from the outside they see someone with a perfect marriage, great kids, and a wonderful job. But on the inside you feel anything but perfect. You are struggling to keep your head above water, you haven't felt connected to your spouse in months, sex has disappeared and you no longer have the energy to even try to initiate intimacy. You're frustrated with most or all areas of your life and feel like you have no one to turn to that will understand.
![Photo of Kitty J Carter, LCSW, PhD, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8c2ce82e-accd-488c-884d-193176a351f1/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kitty J Carter
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PhD
Verified Verified
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Waitlist for new clients
Is your child struggling and you find yourself worrying about them? Are you having trouble connecting with your child? With so many competing pressures and distractions, it can be hard to find time to build the kinds of relationships we want. We are bombarded with all sorts of information making it difficult to find a direction that feels consistent with our culture and values. I help parents and children build stronger connections so kids have a secure foundation to develop into their full potential. I will walk you through the hard parts while having some fun in the process.
Is your child struggling and you find yourself worrying about them? Are you having trouble connecting with your child? With so many competing pressures and distractions, it can be hard to find time to build the kinds of relationships we want. We are bombarded with all sorts of information making it difficult to find a direction that feels consistent with our culture and values. I help parents and children build stronger connections so kids have a secure foundation to develop into their full potential. I will walk you through the hard parts while having some fun in the process.
![Photo of Eileen Aguon Martinez, MSW, CSWA](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5fca49d3-8785-406c-b6c4-9d782cd85b1b/2/320x400.jpeg)
Welcome! My name is Eileen and I am a biracial clinician of Chamorro (Pacific Islander) and Mexican descent. It is my mission to provide specialized treatment for children, youth, & adults in areas of mental health recovery (depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, body-focused repetitive behaviors, and complex trauma), racial identity, women’s wellness, body image issues, complex trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, intercultural relationships, life transitions, ancestral/intergenerational trauma, and somatic therapy. I am committed as an ally to human rights and the issues of social/racial justice, equity, and equality for all.
Welcome! My name is Eileen and I am a biracial clinician of Chamorro (Pacific Islander) and Mexican descent. It is my mission to provide specialized treatment for children, youth, & adults in areas of mental health recovery (depression, anxiety, OCD, phobias, body-focused repetitive behaviors, and complex trauma), racial identity, women’s wellness, body image issues, complex trauma, relationship issues, grief and loss, intercultural relationships, life transitions, ancestral/intergenerational trauma, and somatic therapy. I am committed as an ally to human rights and the issues of social/racial justice, equity, and equality for all.
![Photo of Heather Lara - Heather Lara Family Therapy LLC, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/12bfffce-a5ec-4672-b3c3-a228fce74224/2/320x400.jpeg)
Heather Lara Family Therapy LLC
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Happy Valley, OR 97015
I enjoy working with older teens and adults who are experiencing struggles with ADHD, Anxiety, Parenting, Depression and Eating-related issues.
I enjoy working with older teens and adults who are experiencing struggles with ADHD, Anxiety, Parenting, Depression and Eating-related issues.
![Photo of Mai Bao Xiong, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/cd512ae3-c185-4205-9b52-b8ed0b12056b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Mai Bao Xiong
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Happy Valley, OR 97086 (Online Only)
Are you overwhelmed with navigating pressures from family, culture and society? Is it hard to find someone who can understand the intersections of your identity and life experiences? My BIPOC clients often tell me about the emotional fatigue of trying to find a provider who can understand their complex narratives. They want tools that respect their heritage and cultural wisdom. If you see yourself in any of these struggles, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me to reclaim and rewrite your story.
Are you overwhelmed with navigating pressures from family, culture and society? Is it hard to find someone who can understand the intersections of your identity and life experiences? My BIPOC clients often tell me about the emotional fatigue of trying to find a provider who can understand their complex narratives. They want tools that respect their heritage and cultural wisdom. If you see yourself in any of these struggles, I invite you to schedule a free consultation with me to reclaim and rewrite your story.
