Postpartum Therapy in San Antonio, TX

Are Your Worries About Becoming A New Parent Casting A Shadow Over Your Excitement?

Is motherhood something you’ve always wanted, but the thought of starting on that journey leaves you sleepless at night? Have your struggles to get pregnant caused you to slip into depression? If your baby is here, are you worried about everything you don’t know and afraid that you’re going to mess up?

Maybe you’re scared that you won’t be able to bond with your new baby. It might be that the thought of giving birth makes you worry. Or perhaps you’re overwhelmed after a miscarriage or traumatic birth and you’re not sure how to move forward.

Pregnancy And Postpartum Are Difficult For All New Moms

So many aspects of pregnancy and adjusting to life with a baby are wonderful, but many of them are also challenging. Your experience during these periods is unique and you don’t have to feel a certain way while you’re pregnant or after you’ve given birth. If you’re feeling down, or wondering why you’re not as excited as you want to be, you could be struggling with a Perinatal or Postpartum Mood Disorder. Some symptoms to be aware of are:

• Mood swings

• Crying spells

• Anxiety

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Withdrawing from family and friends

• Overwhelming tiredness or loss of energy

• Panic attacks or obsessive worries

• Repeated thoughts or images of frightening things happening to you or to the baby.

If you feel like you’re struggling with these symptoms or just feel like you need some extra support during pregnancy or postpartum, you can reach out to Monarch Behavioral Health for perinatal or postpartum therapy.

One In Seven New Mothers Experiences Postpartum Depression

Perinatal Mood Disorders (PPD), which include postpartum depression and anxiety, are much more common than most people think. And we are learning more and more about the challenges that new mothers and fathers face every day.

Most people grow up thinking that getting pregnant, giving birth, and raising a new baby will be  exciting. Of course people realize it’s challenging, but they usually don’t anticipate how emotionally depleting it can be. The experience of becoming and being a parent has been glamorized in our society. But becoming a parent is tough. And because many new parents aren’t prepared for it, they often feel sadness, guilt, and uncertainty.

A Lack Of Understanding And Support Can Hinder New Parents From Reaching Out

Oftentimes, our society views postpartum depression and other perinatal mental health issues as problems to be hidden away. New parents are bombarded with images of happy new families in movies, on TV, and all over social media. Because of this they often think they can handle everything on their own and then feel like they are not good enough if they start to struggle.

Our postpartum counselors at Monarch Behavioral Health know that isn’t true. Fear and shame don’t have to hold you back. Therapy can help you let go of feelings of guilt and enjoy this new life with your baby.

Postpartum Therapy Can Help You Find Compassion For Yourself And Develop Healthy Coping Skills

When you first come to postpartum therapy, part of you might think: “I shouldn’t be in therapy. I should be happy at home with my newborn.” It’s normal to feel this way. The fact that you’re excited to be with your newborn doesn’t mean you can’t experience guilt, sadness, and lots of other conflicting emotions.

Here at Monarch Behavioral Health, we know how hard it is to be a new parent. All of our postpartum therapists are trained in treating natal mood disorders and understand how the increase in hormones along with your changing circumstances can affect your emotional wellbeing. Most importantly, we believe in showing you compassion and validation during this hectic and confusing time.

What to Expect In Postpartum Therapy Sessions

The first session is a consultation between you and your therapist. This is a time for you to get to know us and make sure you feel comfortable opening up to your therapist and expressing your challenges and vulnerabilities.

From there, we will go over what your journey of new parenthood has been like so far and where you’re struggling. This way, we can develop a plan that works for you and the family you’re building.

Therapy Designed For Your Unique Needs

Even if your pregnancy and childbirth goes according to plan, it’s common to struggle with a wide array of complex and contradictory feelings. And if you’ve dealt with miscarriage, fertility issues, or a traumatic birth, your perinatal experience is probably even tougher.

Because every new parent’s journey into parenthood is unique, we do not prescribe certain modalities or methods of treatment. Instead, you will have a therapist who has compassion for your story and specializes in the specific issues you're facing. Depending on your circumstances, you may work on coping with grief, overcoming anxiety, or learning new ways to bond with your newborn.

Monarch Behavioral Health is here to support you during this vulnerable time in your life. Perinatal therapy can assist you in building your confidence, managing your anxiety, and finding peace as you journey into parenthood.

But You May Still Have Questions About Postpartum Therapy…

Sometimes I feel like I want to escape parenthood, and I’m afraid my therapist will judge me.

Thoughts like this are common during postpartum and your therapist won’t judge you for them. Therapy is a safe place where you are free to express whatever thoughts you are having and can come to get help. If you sometimes find yourself wishing you weren’t a new parent, that’s okay—you don’t have to feel ashamed. Your therapist can help you process your feelings of shame and learn to be more compassionate with yourself.

Can I still benefit from postpartum counseling if I didn’t give birth?

Yes. Mothers are not the only ones who can find the postpartum time period challenging or struggle with Perinatal Mood Disorders. Fathers or non-birthing partners can benefit from postpartum counseling and we encourage you to attend individually, with your partner, or however works for you and your family.

Someone suggested I try therapy, but I’ve always thought motherhood should come naturally.

The thoughts and challenges you are facing are not related to your ability to be a mom. Depression and anxiety are nothing to be ashamed of. It’s okay to reach out for help. Our therapists are here to help you cope with the stressors of pregnancy and postpartum and develop a sustainable plan to move forward.

You Don’t Have To Navigate Being A New Parent Alone

Struggling with pregnancy and becoming a parent can overwhelm your life. But with the right support, you can overcome Perinatal Mood Disorders and other challenges you may be facing. Contact Monarch Behavioral Health to get the support you need in your journey into parenthood.

Recent Posts