Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists in Midtown, Sacramento, CA

Photo of Hannah Collentine-Cole, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Hannah Collentine-Cole
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PPSC
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95811
Are you feeling stuck? Are you juggling so many responsibilities that your own needs come last? Is it hard to take time for yourself? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please know that you aren’t alone and therapy can help. I work with adult clients struggling with anxiety and relationship challenges, and I am particularly passionate about supporting moms through pregnancy and beyond. I offer Telehealth therapy to clients throughout CA, and in-person therapy to clients in the Sacramento Area.
Are you feeling stuck? Are you juggling so many responsibilities that your own needs come last? Is it hard to take time for yourself? If you answered yes to any of these questions, please know that you aren’t alone and therapy can help. I work with adult clients struggling with anxiety and relationship challenges, and I am particularly passionate about supporting moms through pregnancy and beyond. I offer Telehealth therapy to clients throughout CA, and in-person therapy to clients in the Sacramento Area.
(916) 252-1371 View (916) 252-1371
Photo of Meghann Crane-Russ, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Meghann Crane-Russ
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, PMH-C
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification and am trained in EMDR.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go. You're worried you will feel this way forever, that you will never feel like yourself again. Maybe you’re reading this because your parenting experience is not what you expected it to be, in fact, it’s probably been pretty awful so far. Perhaps you’ve experienced child, infant, or pregnancy loss and there are really no words to describe the void you feel right now. The loss is inexpressible and you feel so alone. Or you’re struggling to cope with chronic illness, grief, or life stressors. You feel like you’re hiking through a forest without a map... you just want to find a path forward.
I hold a Perinatal Mental Health Certification and am trained in EMDR.
This wasn't how it was supposed to go. You're worried you will feel this way forever, that you will never feel like yourself again. Maybe you’re reading this because your parenting experience is not what you expected it to be, in fact, it’s probably been pretty awful so far. Perhaps you’ve experienced child, infant, or pregnancy loss and there are really no words to describe the void you feel right now. The loss is inexpressible and you feel so alone. Or you’re struggling to cope with chronic illness, grief, or life stressors. You feel like you’re hiking through a forest without a map... you just want to find a path forward.
(530) 670-0174 View (530) 670-0174
Photo of Michelle Reedus, Pre-Licensed Professional in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Michelle Reedus
Pre-Licensed Professional, ASW
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
Sometimes life can come at us fast. It can be hard, unpredictable, scary and even beautiful all at the same time. Therapy exists as a place to heal, develop self awareness and navigate life’s challenges in a safe, non judgmental and supportive space. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, adjusting to becoming a new or single parent, recovering from trauma or need support processing a loss such as a divorce or miscarriage, I am dedicated to meeting you exactly where you are. Together, we can process and unpack feelings, thoughts, behaviors and patterns you no longer want to carry on your journey to healing.
Sometimes life can come at us fast. It can be hard, unpredictable, scary and even beautiful all at the same time. Therapy exists as a place to heal, develop self awareness and navigate life’s challenges in a safe, non judgmental and supportive space. Whether you are struggling with anxiety or depression, adjusting to becoming a new or single parent, recovering from trauma or need support processing a loss such as a divorce or miscarriage, I am dedicated to meeting you exactly where you are. Together, we can process and unpack feelings, thoughts, behaviors and patterns you no longer want to carry on your journey to healing.
(530) 853-3807 View (530) 853-3807
Photo of Deborah Kjeldsen, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Deborah Kjeldsen
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95811
​I focus on Women's Mental Health, with a special interest in supporting women through pregnancy and into new parenthood as a trained Perinatal Mental Health Professional.
Are you a new parent? Are you feeling anxious, isolated, sad, or irritable? Motherhood not what you expected and feeling overwhelmed? You may also be struggling with infertility and grieving the loss of your dream of motherhood. Whether you have experienced a pregnancy loss or are facing an uncertain pregnancy, or finding it difficult to prioritize self-care while raising kids, I am here to help. I offer counseling for residents in California who are dealing with perinatal or postpartum depression, anxiety, grief/loss, birth trauma/PTSD, and the challenges of early parenthood.
​I focus on Women's Mental Health, with a special interest in supporting women through pregnancy and into new parenthood as a trained Perinatal Mental Health Professional.
Are you a new parent? Are you feeling anxious, isolated, sad, or irritable? Motherhood not what you expected and feeling overwhelmed? You may also be struggling with infertility and grieving the loss of your dream of motherhood. Whether you have experienced a pregnancy loss or are facing an uncertain pregnancy, or finding it difficult to prioritize self-care while raising kids, I am here to help. I offer counseling for residents in California who are dealing with perinatal or postpartum depression, anxiety, grief/loss, birth trauma/PTSD, and the challenges of early parenthood.
(628) 203-1108 View (628) 203-1108
Photo of Catherine O'Brien, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Catherine O'Brien
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, PPS
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95818
I specialize in helping couples prepare for the transition from pregnancy to parenthood by managing overwhelm, creating more ease and deepening connection.
Do you feel like all the other new parents seem to have it all together? Do you get easily irritated, anxious, and overwhelmed at the simplest things? Do you feel guilty because you have such a beautiful and good baby, but still feel like crap? Do you find yourself asking WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? Having a baby changes everything! Even when you have longed for a baby the fatigue and exhaustion have the better of you. Your relationship has changed with your partner and not always for the better.
I specialize in helping couples prepare for the transition from pregnancy to parenthood by managing overwhelm, creating more ease and deepening connection.
Do you feel like all the other new parents seem to have it all together? Do you get easily irritated, anxious, and overwhelmed at the simplest things? Do you feel guilty because you have such a beautiful and good baby, but still feel like crap? Do you find yourself asking WHAT IS WRONG WITH ME? Having a baby changes everything! Even when you have longed for a baby the fatigue and exhaustion have the better of you. Your relationship has changed with your partner and not always for the better.
(916) 668-6408 View (916) 668-6408
Photo of Lizbeth Lerma, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Lizbeth Lerma
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 94203
I specialize in providing counseling to people experiencing struggles that may arise during pregnancy and postpartum, have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, are struggling with infertility, and in supporting people in the day to day struggles of parenthood.
My approach is client-centered, strength based. This means that individuals have the internal resources to work through life issues but just need someone to help them access them. I know that there is no single approach that is right for everyone so I work from an eclectic approach utilizing tools from various theoretical models. I offer a warm, accepting, and nurturing environment in which together we will work to gain a better understanding of yourself and make positive choices that will enable you to live your life fully.
I specialize in providing counseling to people experiencing struggles that may arise during pregnancy and postpartum, have experienced pregnancy or infant loss, are struggling with infertility, and in supporting people in the day to day struggles of parenthood.
My approach is client-centered, strength based. This means that individuals have the internal resources to work through life issues but just need someone to help them access them. I know that there is no single approach that is right for everyone so I work from an eclectic approach utilizing tools from various theoretical models. I offer a warm, accepting, and nurturing environment in which together we will work to gain a better understanding of yourself and make positive choices that will enable you to live your life fully.
(559) 235-1388 View (559) 235-1388
Photo of Ashley Hanna-Morgan, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Ashley Hanna-Morgan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 94203  (Online Only)
I enjoy and specialize in working with trauma, grief, mood disorders, pre- and postpartum depression/anxiety/OCD/ PTSD, birth trauma, infertility, and perinatal grief and loss.
I'm passionate about helping people truly thrive in life, not just survive. Trauma, depression and anxiety are far too common, and can completely rob life of its joy. Hope and healing are available! Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness therapy, and trauma-focused therapy, such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems Therapy, we can get creative together to bring more joy into your life.
I enjoy and specialize in working with trauma, grief, mood disorders, pre- and postpartum depression/anxiety/OCD/ PTSD, birth trauma, infertility, and perinatal grief and loss.
I'm passionate about helping people truly thrive in life, not just survive. Trauma, depression and anxiety are far too common, and can completely rob life of its joy. Hope and healing are available! Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness therapy, and trauma-focused therapy, such as EMDR and Internal Family Systems Therapy, we can get creative together to bring more joy into your life.
(775) 416-8678 View (775) 416-8678
Photo of Colleen Tweed Wong, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Colleen Tweed Wong
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, PMH-C
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International and have worked in maternal depression research at the UC Davis, School of Medicine.
Please email for the fastest response. I have been working with parents in the Sacramento area since graduating from UC Davis with a major in psychology and a minor in human development in 1999. I have since partnered with not only parents, but numerous couples, students, and individuals to decrease anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and relational conflict while advancing toward a life of increased self-esteem, joy, sense of purpose, clarity, connectedness, and life satisfaction.
I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International and have worked in maternal depression research at the UC Davis, School of Medicine.
Please email for the fastest response. I have been working with parents in the Sacramento area since graduating from UC Davis with a major in psychology and a minor in human development in 1999. I have since partnered with not only parents, but numerous couples, students, and individuals to decrease anxiety, depression, self-doubt, and relational conflict while advancing toward a life of increased self-esteem, joy, sense of purpose, clarity, connectedness, and life satisfaction.
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Photo of Nicole Kerbo Robbins, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Nicole Kerbo Robbins
Marriage & Family Therapist, MFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
Now accepting new clients. Are you deciding whether to fix or leave a relationship? Do you feel out of control of your feelings or frustrated that you're not enjoying life? I have 22 years of experience in helping people to develop richer connections and reduce loneliness and stress. My areas of expertise are divorce recovery, clarifying patterns to find the right partner, perinatal and postpartum changes, and step-parenting. I also have experience in working with addiction, trauma recovery, and with families affected by mental illness.
Now accepting new clients. Are you deciding whether to fix or leave a relationship? Do you feel out of control of your feelings or frustrated that you're not enjoying life? I have 22 years of experience in helping people to develop richer connections and reduce loneliness and stress. My areas of expertise are divorce recovery, clarifying patterns to find the right partner, perinatal and postpartum changes, and step-parenting. I also have experience in working with addiction, trauma recovery, and with families affected by mental illness.
(916) 296-3003 View (916) 296-3003
Photo of Heather Liebert, Psychologist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Heather Liebert
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I am a clinical psychologist with expertise working with anxiety, depression, postpartum concerns, professional transition, chronic illness, sexual health, LGBTQAI+ and gender spectrum folks, among other concerns.
Hi there! I strive to create a warm, humorous, and empathic space to focus on just you. Perhaps it's to reflect on how your history is impacting you now. Perhaps it's to develop skills that you haven't learned yet, or unlearn habits that are holding you back. Perhaps you've talked all you can to the people in your life and need a place to keep processing. Maybe you just need more support.
I am a clinical psychologist with expertise working with anxiety, depression, postpartum concerns, professional transition, chronic illness, sexual health, LGBTQAI+ and gender spectrum folks, among other concerns.
Hi there! I strive to create a warm, humorous, and empathic space to focus on just you. Perhaps it's to reflect on how your history is impacting you now. Perhaps it's to develop skills that you haven't learned yet, or unlearn habits that are holding you back. Perhaps you've talked all you can to the people in your life and need a place to keep processing. Maybe you just need more support.
(530) 584-4255 View (530) 584-4255
Photo of Jenna Bell (Registered Associate #13251), Associate Professional Clinical Counselor in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Jenna Bell (Registered Associate #13251)
Associate Professional Clinical Counselor, MS
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
Hello, and welcome to my page. Are you having a difficult time in your relationships or at work? Do you struggle with anxiety and/or depression? Is the teen or young adult in your life struggling and in need of support? Are you feeling overwhelmed with family or just with everything on your mind? Are you struggling with illness, trauma, or crisis? I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults, couples, families, parent/child relationships, coping with illness, relationship challenges, and pre and postpartum difficulties. I also see children, teens, and adults individually.
Hello, and welcome to my page. Are you having a difficult time in your relationships or at work? Do you struggle with anxiety and/or depression? Is the teen or young adult in your life struggling and in need of support? Are you feeling overwhelmed with family or just with everything on your mind? Are you struggling with illness, trauma, or crisis? I specialize in working with adolescents and young adults, couples, families, parent/child relationships, coping with illness, relationship challenges, and pre and postpartum difficulties. I also see children, teens, and adults individually.
(916) 249-7237 View (916) 249-7237
Photo of Lyl Starr, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Lyl Starr
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 94230
Are you noticing experiences from your past showing up in your life or relationships today? Perhaps you’re realizing that the childhood you thought was “typical” was actually anything but, and you’re seeing the patterns showing up in the partners you choose or your tendency to try and keep everyone happy. Maybe you’re walking a road through parenthood that you never expected to be on: infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, or postpartum anxiety or depression. While you might have pushed it away for a while, you now can’t ignore the impacts of these experiences on your body, your partner, your child, and your mental health.
Are you noticing experiences from your past showing up in your life or relationships today? Perhaps you’re realizing that the childhood you thought was “typical” was actually anything but, and you’re seeing the patterns showing up in the partners you choose or your tendency to try and keep everyone happy. Maybe you’re walking a road through parenthood that you never expected to be on: infertility, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, or postpartum anxiety or depression. While you might have pushed it away for a while, you now can’t ignore the impacts of these experiences on your body, your partner, your child, and your mental health.
(916) 656-0192 View (916) 656-0192
Photo of Kimberly Mascaro, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Kimberly Mascaro
Marriage & Family Therapist, PhD, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 94209  (Online Only)
Welcome! Are you on a path for living a life of purpose and meaning? Allow me to support you. Come see me in my virtual therapy office! I'm known for my warm, relational approach and holistic, eclectic style, integrating talk therapy with mindfulness, expressive art, hypnotherapy, dreamwork, and more. I provide individualized care, personally tailored to your specific needs and desires. Currently, I'm serving a diverse adult population (primarily the 20s through the 50s) focusing on a variety of issues (creativity, spirituality, past trauma, adult ADHD, anxiety, postpartum, life transitions, grief/loss, as well as recovery).
Welcome! Are you on a path for living a life of purpose and meaning? Allow me to support you. Come see me in my virtual therapy office! I'm known for my warm, relational approach and holistic, eclectic style, integrating talk therapy with mindfulness, expressive art, hypnotherapy, dreamwork, and more. I provide individualized care, personally tailored to your specific needs and desires. Currently, I'm serving a diverse adult population (primarily the 20s through the 50s) focusing on a variety of issues (creativity, spirituality, past trauma, adult ADHD, anxiety, postpartum, life transitions, grief/loss, as well as recovery).
(530) 203-5874 View (530) 203-5874
Photo of Jessica Garner, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Jessica Garner
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95811
I also have spent 6 years working with pregnant and post-postpartum mothers and fathers and would love to help you work through your pregnancy and postpartum anxieties and mood disorders to help you be the best parent you can be.
I believe the best way to make progress in therapy is to have trust that your therapist understands you and makes you feel as comfortable as possible. I will try my very best to be that person for you. Therapy can seem weird, and vulnerability is hard for anyone. My name is Jess and I am an LCSW in California. I have worked in the medical field for most of my career. This has given me the unique opportunity to work with people of all ages, backgrounds, and situations.
I also have spent 6 years working with pregnant and post-postpartum mothers and fathers and would love to help you work through your pregnancy and postpartum anxieties and mood disorders to help you be the best parent you can be.
I believe the best way to make progress in therapy is to have trust that your therapist understands you and makes you feel as comfortable as possible. I will try my very best to be that person for you. Therapy can seem weird, and vulnerability is hard for anyone. My name is Jess and I am an LCSW in California. I have worked in the medical field for most of my career. This has given me the unique opportunity to work with people of all ages, backgrounds, and situations.
(909) 679-3626 View (909) 679-3626
Photo of Crystal Barrera, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Crystal Barrera
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 94205  (Online Only)
