Parenthood

Becoming a parent is truly a life-changing experience. From the moment you learn of your pregnancy, you start to think about life differently. You imagine the birth, who your child will be, what kind of parent you will be - the list is endless.

Despite reading all the latest baby books, sometimes reality is nothing like the joyful story you were counting on. The fantasy of cuddling with a sleepy newborn has been replaced with pacing the hallway with a screaming baby at 3 am. You are completely overwhelmed and wondering if you are cut out for this parenthood gig. You may even believe that you are not a good parent and have made a terrible mistake.

No one ever prepares you for the challenges of parenthood, how miserable it can be at times. We understand the stress that comes with parenthood and want you to know that you are not alone in how you are feeling. We can help you to feel calmer, happier, and more confident.

If you are feeling a significant amount of stress or are unsure if what you are experiencing is typical of pregnancy or parenthood, contact us for a free phone consultation. We work with people in all stages of parenthood, whether you recently welcomed a baby or you have older children.

Did you know we offer video sessions? It’s a great option to use on days when you have no childcare or transportation or for those who live far from our office.

Schedule My Free Phone Consultation

What is Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Prenatal Depression?

Postpartum Depression is a term that is often used to encompass depression and/or anxiety which occur up to a year after childbirth. 1 in 5 mothers experience Postpartum Depression and 1 in 10 fathers do as well. Partners can also experience postpartum depression. PPD is temporary and treatable with professional help. It can happen to any woman, even mothers who have other children and did not experience PPD previously. You will feel better again with proper treatment. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will be feeling better, and the easier recovery will be.

Prenatal Depression occurs during pregnancy, and the symptoms are the same as postpartum depression. About 50% of postpartum depression starts during pregnancy, which highlights the need for early intervention.

Signs of PPD can include:

Frequent crying
Mood swings, irritability, anger
Feeling exhausted
Difficulty concentrating
Trouble sleeping
Anxiety, panic

Appetite change, weight loss/gain
Feeling inadequate, shame, or guilt
Feeling hopeless
Fear of being alone
Scary thoughts about the baby or yourself

What About Prenatal or Postpartum Anxiety?

Some parents experience symptoms of anxiety and depression, while others experience mostly anxiety. Prenatal or postpartum anxiety can present in different ways, such as:

Constant worry
Panic attacks
Fear of leaving your home with the baby
Fear of leaving the baby in someone else's care
Scary, repetitive thoughts about harm coming to the baby or yourself

Physical symptoms of dizziness, shortness of breath, chest pain, nausea, increased heart rate
Feeling like you can't turn your mind off
Trouble sleeping
Repetitive thoughts about the birth
Nightmares

Why does PPD occur?

There is no single cause for PPD. It is a combination of hormonal, biological, environmental, and psychological factors. It is not fully understood why some parents experience PPD and others do not.

What is true is that you did not cause it, and it did not happen because you are not a good parent.

What You Can Do

If you do not like how you have been feeling, reach out for help today. You are worth it. As mothers/parents, we tend to put our own needs aside and minimize the extent of our feelings. But ignoring the problem will not make it go away. The sooner you seek help, the sooner you will be feeling better.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or phone consultation.

You are not alone in what you are experiencing and it is not your fault.

Support Professionals and Communities

It takes a village to raise a child. We truly appreciate the meaning behind this saying. And in our busy lives, we firmly believe that parents need a village too. With support, your needs can be taken care of, rather than being moved to the bottom of the list.

We're happy to be part of a village of support professionals and communities who will help you feel more confident and less stressed. Here are some of our favorites:

Postpartum Place - located in Chatham, offering breastfeeding support, moms' groups, and classes

The Mothers’ Center of Central NJ - nonprofit offering opportunities for moms to connect during the day and evening

Visit their sites and start building your village today!