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Perinatal Mental Health Resources
Here to make your healing journey less lonely.
The Postpartum Brain Explained
Recent MRI studies show that there are structural changes (decrease in volume of gray matter in the brain) that occur following pregnancy. This is likely a result of the many hormonal, physical, and emotional changes that one undergoes during pregnancy. And this tends to be true for those that conceive naturally or via assisted reproductive technology such as IVF.
When birth doesn’t go as planned, and other ways birth is traumatic
Perhaps one of the most challenging things about birth is, in fact, that it often doesn’t go as planned as there is no surefire way to make it so. We’re often so busy making plans that we don’t set forth some expectations that things may not go as planned. I like to think that this is one (of many) sources of traumatic birth. Others may involve medical complications, need for emergency treatment, or a NICU stay, to name just a few. To quote trauma expert Katie O’shea, trauma can be defined as “anything for which the mind is not adequately prepared.”
What is the fourth trimester and why is it so hard?
When we think about growing a baby, we often think of it ending after three trimesters and with the birth of a child. But what really happens during babies first three months of life? Well, according to Dr. Harvey Karp, the baby is longing for life as they knew it inside the womb. Sometimes understanding what to expect and why this period can be so hard can allow you to feel more prepared and equipped.
Why motherhood is getting harder and what we can do about it
If you’re feeling that motherhood is harder than you ever imagined it to be, and perhaps tougher than anyone warned you, you’re not alone. There’s never been a time that being a parent has been harder. It’s no secret that the COVID-19 pandemic has created an immense burden for parents. At times it’s made childcare near impossible, our fears about illness soar, and introduced a whole new ballgame of the juggling act that already feels nearly impossible.
Is EMDR safe during Pregnancy?
This is a common question asked by both therapists and patients alike. Currently, there is no evidence to suggest that EMDR is contraindicated during any stage of pregnancy. In fact, untreated mental health conditions appear to be more detrimental to both mother and fetus or infant that far outweigh and negative effects of treatment. While some treatments have adverse side effects that can negatively impact the developing fetus, there’s no evidence that leads experts to believe that this is true for EMDR therapy.
Is my worry “normal” or is it postpartum anxiety?
While there is some level of nervousness, worry, and anxiety that comes with the transition to parenthood (and is healthy and adaptive), we’re seeing an increase in postpartum anxiety at clinical levels—causing levels of distress and impairment that interfere with daily functioning. It’s estimated that about 10% of mothers develop anxiety during the postpartum period.