Pregnancy, Postpartum and Reproductive Mental Health Counselling
Reproductive Mental Health deals with care of women who develop emotional or mental health concerns related to all stages of the reproductive cycle; from pre-pregnancy to menopause. This would include, but is not limited to, issues that arise around pregnancy and postpartum – as well as infertility, miscarriages, birth loss, terminations, adoption, complications, traumatic birth and having a child with a serious illness. We also counsel women suffering from PMS, PMDD, and Peri-menopause. We have a strong interest in working with women in the areas of attachment parenting, miscarriage and pregnancy loss, self-esteem, anxiety, PMS, and parenting children with special needs.
Postpartum depression (PPD) and pregnancy related mood disorders are more common than many people think. Ten to fifteen percent of women experience a mood disorder during their pregnancy, and up to 85% of new moms experience the “Baby Blues”. Up to 20% of new mothers experience a PPD, which often affects their ability to cope.
Signs You May Need Help
Postpartum depression (PPD) and pregnancy related mood disorders are more common than many people think. Ten to fifteen percent of women experience a mood disorder during their pregnancy, and up to 85% of new moms experience the “Baby Blues”. Up to 20% of new mothers experience a PPD, which often affects their ability to cope.
Signs You May Need Help
- Crying spells and/or feeling sad/irritable/angry/overwhelmed
- Feelings of guilt or hopelessness
- Anxiety or panic attacks
- Changes in sleep and/or eating patterns
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Upsetting/intrusive thoughts
- Worry that you may hurt your baby or yourself
- Feeling “out of control” or that you’re “going crazy”
- Lacking energy or motivation
- Trouble concentrating or making decisions
- Loss of interest in activities you used to enjoy
- Withdrawing from friends and family