I specialize working with working anxiety/depression, teen issues, parenting challenges, domestic violence, trauma issues, postpartum depression, infertility challenges, codependency, PTSD, women’s issues, parenting and family.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has a passion for helping clients develop a better understanding of themselves and their lives. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and provide a culturally sensitive environment.
I specialize working with working anxiety/depression, teen issues, parenting challenges, domestic violence, trauma issues, postpartum depression, infertility challenges, codependency, PTSD, women’s issues, parenting and family.
I am a licensed clinical social worker who has a passion for helping clients develop a better understanding of themselves and their lives. I am bilingual in English and Spanish and provide a culturally sensitive environment.
(415) 903-9997 View (415) 903-9997
Photo of Jessa Mohaddess Westmoreland, Pre-Licensed Professional in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Jessa Mohaddess Westmoreland
Pre-Licensed Professional, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
Many of us feel disconnected from ourselves and experience symptoms that constrict our lives and relationships. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment where people can comfortably explore their longstanding, repetitive patterns, work through past trauma, integrate previously disowned parts of self, and discover their inner strengths. Using a holistic and integrative approach grounded in psychodynamic theory, I am committed to helping my clients gain insight and self-awareness and feel empowered to alter their present experiences by making intentional decisions that align with their values.
Many of us feel disconnected from ourselves and experience symptoms that constrict our lives and relationships. My goal as a therapist is to provide a safe environment where people can comfortably explore their longstanding, repetitive patterns, work through past trauma, integrate previously disowned parts of self, and discover their inner strengths. Using a holistic and integrative approach grounded in psychodynamic theory, I am committed to helping my clients gain insight and self-awareness and feel empowered to alter their present experiences by making intentional decisions that align with their values.
(916) 398-2827 View (916) 398-2827
Photo of Daniel Fulton, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Daniel Fulton
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
9 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816  (Online Only)
Welcome. Are you struggling in your relationship? Do you feel alone, frustrated, or overwhelmed? Perhaps distance, criticism, or conflict have taken over and you no longer feel connected to yourself or your partner(s). You may worry that confusion, anger, grief, and loneliness are the new normal in your life. Perhaps you feel something special has been lost, and you want to find it again. Whether you are going through a major change like having a baby, recovering from a betrayal or loss, or simply facing the challenges of everyday life, you may find yourself longing for a feeling of wholehearted connection and belonging.
Welcome. Are you struggling in your relationship? Do you feel alone, frustrated, or overwhelmed? Perhaps distance, criticism, or conflict have taken over and you no longer feel connected to yourself or your partner(s). You may worry that confusion, anger, grief, and loneliness are the new normal in your life. Perhaps you feel something special has been lost, and you want to find it again. Whether you are going through a major change like having a baby, recovering from a betrayal or loss, or simply facing the challenges of everyday life, you may find yourself longing for a feeling of wholehearted connection and belonging.
(626) 314-6722 View (626) 314-6722
Photo of Liana Filia Wenger, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Liana Filia Wenger
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 94203  (Online Only)
In individual therapy we enter into a non-judgmental and unconditional relationship in which we can be our true selves. Through weekly meetings together, we explore your belief systems, patterns and what makes you, you. With deep insight we formulate the tools for your personal growth. The process of therapy and its' unique container can ignite tremendous transformation in all facets of your life. I invite you to contact me and begin the healing process.
In individual therapy we enter into a non-judgmental and unconditional relationship in which we can be our true selves. Through weekly meetings together, we explore your belief systems, patterns and what makes you, you. With deep insight we formulate the tools for your personal growth. The process of therapy and its' unique container can ignite tremendous transformation in all facets of your life. I invite you to contact me and begin the healing process.
(415) 360-2318 View (415) 360-2318
Photo of Nekisha Michelle Kee Well-Mamas Counseling, Associate Clinical Social Worker in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Nekisha Michelle Kee Well-Mamas Counseling
Associate Clinical Social Worker, MSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 94203
I am passionate at helping mothers, individuals and couples redefine their lives on their own terms. Understanding the process of refinement of oneself, roles, and responsibilities is ongoing and requires awareness, attention, intention, compassion, affirmation, and resilience. I empathize and know from experience the stages of change can be confusing, scary, and uncertain. In these moments of change, I offer my clients expertise and therapeutic support to help you navigate these unfamiliar transitions.
I am passionate at helping mothers, individuals and couples redefine their lives on their own terms. Understanding the process of refinement of oneself, roles, and responsibilities is ongoing and requires awareness, attention, intention, compassion, affirmation, and resilience. I empathize and know from experience the stages of change can be confusing, scary, and uncertain. In these moments of change, I offer my clients expertise and therapeutic support to help you navigate these unfamiliar transitions.
(619) 376-1291 View (619) 376-1291
Photo of Emma Shandy Anway, Marriage & Family Therapist in Midtown, Sacramento, CA
Emma Shandy Anway
Marriage & Family Therapist, MS, LMFT
Verified Verified
8 Endorsed
Midtown, Sacramento, CA 95816
I believe that people experience healing in and through relationships. Brené Brown defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship”. Therapy can be a powerful, safe space to experience that connection both as individuals and partnerships.
I believe that people experience healing in and through relationships. Brené Brown defines connection as “the energy that exists between people when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they derive sustenance and strength from the relationship”. Therapy can be a powerful, safe space to experience that connection both as individuals and partnerships.
(530) 203-8506 View (530) 203-8506

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Pregnancy, Prenatal, Postpartum Therapists

What are the most effective ways to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns?

The most effective way to address pregnancy, prenatal, and postpartum concerns is by finding a therapist who has prior experience helping other patients overcome the challenge being faced. For example, a marriage and family therapist may have experience helping couples adjust to their new relationship dynamic. An anxiety specialist may have experience helping with phobias or illness anxiety related to the child’s health. A depression specialist may have experience treating postpartum depression.

When should I seek treatment for prenatal or postpartum concerns?

Pregnancy and the postpartum period involve intense physical and mental changes; a degree of upset and instability is normal. However, if these changes impair daily functioning, it may be time to seek help. This distinction is pertinent for postpartum depression: A period of teariness, irritability, and distress is difficult but normal in the one to two weeks after childbirth (sometimes called the “baby blues.”) But if feelings of sadness and hopelessness persist beyond that period, the person should seek treatment.

How do I manage worries during pregnancy or the postnatal period?

A therapist can help patients develop the tools they need to manage anxieties during or after pregnancy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help people identify and reframe harmful patterns of thought, and change their behaviors. Other techniques and skills can allow people to develop acceptance, psychological flexibility, self-compassion, communication skills, and more.

Are there specific medications for postpartum depression?

In 2019, the FDA approved the first medication designed to treat postpartum depression. The medication is called brexanolone and is delivered intravenously by a medical professional over the course of a few days. However, typical antidepressants, which are more accessible, can also treat postpartum depression. The disorder is often best treated through a combination of medication and therapy.