Understanding perinatal and postpartum support
The perinatal period, which includes pregnancy and the first year after childbirth, can bring significant physical, emotional, and psychological changes. While this time can be exciting and meaningful, it can also bring uncertainty, stress, anxiety, sadness, or feelings of being overwhelmed.
Perinatal and postpartum support provides a space to process these changes, understand your emotions, and develop strategies for navigating the challenges of pregnancy, new parenthood, and changing family dynamics. Support may be helpful whether you are experiencing a specific mental health concern or simply finding the transition more difficult than expected.
You don’t need a formal diagnosis—like perinatal or postpartum depression or anxiety—to seek help. Support can make a difference whether you’re pregnant, recently given birth, or facing challenges with fertility, pregnancy loss, or adapting to a growing family.
How we can help support maternal mental health
Margaret Yeh, LCSW, is equipped to provide individualized support for a range of perinatal and postpartum concerns, including:
- Perinatal and postpartum anxiety
- Perinatal and postpartum depression
- Perinatal OCD and intrusive thoughts
- Birth and pregnancy-related trauma
- Fertility challenges and pregnancy loss
- Adjustment to parenthood and changing identity
- Parenting stress and overwhelm
- Relationship and communication challenges
- Partner and family adjustment
- Pregnancy and postpartum transitions
Who we work with
We support mothers and families through the many transitions that can come with pregnancy, childbirth, and growing a family, including:
- Individuals during pregnancy
- New parents and parents in the postpartum period
- Partners adjusting to parenthood
- Couples navigating changes after having a baby
- Families adjusting to a growing family
- Individuals experiencing pregnancy loss or fertility challenges
What to expect from perinatal and postpartum therapy
Every person's experience with pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and parenthood is different. We begin by understanding your concerns, goals, relationships, and current circumstances. From there, we develop an individualized treatment plan using evidence-based approaches that may include CBT, DBT, or other therapeutic techniques.
Therapy may focus on:
- Understanding and managing difficult emotions
- Reducing anxiety and excessive worry
- Challenging unhelpful thought patterns
- Processing difficult or traumatic experiences
- Building coping and emotion-regulation skills
- Navigating changes in identity and relationships
- Developing realistic expectations for yourself and parenthood
We also support partners and families as they navigate these transitions together. Whether you are facing depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts, trauma, or less common conditions like perinatal OCD or psychosis, you deserve compassionate, expert care.
You don’t have to go through this alone. Reach out to connect with a therapist who understands the complexities of the perinatal and postpartum experience, and discover the support you and your family deserve.
Frequently asked questions
What is perinatal or postpartum mental health support?
Perinatal mental health care focuses on emotional well-being during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. Individuals may experience anxiety, mood changes, identity shifts, or adjustment challenges during this time.
When should I seek postpartum therapy?
Support may be helpful if you notice persistent sadness, excessive worry, sleep disruption beyond typical newborn patterns, or difficulty bonding with your baby.
Can therapy help with postpartum anxiety?
Yes. Therapy can help individuals understand and manage excessive worry, panic, intrusive thoughts, and other symptoms of postpartum anxiety.
Can I start therapy during pregnancy?
Yes. Perinatal therapy can begin during pregnancy and may provide support for anxiety, depression, pregnancy-related stress, birth preparation, relationship changes, or other concerns.
Can partners or family members participate in therapy?
Yes. Including partners or support systems can strengthen communication, shared understanding, and overall family adjustment.