Preconception Counseling
The present research in neurobiology shows that the prenatal brain begins developing in utero. Preparing for your baby's optimal health and development can begin before conception.
Preconception Counseling helps assess your physical, psychological and spiritual health. We will explore thoughts, beliefs, behaviors and family patterns while identifying your strengths, resources and challenge areas. Couple's counseling is helpful to understand each other's worlds, expectations and worries, as well as coping strategies. So you both will be ready to adjust and to support each other through the pregnancy and after your baby is born.
Support for postpartum
While having a baby is supposed to be one of the happiest moment in your life, there are many expecting or new mothers (and fathers) who struggle….. they often doubt themselves, feel guilty of “not being happy” or are just confused about what is happening to them.
The hormonal changes, lack of sleep, worry about the baby’s well-being, the labor and deliver and the time when they take the baby home- all these factors contribute that some women feel overwhelmed, depressed and/or anxious. These emotions impact not only the women but their relationships with the partner and family.
As your therapist, I understand the challenges that can result from pregnancy and parenthood, and can offer you support in dealing with the symptoms, emotions and concerns. I use practical, collaborative approach to help you welcome your newborn into your family.
Some of the things you can expect when working with me:
feeling better so you can take care of your newborn (and other children)
practical tools to manage anxiety or depression
understand your emotions
explore your strengths and resources
become confident in your new role
practice strategies to manage stress
process emotional challenges around breastfeeding
improve relationship with your partner
Adjust to the transition of going back to work
Determine your parenting approach and reflect how it fits in you family needs
Support in adapting to new baby by other child(ren)
How do I know when to seek help?
If you are concern about any of the following:
Sleep deprivation
Panicky feelings
Being overwhelmed
Irritability and anger with partners
Difficulty breastfeeding
Disturbing thoughts
Going back to work
“Mommy-guilt”
Am I at higher risk?
While Anxiety and/or depression related to pregnancy or parenthood can happen to anyone, there are some factors that many increase the possibility of depression and anxiety in expecting or new parents:
Complications during pregnancy, previous or existing medical problems.
History of infertility, miscarriage, pregnancy or infant loss.
Caring for other children
Difficult birth or unexpected outcomes (miscarriage, NICU, etc.)
Having experiences postpartum depression or anxiety in the past
History of premenstrual mood or anxiety symptoms
Experiences of trauma or abuse
Being in relationship that is not supportive, or critical
Financial challenges and insecurities