Postpartum Counselling
Navigating the journey into motherhood brings profound changes, both joyous and challenging. It's common for new mothers to experience a range of emotions, including depression and anxiety. In fact, approximately 1 in 5 mothers encounter Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs) during pregnancy and within the first year postpartum.
Postpartum or perinatal mental health includes postpartum anxiety, depression and day to day life issues. Postpartum counselling can significantly help new moms with their mental health and provide them with a safe space as a new mother to adjust and cope.
At aspen psychology we love helping new moms and mom agains navigate this time with grace and confidence.
How Aspen Psychology Can Help
Aspen Psychology is dedicated to supporting women through the transformative journey of motherhood, particularly during the postpartum period. A member of our team of compassionate Calgary psychologists and counselors specializes in this area.
We love helping mothers navigate the unique challenges that can arise after childbirth, including postpartum depression, anxiety, and the emotional complexities of this life-changing experience. We are here to empower you to heal, grow, and rediscover balance as you embrace your new role.
At Aspen Psychology, we understand the pressures and expectations placed on new mothers and the impact they can have on mental health. That’s why we create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can openly share your feelings, explore your challenges, and find meaningful strategies for coping and thriving.
You don’t have to face this journey alone—our experienced therapists are here to provide the understanding and support you need to move toward greater well-being and confidence.
At Aspen Psychology Melissa Sawers is our postpartum specialist. If you click on the book now button you will be taken to our booking system and you can book with her directly. You can also email her - Melissa@aspenpsychology.com for more information
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Reaching out is the first step.
The transition to motherhood can be overwhelming. You might find yourself dealing with sleep deprivation, postpartum anxiety, postpartum psychosis, postpartum ocd, pregnancy loss, persistent worry, intrusive thoughts, panic attacks, frequent crying, or feelings of inadequacy as a mother. These experiences can lead to a longing for your previous life and identity, accompanied by guilt and shame. It's important to recognize that these feelings are common and that you're not alone.
The Importance of Maternal Mental Health
The well-being of mothers is crucial, not only for themselves but also for their families. Seeking help is a sign of strength and courage. Postpartum depression and anxiety are highly treatable conditions. With appropriate support and intervention, you can begin to feel like yourself again.
How Therapy Can Help
Engaging in therapy provides a safe space to express your feelings and develop coping strategies. Therapeutic approaches may include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps identify and modify negative thought patterns.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): Focuses addressing the multiple sub-personalities or families within each person's mental system. Read more here.
- Accelerated Resolution Therapy: Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) focuses on resolving traumatic memories and distressing emotions by using techniques such as eye movement and guided visualization to reframe negative experiences and promote rapid emotional healing. Read more about ART here.
These therapies aim to alleviate symptoms and promote emotional healing.
Taking the First Step
If you're experiencing symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety, consider reaching out to a mental health professional specializing in perinatal care. They can work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Remember, seeking help is a proactive step toward recovery. With the right support, you can navigate this challenging time and move toward a healthier, more fulfilling experience of motherhood.
Access the Aspen Psychology Group Moms Support Group
Aspen Psychology offers a drop in group for moms and it runs monthly. If you are interested in joining the group please check out our group page
Below we will look at both postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. Each of these present differently for different people, but many of the therapies are similar. The application of each therapy is individual and focused, but we reply on serveral of the same modailities to help people with mental health hurdles during this phase of life.
What is Postpartum Depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a form of depression that occurs after childbirth. It is more intense and longer-lasting than the “baby blues,” which are common mood swings and emotional changes experienced by many new mothers in the first few weeks postpartum. PPD can begin anytime within the first year after giving birth, though it often develops within the first few weeks to months.
Symptoms of Postpartum Depression
PPD affects each person differently, but common symptoms include:
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness.
- Severe mood swings or irritability.
- Excessive crying, even without a clear reason.
- Difficulty bonding with the baby or feeling detached.
- Intense fatigue or lack of energy, beyond typical postpartum tiredness.
- Loss of interest in activities that used to bring joy.
- Changes in appetite or sleep patterns (e.g., eating too much or too little, insomnia, or excessive sleep).
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or inadequacy as a parent.
- Difficulty concentrating, making decisions, or remembering things.
- Intrusive or distressing thoughts, including fears of harming oneself or the baby.
Causes of Postpartum Depression
PPD is likely caused by a combination of factors like Unmet Expectations of pregnancy, birthing experience, postpartum experiences like infant temperament/partner support/physical and emotional demands. These are usually not solo experience and likely a mixture. Here is a breakdown.
- Hormonal Changes: After childbirth, a dramatic drop in hormones (estrogen and progesterone) may contribute to depression. Additionally, changes in thyroid hormone levels can exacerbate feelings of fatigue and sadness.
- Emotional Factors: Adjusting to motherhood can be overwhelming, with the pressure of caring for a newborn, sleep deprivation, and concerns about one’s ability as a parent.
- Physical Factors: Physical recovery from childbirth, including pain or complications, can affect emotional well-being.
- Social and Lifestyle Factors: Lack of support from a partner, family, or community, financial stress, or a history of mental health issues can increase the risk. Aspen also provides couples counselling.
What Does Treatment For Postparrtum Depression Look Like?
Treatment for postpartum depression is highly effective, and seeking help is an essential step toward recovery. Therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or InternL Fmily Systems Therapy (IFS), can help individuals understand and manage their symptoms, develop coping strategies, and improve emotional resilience.
In some cases, antidepressant medications may be prescribed to help balance mood and alleviate severe symptoms, often used alongside therapy for a comprehensive approach. Support groups can also play a valuable role by connecting individuals with others who share similar experiences, fostering a sense of understanding and reducing feelings of isolation.
Additionally, self-care practices like regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate rest, and leaning on supportive friends and family members are crucial for both emotional and physical recovery.
Addressing postpartum depression with these combined approaches can help individuals regain their sense of well-being and confidence as they navigate the challenges of new motherhood.
What is Postpartum Anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety is a mental health condition that can occur after childbirth, characterized by excessive worry, fear, or nervousness about the baby’s health, safety, or one's ability to parent. While it is normal for new parents to feel some level of concern, postpartum anxiety involves persistent and overwhelming fears that interfere with daily functioning and well-being.
Symptoms: Constant worry or fear. Intrusive thoughts about the baby. Racing heart, shortness of breath or dizziness. Can’t sleep even when the baby is asleep. Restless or can’t relax. Feeling overwhelmed or on edge.
Causes and Risk Factors: Hormonal changes after having a baby. No sleep or physical recovery after having a baby. Stress from parenting or life changes. History of anxiety, depression or other mental health issues. No support from family or friends.
Treatment:
- Therapy: CBT, IFS, ART and other talk therapies can help manage and reduce anxiety.
- Medication: In some cases, your doctor may prescribe anti-anxiety meds or antidepressants.
- Self-Care: Rest, exercise, healthy eating and support groups.
- Support System: Get your partner, friends or family involved for emotional and practical help.