Becoming a Parent

Pregnancy, childbirth and becoming a parent are times of tremendous transition. Overwhelming physical and hormonal changes are coupled with sleep deprivation and new expectations and responsibilities. While we expect this to be a time of great joy, many woman are unaware of the range of emotional reactions they are likely to experience. Most women experience some emotional stress after the birth of a child - the "blues." For many, these responses are brief and resolve themselves on their own. Other women experience stronger reactions and require a supportive plan to address and alleviate their concerns.

Reactions may include:

Signs of Postpartum Stress

"Baby Blues" affect up to 80% of new moms and include frequent tearfulness, irritability, anxiety and poor sleep. These symptoms usually occur within the first three days following birth and resolve within a few weeks.

Postpartum Depression (PPD) affects up to 20% of new mothers and is more debilitating than the "blues." It can appear at any time in the first year after birth and is characterized by despondency, tearfulness, fatigue and feelings of inadequacy and guilt. It may include an over-concern about the baby or a lack of interest in the baby. Ranging from mild to severe, these symptoms may leave the mother feeling ashamed, withdrawn and unable to mobilize support for herself and the baby.

Postpartum Anxiety and/or Panic Disorder can include intense anxiety or fear, rapid breathing, chest pain and/or shaking and dizziness. It is experienced by up to 10% of new mothers.

Postpartum Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, repetitive thoughts (sometimes including thoughts of harming the baby), compulsive behavior to avoid these thoughts, and anxiety and depression. It is experienced by 3 - 5 % of new mothers.

Postpartum Psychosis (found in 0.1% of new mothers) is a serious but rare reaction which can include hallucinations, delusions, severe insomnia and extreme irritability. It usually occurs within hours or days after delivery and requires immediate medical attention.

Prenatal Stress Reactions are experienced by many women during pregnancy and following a miscarriage or termination of pregnancy. These responses can be very similar to postpartum blues and the range of other postpartum stress responses.

Finding Solutions

Most women who experience difficult prenatal or postpartum reactions are aware that something is wrong, but are reluctant to seek help. Many women experience guilt and are afraid that they will be judged as not-good-enough moms. Some are concerned they will be prescribed medication at a time when they are pregnant or breastfeeding. These are important and legitimate concerns, but it is also important for each woman to remember that she is not alone in her experience.

You can get help. Prenatal and postpartum emotional reactions are extremely responsive to professional care and social support.

It is time to seek help when:

My Services

Assessment and Consultation
If you are concerned that you are suffering from postpartum emotional stress, please feel free to contact me and we can do a brief assessment over the phone. You can click HERE for a brief on-line self assessment. I can also send you a more detailed assessment form for you to review and bring in if you decide you would like to pursue an in-depth assessment, and/or therapeutic work with me. My consultation services include: a determination of risk factors, assessment and a support plan. I also offer adjunctive referrals as needed.

Individual and Couples Therapy
I provide on-going or short term therapy, depending on your needs. Support and education for partners and other family members is also available. While women often find it difficult to seek the help they need while experiencing postpartum emotional distress, my experience is that psychotherapy provides tremendous relief and support during this crucial time of transition. Studies clearly indicate that the sooner a mother with a postpartum mood disorder receives treatment, the better the prognosis for the entire family.

Postpartum Stress Support Groups
I provide a biweekly support group in North Berkeley on Saturday mornings. The benefit of a support group is to learn that you truly are not alone in your experience. Women gain invaluable information and support from each other in these groups. Please contact me for information on current groups and/or referrals to groups in other areas.

Education and Consultation
I provide in-service trainings and talks to professional groups and health organizations. I also provide consultation to health practitioners on postpartum mood disorders.

Resource Organizations

I recommend the following books on postpartum issues;
Beyond the Blues, Shoshana Bennett and Pec Indman
Mothering the New Mother, Sally Placksin
This Isn't What I Expected - Overcoming Postpartum Depression, Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin