So, you decided to have a baby! Whether this is your first or fourth pregnancy, your body, mind and life are going through some major changes. Baby making and new parenthood isn’t always the rainbows and butterflies we are promised. Counseling can help you face and adjust to these changes.
If you are struggling, you are not alone. One in seven new parents experience anxiety or depression during or after pregnancy. The depressed or anxious feelings can begin up to one year after the birth of a baby. Infertility and pregnancy loss can also create a need for support.
Some signs of difficulty include:
- Feeling lack of connection to baby
- Feeling the need to do everything perfectly
- Doubts about being a good mother
- Feeling like a failure
- Feeling overwhelmed
- Having scary or disturbing thoughts
- Difficulty sleeping
- Sleeping too much
- Lack of interest in activities that used to be enjoyable
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Sadness
- Anxiety
- Guilt
Often, it is difficult to pinpoint exactly what is happening. You may be feeling like something is off and you are no longer your usual self.
Other pregnancy related issues that I can help with are:
- Grieving your old life.
- Pregnancy loss
- Infant loss
- Infertility
- Deciding if becoming a parent is right for you
- Traumatic birth
- Trauma that resurfaces during pregnancy, birthing or postpartum
If you are experiencing these troubles during or after pregnancy, counseling can help you get back on track. The good news is that these feelings are temporary and can be resolved with help.
Have you talked to your doctor? Hormone imbalances, vitamin and mineral deficiencies and other health issues can cause many of the symptoms listed. Talk to your doctor about having tests done to check your thyroid and other hormone levels, as well as vitamin and mineral levels.
Walk and Talk Counseling
Exercise and the outdoors are beneficial to health, recovery and well-being. After your initial intake session, we can have occasional walk and talk counseling sessions. Here is how these sessions go:
- We meet in the office for 15-20 minutes.
- Spend 15-20 minutes of counseling time walking in downtown Bakersfield.
- Return to the office to complete session.
Therapy can help you feel valued, calm, capable, and connected as you begin or continue your motherhood journey. 
Therapy can help with a wide variety of new parenthood issues, from smaller issues and feelings, to dealing with the major challenges or transitions that you or a partner could be experiencing.
In a non-judgmental, supportive space we will discuss your wants and needs openly and respectfully. Evidence-based techniques, therapies, and experience will help pave the way for an enjoyable beginning to your journey through parenthood. If you’re looking for an understanding ear to help you through this time, please contact me today for an appointment.
If you are experiencing an immediate crisis and think you may harm yourself, your child or someone else, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.