Prenatal & Postpartum Counselling in Vancouver, BC
Prenatal & Postpartum Counselling in Vancouver, BC
Online and in-person
During the perinatal period, it is not uncommon for women to experience significant hormonal changes that can affect their mood and emotions. These changes, along with the physical demands of pregnancy and postpartum, can be overwhelming for some women.
Perinatal counseling can provide a safe and supportive space for women to discuss and process their emotions, as well as receive guidance and tools to manage their mental health during this transitional time.
Our team of therapists have specialized training and expertise in perinatal mental health and the challenges that may arise during parenthood.
It is an honor for us to offer support to you during this time. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us if you need any assistance or guidance.
What is Normal and What is not?
It is common for new mothers to experience mood swings and weepiness in the first few weeks after giving birth, a condition known as “baby blues.” It is thought to be caused by the hormonal changes that occur after childbirth, as well as the physical and emotional demands of caring for a newborn.
The baby blues are usually mild and resolve on their own within a few days or weeks. If your symptoms do not improve or if you are experiencing more severe symptoms, such as feelings of hopelessness or thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, it may be a sign of a more serious condition, such as a perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). In this case, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you determine the best course of treatment for your specific needs.
What are Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorder (PMADs) is a general term that includes a range of mental health conditions that can occur during pregnancy or in the year after childbirth. These conditions can include:
- Perinatal or postpartum mood disorder
- Perinatal or postpartum anxiety disorder
- Perinatal or postpartum psychosis
- Perinatal or postpartum obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
What can be addressed in prenatal and postpartum counselling
- Physical challenges, such as recovering from childbirth or dealing with chronic pain
- Sleep problems or fatigue
- Difficulty adjusting to new roles and responsibilities
- Feeling overwhelmed or overwhelmed by the demands of parenthood
- Struggles with confidence or self-esteem
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Struggles with postpartum body image
- Difficulty bonding with your child or feeling like you’re not a good parent
- Struggles with breastfeeding or other aspects of infant care
- Concerns about postpartum birth control and family planning.
- Adjusting to parenthood and feeling overwhelmed
- Parenting skills and strategies
- Lack of support or social isolation
- Struggling with feelings of inadequacy or guilt as a parent
- Difficulty bonding with a newborn or young child
- Managing expectations and managing stress
- Dealing with sleep deprivation and fatigue
- Coping with the physical and emotional changes of pregnancy and postpartum
- Navigating the challenges of breastfeeding or formula feeding
- Dealing with traumatic childbirth experiences or complications
It’s important to remember that seeking therapy is a sign of strength, not weakness. It takes courage to acknowledge that you need support and to take steps to address your challenges.
Perinatal mental health issues, such as postpartum depression, are common and can affect any woman.
You are not alone in experiencing these challenges, and seeking help is a proactive and responsible way to care for yourself and your family.
Why Seek Help for Prenatal and Postpartum Mental Health Issues
First and foremost, untreated mental health issues can have serious consequences for both the mother and the baby.
Postpartum depression can also interfere with a woman’s ability to bond with and care for her baby, and can have negative impacts on the child’s development.
The pregnancy and postpartum period can be a time of intense emotions, and it can be helpful to have a safe and supportive space to process and work through these emotions. Counseling can provide a supportive environment for women to express their feelings and work through any challenges they may be facing.
Pregnancy and postpartum can also bring changes to relationships with partners, friends, and family. Seeking help can help improve communication and support within the family, and can make it easier to navigate the challenges of this time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing mental health issues during pregnancy or the postpartum period, it is important to seek help.
How Can Counselling Help?
It is important to prioritize self-care during the perinatal period, as pregnancy and postpartum can be physically and emotionally demanding times. Self-care can take many forms and may include activities such as finding time for relaxation, stress management or seeking counselling support.
It’s also important to recognize that seeking therapy is not a one-time solution, but rather a process of learning coping skills and building resilience.
Therapy can provide a safe and supportive space to work through your emotions, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and build a strong foundation for your mental health.
Counselling can also be a helpful resource for preparing for childbirth and parenting.
Our counsellors can provide guidance and support you navigate the various stages of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, and can help you develop a plan for managing the challenges that may arise.
“There is a wisdom in trauma when we realize that our traumatic responses and imprints are not ourselves and that we can work them through and thus become ourselves.”