![Photo of Stacie C Larson - Inner Strength Counseling, LLC, MA, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/506a9624-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Inner Strength Counseling, LLC
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Not accepting new clients
We all have the strength within to heal with help. Starting therapy can be a scary process and you have taken the first and often hardest step. We can work together towards finding the best you. My approach is goal-oriented and focuses on how we can get you feeling better now. I utilize trauma and somatic therapeutic techniques including Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma focused CBT, DBT and EMDR. I will help you identify the areas you want to work on and we will make a plan together to make this happen.
We all have the strength within to heal with help. Starting therapy can be a scary process and you have taken the first and often hardest step. We can work together towards finding the best you. My approach is goal-oriented and focuses on how we can get you feeling better now. I utilize trauma and somatic therapeutic techniques including Internal Family Systems (IFS), trauma focused CBT, DBT and EMDR. I will help you identify the areas you want to work on and we will make a plan together to make this happen.
![Photo of Christa Green, CSWA, MSW, QMHP, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/385bade3-1ac6-44b7-932a-51a30c7bf6d4/2/320x400.jpeg)
Christa Green
Pre-Licensed Professional, CSWA, MSW, QMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Happy Valley, OR 97086
Not accepting new clients
I believe that therapy begins with hope. This means that change is possible and you are not stuck. I desire to both help you maintain hope and support the change process. I believe that you are capable, resilient, and worthy. This means that I operate from a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective. While it is helpful to determine the true challenge, we often tend to fixate on problems that we lose sight of the strengths and possible solutions that can help us navigate trials life brings. This also means that I desire to understand and connect with you in a way that helps you see yourself as capable and worthy.
I believe that therapy begins with hope. This means that change is possible and you are not stuck. I desire to both help you maintain hope and support the change process. I believe that you are capable, resilient, and worthy. This means that I operate from a strengths-based and solution-focused perspective. While it is helpful to determine the true challenge, we often tend to fixate on problems that we lose sight of the strengths and possible solutions that can help us navigate trials life brings. This also means that I desire to understand and connect with you in a way that helps you see yourself as capable and worthy.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Megan Coggins, LPC, PMH-C, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/53bdd5c7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Megan Coggins
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, PMH-C
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Clackamas, OR 97015
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in maternal and pregnancy related issues including pre- and postpartum depression and anxiety and parenting stress.
Are you a new parent or have you been a parent for awhile and you feel alone, depressed, anxious, or unsure of yourself? I understand. If you or your spouse is pregnant and experiencing stress, feeling anxious or keyed up, feeling like you're never enough, I’m here for you. I utilize an attachment perspective that can help you understand how early childhood attachments may be impacting current relationships and how to create healthy attachments with those you love in your life. There is hope to find the peace, healthy coping skills, relationship skills, and personal growth needed to live a happier and more whole life.
I specialize in maternal and pregnancy related issues including pre- and postpartum depression and anxiety and parenting stress.
Are you a new parent or have you been a parent for awhile and you feel alone, depressed, anxious, or unsure of yourself? I understand. If you or your spouse is pregnant and experiencing stress, feeling anxious or keyed up, feeling like you're never enough, I’m here for you. I utilize an attachment perspective that can help you understand how early childhood attachments may be impacting current relationships and how to create healthy attachments with those you love in your life. There is hope to find the peace, healthy coping skills, relationship skills, and personal growth needed to live a happier and more whole life.
![Photo of Rebecca Mayer, MS, LMHC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/af4c6e77-2a3e-42be-84c1-df7aefc80fbe/3/320x400.jpeg)
**Waitlist** Living authentically can be scary, rather intimidating. With support of a therapist, individuals can learn to accept, even embrace, the vulnerability that the process towards authenticity requires. Within a supportive therapeutic relationship, clients can explore personal beliefs and develop their identity. Many individuals struggle with processing life events but it doesn't have to be done alone or involve constant suffering. Life events can be difficult, even "positive" ones such as the birth of a child; postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are real and it doesn't have to ruin your experience as a parent!
