Many people imagine pregnancy and new parenthood as a joyful, natural transition. And while there can certainly be moments of joy and deep connection, the perinatal period can also feel overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally complicated. If you’re struggling during pregnancy or after bringing home a baby, you are not alone.
Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy, postpartum, and the early parenting years. This season of life often brings enormous changes—physically, emotionally, relationally, and mentally. You may find yourself feeling anxious, emotionally numb, irritable, disconnected, overwhelmed, or unlike yourself. Some people experience postpartum depression or anxiety, intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, grief and loss, relationship strain, or difficulty adjusting to the identity shifts that can come with becoming a parent.
Therapy can offer a space to slow down and honestly explore what this season has been like for you. Together, we can make sense of the emotions you’re carrying, better understand your experiences, and help you reconnect with yourself in the midst of so much change. You do not have to minimize your pain or “just push through.” Healing begins when you feel safe enough to be seen and supported.
Spring Tree Counselor Rebecca Foster, MA, LPC has a certificate in Maternal Mental Health and has completed Postpartum Support International’s advanced educational requirements. Contact Rebecca today to discuss working together to get the support you need during the perinatal period. Rebecca works with both individuals and couples, seeing clients in our Evanston and Chicago offices and via telehealth.