Reproductive & Perinatal Mental Health
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal Mental Health refers to the various mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy and postpartum. It is important to seek care from clinicians who have been trained to address and treat these mental health conditions. Our practice owner, Leslie Herhold, is a trained and skilled therapist in reproductive mental health, and has provided perinatal mental health trainings to certain clinicians in the practice.
where can I get help?
All three of our counseling locations have trained and experienced clinicians who work with perinatal mental health, loss and infertility. Contact us today or complete the form below to schedule your first session with one of our skilled therapists.
Mental Health in the Perinatal Period
depression & Anxiety
Depression and anxiety during pregnancy and postpartum can occur in up to 1 in 5 women. Other mood changes, such as irritability, anger, rage, mood swings, and overwhelm, can also occur during this time. Postpartum OCD and Postpartum Bipolar Disorder are two significant mental health conditions that can appear in the postpartum period. It is important for pregnant and postpartum women to seek help if they are experiencing symptoms that worry them, or if loved ones are concerned about their functioning.
transitions & Adjustment
The transition to motherhood can be a major adjustment for many women. It is normal for new mothers to experience doubt, "What was I thinking??" and even regret, "I miss how things were before." These feelings are even more heightened in high stress environments, such as during relationship issues, financial stress, or when a previous loss has occurred.
pregnancy loss
pregnancy loss
Loss through miscarriage, stillbirth, newborn death, Termination for Medical Reasons (TFMR), failed adoption, or failed IVF cycle are all examples of loss that can occur in the perinatal period. Responses to the loss vary and often affect functioning, mood, and relationships. It is important for parents to seek the help and support they need in processing the loss and moving forward in the grief process.
infertility
dads & partners
pregnancy loss
Individuals and couples having to undergo expensive and invasive fertility treatments frequently experience symptoms of anxiety and depression throughout the process, which may extend into the perinatal and postpartum period.
dads & partners
dads & partners
dads & partners
Postpartum anxiety, depression, and struggles with the transition to becoming a parent can affect fathers and partners as well. Symptoms of this include anger, irritability, lack of interest, and increased substance use. Reach out for support-- you are important, too!
birth trauma
dads & partners
dads & partners
Any time a pregnancy, birth or postpartum experience is interrupted by a traumatic event-- an extended hospitalization, emergent delivery, an NICU admission, excessive pain during labor, or life-threatening event during delivery-- there is a risk of lasting and disturbing symptoms. Please reach out for help if you have experienced trauma in your pregnancy or delivery.