**Waitlist** Living authentically can be scary, rather intimidating. With support of a therapist, individuals can learn to accept, even embrace, the vulnerability that the process towards authenticity requires. Within a supportive therapeutic relationship, clients can explore personal beliefs and develop their identity. Many individuals struggle with processing life events but it doesn't have to be done alone or involve constant suffering. Life events can be difficult, even "positive" ones such as the birth of a child; postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety are real and it doesn't have to ruin your experience as a parent!
![Photo of Lauren Barthelemy, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ed4d710-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a therapist providing telehealth services for clients anywhere in Oregon. My training and education has been focused on creative therapy to help cope with traumatic experiences. I have training in brief therapy and EMDR. This unique background provides the opportunity to reach out to many populations. I have worked with individual 3-87 years old with a wide range of concerns. I have opened my practice to the birthing community, offering services for perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. I am able to tailor treatment plans and methods to meet specific client needs through a creative approach.
I am a therapist providing telehealth services for clients anywhere in Oregon. My training and education has been focused on creative therapy to help cope with traumatic experiences. I have training in brief therapy and EMDR. This unique background provides the opportunity to reach out to many populations. I have worked with individual 3-87 years old with a wide range of concerns. I have opened my practice to the birthing community, offering services for perinatal and postpartum depression and anxiety. I am able to tailor treatment plans and methods to meet specific client needs through a creative approach.
![Photo of Heide Amber Perry-Bringman - Barefoot And Balanced, MA, LPC, NCC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/fc1d27d1-2f4e-4c0e-bb78-7fab4e4f115d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Barefoot And Balanced
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Clackamas, OR 97015 (Online Only)
Whether you're facing parenting concerns, postpartum issues, or unique female experiences, we're here to help.
At Barefoot And Balanced, we celebrate diversity and authenticity in a compassionate, supportive environment. Our team of trauma-informed, sex-positive, and gender-inclusive therapists is dedicated to meeting you where you are. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, seeking couple's therapy, or are a gender-expansive young adult, we're here to uplift and guide you toward a life of greater ease and fulfillment. Join us in creating a safe space for healing and growth.
Whether you're facing parenting concerns, postpartum issues, or unique female experiences, we're here to help.
At Barefoot And Balanced, we celebrate diversity and authenticity in a compassionate, supportive environment. Our team of trauma-informed, sex-positive, and gender-inclusive therapists is dedicated to meeting you where you are. Whether you're navigating personal challenges, seeking couple's therapy, or are a gender-expansive young adult, we're here to uplift and guide you toward a life of greater ease and fulfillment. Join us in creating a safe space for healing and growth.
![Photo of Kelly Grace, MA, MDiv, LMFT, PMH-C, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/428dfec7-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Grace
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MDiv, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Beaverton, OR 97007
My specialties include anxiety and trauma, conflicted couples, perinatal hardship, EMDR, & working through issues with spirituality.
*Limited openings on a case-by-case situation.* Support is how we do well. We all need someone in our corner with compassion, solidarity, and hope. I can be that for you and your relationship. I support individuals and couples navigating through life's traumas, transitions, and stress. You may be feeling overwhelmed or stuck, but also motivated to work towards a breakthrough. If you've been carrying tension, grief, conflict, or emotional pain, let's start to work things out. Together we'll look at practical strategies to utilize your strengths, change unhealthy patterns, and grow your resiliency.
My specialties include anxiety and trauma, conflicted couples, perinatal hardship, EMDR, & working through issues with spirituality.
*Limited openings on a case-by-case situation.* Support is how we do well. We all need someone in our corner with compassion, solidarity, and hope. I can be that for you and your relationship. I support individuals and couples navigating through life's traumas, transitions, and stress. You may be feeling overwhelmed or stuck, but also motivated to work towards a breakthrough. If you've been carrying tension, grief, conflict, or emotional pain, let's start to work things out. Together we'll look at practical strategies to utilize your strengths, change unhealthy patterns, and grow your resiliency.
![Photo of Antra Renault Therapist, MSW, CSWA, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/44e4e6c6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Antra Renault Therapist
Pre-Licensed Professional, MSW, CSWA
Verified Verified
Portland, OR 97266 (Online Only)
Are you looking to increase connection, joy, positive moods, and strengthen healthy relationship with yourself and others? I specialize in a Mindfulness and Somatic/body based modality called Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS allows us to gently and safely reprocess old wounds, work on what is most important right now in your life, and help you return to your core natural state of connection, purpose and authenticity. It is deeper than traditional 'talk therapy', as it can get to the root of trauma and attachment wounding, often based in childhood difficulties that result in patterns of anxiety, depression, grief, and dissociation.
Are you looking to increase connection, joy, positive moods, and strengthen healthy relationship with yourself and others? I specialize in a Mindfulness and Somatic/body based modality called Internal Family Systems (IFS). IFS allows us to gently and safely reprocess old wounds, work on what is most important right now in your life, and help you return to your core natural state of connection, purpose and authenticity. It is deeper than traditional 'talk therapy', as it can get to the root of trauma and attachment wounding, often based in childhood difficulties that result in patterns of anxiety, depression, grief, and dissociation.
![Photo of Ashley Vande Slunt - Hidden Trails Therapy, LMFT, CIMHP, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9c3e8e47-4230-4d7a-9434-6abf2a1dbb45/2/320x400.jpeg)
Hidden Trails Therapy
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, CIMHP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Clackamas, OR 97015 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you find yourself struggling to find community, having difficulty managing stress, feeling overwhelmed, scattered, anxious, or burnt out? Perhaps you are a woman who's life looks good on the outside and yet on the inside you feel exhausted or unable to be in touch with your authentic self. You might continue to strive for endless perfection, find yourself feeling frustrated or never feeling 'good enough'; whether it's with your job, your relationship(s), or with yourself.
Do you find yourself struggling to find community, having difficulty managing stress, feeling overwhelmed, scattered, anxious, or burnt out? Perhaps you are a woman who's life looks good on the outside and yet on the inside you feel exhausted or unable to be in touch with your authentic self. You might continue to strive for endless perfection, find yourself feeling frustrated or never feeling 'good enough'; whether it's with your job, your relationship(s), or with yourself.
See more therapy options for Happy Valley
Nearby Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists Searches for Happy Valley
- Beaverton
- Clackamas
- Gresham
- Lake Oswego
- Milwaukie
- Oregon City
- Portland
- Tigard
- Troutdale
- Tualatin
- West Linn
- Wilsonville
Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists
What are the most effective ways to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns?
The most effective way to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns is by finding a therapist who has prior experience helping other patients overcome the challenge being faced. For example, a marriage and family therapist may have experience helping couples adjust to their new relationship dynamic. An anxiety specialist may have experience helping with phobias or illness anxiety related to the child’s health. A depression specialist may have experience treating postpartum depression.
When should I seek treatment for prenatal or postpartum concerns?
Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve intense physical and mental changes; a degree of upset and instability is normal. However, if these changes impair daily functioning, it may be time to seek help. This distinction is pertinent for postpartum depression: A period of teariness, irritability, and distress is difficult but normal in the one to two weeks after childbirth (sometimes called the “baby blues.”) But if feelings of sadness and hopelessness persist beyond that period, the person should seek treatment.
How do I manage worries during pregnancy or the postnatal period?
A therapist can help patients develop the tools they need to manage anxieties during or after pregnancy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and reframe harmful patterns of thought, and change their behaviors. Other techniques and skills can allow people to develop acceptance, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, communication skills, and more.
Are there specific medications for postpartum depression?
In 2019, the FDA approved the first medication designed to treat postpartum depression. The medication is called brexanolone and is delivered intravenously by a medical professional over the course of a few days. However, typical antidepressants, which are more accessible, can also treat postpartum depression. The disorder is often best treated through a combination of medication and therapy.