Please read below about the many ways I can assist you during your pregnancy, postpartum period, pregnancy loss or pregnancy termination. Along with my LMHCA, I hold certifications as a lactation educator and postpartum doula (learn more about me).
Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be an exciting time filled with thoughts of what your child might look like, what their personality will be, preparing for the birth, choosing a name and preparing your living space. It can also be a time of worry, fear, increased tiredness, physical illness and pain. 10 – 20% of all mothers and 10% of fathers experience a pregnancy and postpartum mood disorder (PPMD). These symptoms may be increased if you have experienced trauma in your life or a previous pregnancy loss. You are not alone! I can help.
There is so much to consider before bringing the baby home. How will you feed your baby? (Exclusively breastfeed? Breastfeed and pump? Breastfeed and supplement with formula? Formula?) How will you split up parenting? How will you divide household chores? Who will bring in income? Where will you go for support after the birth?
Whether it is your first pregnancy or your fifth, allow me to support you during this time through emotional support and family planning as you prepare to increase the size and love of your family. Learn more about me or contact me now for a free phone consultation.
Birth
It’s time!
As with pregnancy, this time can be filled with excitement and joy, as well as fear and worry. Having the proper support around you at the time of birth is incredibly important in aiding in a more successful and pleasant birth experience. This is especially true for women who have experienced traumas in the past, including a previous negative birthing experience.
Where do you want to give birth? Who do you want present at the birth? Do you want to have access to pain medication during labor? What, if any, treatments or assessments do you want done to the child following birth?
I can assist you in creating a birth plan that will empower you to have the most pleasant birth experience possible, while providing you with tools and techniques to address any fears or worries you may have regarding the birthing process. Contact me today and let us begin to prepare for this amazing moment in your life.
Postpartum
Your baby is here! Now what?
The days following the birth should be a recovery and bonding period for mom and baby, in some cultures this can be as long as 40 days. They both did a lot of work! What will you need to allow mom and baby this much needed rest? Speaking of bonding, how can others bond with the baby? Especially if mother is exclusively breastfeeding. We can discuss possible options that will work for your family.
What is happening to mom in this recovery period? She begins to recover the nutrients her body used to grow the baby and her body works to heal the physical damage done during the birthing process. During the birth she experienced a spike of “feel good” hormones, some of which are replicated during the act of breastfeeding though not nearly to the same degree. This drop in her hormone level, in combination with less sleep, and possible other factors can contribute to changes in her mood.
85% of all new mothers experience the “baby blues” and 10 – 20% of all mothers and 10% of fathers experience a pregnancy and postpartum mood disorder (PPMD). PPMDs differ from the “baby blues” in that they last beyond the initial 2-3 weeks following birth and are characterized by symptoms that are more severe and more diverse.
I can assist you in planning the best and most reasonable postpartum support for your family. And together we can address and work towards healing any “baby blues” or PPMDs you or your partner may be experiencing. Contact me now for a free phone consultation.
Pregnancy loss
Your pregnancy began the same as every woman’s, potentially with mixed emotions of excitement, joy, nervousness, and worry; though your postpartum period is different. Your postpartum period, with its bodily adjustments, is combined with the grief and loss of the child you never got to know, and it can be dark and difficult place to navigate.
Miscarriages are not often spoken about, leaving many people in the dark about how often this event occurs (between 15 and 20% of early pregnancies). Women or couples are typically left suffering the loss alone without proper support due to the fact that miscarriage within the first trimester are so common the mother or couple are advised not to share their pregnancy news until the beginning of the second trimester. There are many misconceptions surrounding the cause of a miscarriage and women have reported intense feelings of shame, guilt, and betrayal by their body.
Losses in later stages of pregnancy, though rare (1 to 5% in second trimester, 0.3% in third trimester), do occur. Women or couples may not face the same challenge as a first trimester loss of friends and family not knowing about the pregnancy, though they may share the challenge of others not understanding their feelings of loss or alternately they may find it difficult to receive the support they need from family and friends who are also grieving.
You do not have to face your grief alone. Allow me to help you, your partner, or you both, walk through this difficult time to a place of healing. Contact me now for a free phone consultation.
Pregnancy termination
The choice to end a pregnancy is not an easy one and typically results in intense emotions, including grief, and it may be difficult to find the support needed as support groups are typically targeted towards women who have experienced a miscarriage. There are many reasons a woman or a couple may choose to end a pregnancy, including trauma surrounding the conception, and potential dangerous complications for mother and/or child. No matter your reason, you do not have to face your grief alone. Allow me to help you, your partner, or you both, walk through this difficult time to a place of healing. Contact me now for a free phone consultation.