YOU ARE NOT ALONE

  MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH 

COUNSELING CAN HELP.  

 

Research regarding maternal mental health shows that 1 in 5 women reports experiencing feelings of anxiety, depression and other “negative feelings” any time during pregnancy and after pregnancy. About 10% of dads also experience the same perinatal symptoms as the moms.

 

For many moms, taking the time to focus on themselves can often feel very selfish and unnecessary. We think that these feelings will eventually “go away” especially with all the new responsibilities. We think that we simply won’t have time to focus on ourselves, so eventually the idea of self-care becomes a distant memory. 

 

If only it were that simple.

 

Ignoring our needs, over time, becomes a harder weight to bear, on top of the other stressors we experience in our lives. 

 

With maternal mental health counseling, together we can lessen the weight on your shoulders so you can feel free to enjoy your new bundle of joy with less guilt, worry and fear. 

 

You may wonder… what is maternal mental health and can it really help me?

 

It can. 

 

At Infinite Therapeutic Services, we help moms, dads and partners during ANY stage of parenthood to help them feel confident and relax while changing diapers or in-between feedings. 

 

Our team of professionals have extensive knowledge and trainings in the following areas:

-ANTEPARTUM OR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION – (PPD)

-ANTEPARTUM OR POSTPARTUM ANXIETY – (PPA)

-ANTEPARTUM OR POSTPARTUM OBSESSIVE-COMPULSIVE DISORDER – (PPOCD)

-POSTPARTUM POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER – (PPPTSD)

-POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS – (PPP)

 

ANTEPARTUM OR POSTPARTUM DEPRESSION (PPD)

Many wonder what is the difference between “baby blues” or “postpartum depression” - PPD. An abbreviated version of the difference between both concepts is that baby blues –or maternity blues-- usually lasts 2 – 3 weeks after childbirth where you may experience sadness, disconnection from your baby and some crying spells. If feelings persist and worsen beyond three weeks, then that’s when postpartum depression (PPD) may be setting in. Check out this blog post to learn about: Signs of Postpartum Disorders

 

ANTEPARTUM OR POSTPARTUM ANXIETY (PPA)

About 6% of pregnant women experience anxiety during pregnancy, and about 10% do so postpartum. The symptoms experienced are constant worry, racing thoughts, changes in sleep and appetite, at times physical restlessness, as well as dizziness, hot flashes and nausea. At times, anxiety may be experienced with panic attacks, which are moments when shortness of breath, chest pain, heart palpitations, tingling and numbness and, at times, claustrophobia, may be experienced.

 

ANTEPARTUM OR POSTPARTUM OBSESSIVE COMPULSIVE DISORDER (PPOCD)

Between 3 – 5% of women and some dads experience Obsessive Compulsive Disorder during or after pregnancy. The symptoms experienced are intrusive thoughts that are repetitive in nature, as well as compulsive behaviors to address a fear, such a constant cleaning, counting or re-organizing and checking things. Moms and dads experiencing PPOCD are aware of their thoughts and feel concerned about them. Due to this, they feel better when they are with others caring for their infant.

 

POSTPARTUM POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PPPTSD)

About 9% of pregnant women experience PPPTSD after pregnancy and it’s usually related to a traumatic event during pregnancy or delivery. These may include: an unplanned c-section, prolapsed cord, early delivery resulting in baby going into NICU, use of vacuum extractor or forceps for delivery, prior experience to sexual trauma triggered by delivery, experiencing poor communication or lack of support during the delivery and experiencing severe physical complications --unexpected hysterectomy, perineal trauma, cardiac disease, severe preeclampsia or eclampsia.

 

POSTPARTUM PSYCHOSIS (PPP)

About .1 -- .2% of moms experience PPP, and it usually has a sudden onset after birth—1 – 2 weeks after birth. The symptoms are: delusions or strange beliefs, hallucinations, irritability, hyperactivity, less sleep, paranoia, rapid mood swings and speech issues at times. This diagnosis is temporary and treatable, but it should be considered an emergency. About 5% of moms who experience this diagnosis result in suicide and 4% in infanticide. While most moms suffering from PPP will harm themselves or others, it is important to reach out to a local crisis hotline, such as 211 in Florida, if experiencing a crisis and to coordinate care with a trained maternal mental health professional for treatment.

 

With the help of a compassionate and experienced perinatal mental health therapist conveniently located in the heart of Plantation, in Broward County, you can start working on rebuilding your confidence and your sense of self, bonding with your little one and embracing your new life as an expectant or new parent. We can work with you individually, with your partner and with the whole family, as needed.