Becoming a parent can be both an exciting time as well as a deeply challenging and life-changing experience. About 80% of new mothers experience the baby blues in the first few days and weeks after birth. Approximately 20% of pregnant and new mothers have longer-lasting symptoms. In most cases, these are very temporary and treatable conditions. But there can be negative consequences for both the baby and the caregiver if left unaddressed. 

When women in the postpartum period work with us, the sentiments we often hear are as follow:

• “What is wrong with me – I was so excited about having my baby and now I just cry all the time.”
• “I feel like I should be happy but I’m not.”
• “I’m constantly feeling like something is going to go wrong.”
• “I feel like by having this baby I can’t be the mother I want to be to my other kids.”
• “I’m constantly worried something horrible will happen and I cannot be present at the moment with my baby.”
• “I don’t feel connected to my baby the way I think I am supposed to be.”

Having upsetting thoughts can feel very scary, isolating, and worrisome, but you are not alone. Our team of specialists uses evidence-based interventions to help women in the postpartum period manage difficult thoughts and feelings while treating postpartum mood disorders effectively and with compassion. 

Symptoms of Postpartum Anxiety and Postpartum Depression

Many new mothers come to us feeling overwhelmed as they manage the physical, emotional, and hormonal changes associated with pregnancy and postpartum. Perinatal mood disorders (perinatal or postpartum depression, perinatal or postpartum anxiety, perinatal/postpartum psychosis, perinatal/postpartum OCD) are the most commonly discussed issues affecting mothers, partners, and caregivers. Yet, there are often other, less-known challenges that can impactful during this sensitive time period. 

While every new mother’s experiences are different, common symptoms can include:

• Issues associated with loss (fertility grief, perinatal loss)

• Feeling overwhelmed and wondering if you should have become a mother in the first place

• Relationship Stress

• Social withdrawal

• Fears surrounding the birth or the birth process

• Medical Trauma

• Difficulty Sleeping

• Feeling as though one is on an emotional rollercoaster

• Not feeling bonded with the baby; feeling disconnected from the baby, others, or one’s self

• Feelings of guilt, inadequacy, or worthlessness

• Concerns about something bad happening

• Irritability

• Thoughts of self-harm or harm to one’s baby

• Difficulty concentrating or making decisions

• Feeling guilty due to high self-expectations

• Your thoughts are racing and you can’t quiet your mind

• Feeling empty and numb as if you’re just going through the motions

• Being afraid that if you reach out for help, others will judge your inabilities

• Thoughts of running away or leaving your baby behind

• Being constantly in a state of worry

Postpartum Therapy Can Help Treat Postpartum Anxiety & Depression

For new moms, it can be upsetting and frightening to have feelings about motherhood that don’t seem “right.” We get it – acknowledging you need support and reaching out for help can be so challenging. You hold yourself to high expectations and you feel like you “should” be able to handle this also. However, the postpartum period is incredibly unique and it is completely normal that you need support. Postpartum therapy can help to normalize your experience and understand what you are going through. You do not have to go through this alone. We will partner with you to help you get the care you need and assist you in implementing strategies to support recovery. We have worked with many women in the postpartum to help them navigate this challenging time to move towards the life they want. 

Thought Partner’s Approach to Treating Postpartum Anxiety and Depression

Our team has extensive education and training in postpartum disorders and understands that hormone changes, personal and family history, and social support are all vital factors in understanding and alleviating postpartum symptoms. Our practice uses evidence-based interventions, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) based approaches, as well as applied neuroscience and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy to help process trauma. 

We help women change their relationships to their negative thoughts and feelings and start taking steps toward the life they want in the here and now. Our goal is to help clients learn crucial present-moment awareness skills, and tools to reduce the impact of worry, doubt, and fear while building up the muscle of self-compassion. 

Are You Dealing With Postpartum Symptoms?

If one or more of the above symptoms resonate with you, we invite you to contact us today for a free consultation. Together, with a specialized therapist, we’ll create a strategy for moving through this difficult period. We’ll do this by connecting to life in the present moment. Contact us today to see how we can help.

Begin Postpartum Therapy in San Francisco, CA

At Thought Partners, we understand having a baby is an exciting and scary time. If you struggle with any postpartum symptoms, our team is able to provide you with support and the coping skills necessary to help you heal. If you’re interested in starting postpartum therapy follow these simple steps:

1. Contact Us to Get Scheduled With an Appointment
2. Learn More About Our Therapists
3. Begin your healing journey

Other Therapy Services at Thought Partners in California

We understand that you may be dealing with other struggles in your life. This is why our therapists at Thought Partners offer a variety of therapy services. We offer services such as anxiety therapy, parent coaching, reproductive health and fertility therapy, individual therapy for adults, couples therapy, and more. If you have any questions about our services please don’t hesitate to contact us. To learn more about us check out our blog or FAQs!