PERINATAL SUPPORT
If you are pregnant or have recently had a baby and you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings you're in the right place and I want you to know that:
What you're experiencing is very common and very treatable.
This is not your fault and it does not mean you're a bad mother.
With support, things will get better.
Prioritizing yourself right now might feel difficult, but if you are healthy and happy,
your whole family will benefit - especially your baby.
I am a certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist through Postpartum International and I offer non-judgmental and practical support for new or expecting mothers and couples. Most people think that new parenthood should be a beautiful time full of incredible love, connection, and bliss. So it can feel very unsettling when the reality is anything but blissful. Maybe your birth was traumatic, maybe your body is reeling from the hormonal rollercoaster you've been on, you're probably incredibly sleep deprived, your whole life has been turned upside down and you barely recognize yourself. Maybe you don't feel connected to your baby, you are experiencing frightening thoughts or you are worried all the time. I want you to know that you are not alone, there's nothing wrong with you and it doesn't mean you're a bad parent. You, like so many other women and couples just need some extra support through this time of great change and transformation.
It's difficult for most new moms to prioritize themselves or justify spending precious time and resources on therapy. You might try to convince yourself and your loved ones that you're fine. This will go away on it's own. But when a mom is suffering, it impacts the entire family, including your baby. So it is absolutely essential that you get the support you need and deserve and it's ok to need support - most moms do.
I bring compassion, warmth, deep respect, and unwavering faith in my clients' ability to experience health and healing. I tailor my approach to meet the unique needs of every client, drawing on many different modalities and evidenced based practices. This allows the creative and intuitive freedom to find what works and what makes the greatest impact.
PERINATAL RESOURCES:
LOCAL SUPPORT GROUPS:
Postpartum Wellness Group
Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center
This group is for any mother who has concerns about her emotional well-being.
Come to this nurturing and informative group as you navigate your way to wellness.
Includes time for mindfulness meditation and singing with the babies.
Babies from birth to one year old are welcome to attend.
Family members and support people are welcome.
Please call Maggie Muir, LMFT at 831-239-1901
or Genine Leighton, LMFT at 831-331-4498 for more information.
NEARBY PERINATAL PSYCHIATRIC PROGRAM:
El Camino Maternal Outreach Mood Services (MOMS)
Prenatal and Postpartum Depression and Anxiety Treatment Program
2660 Grant Rd. Suite D, Mountain View Ca
Call 650-988-7841 or 866-789-6089 (toll free)
Visit (MOMS) for more information.
New Parent Support Group - Newborn to 4 months
Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, Lactation Department
Call 831-477-2229 for more information.
New Parent Support Group - Babies 4 to 9 months
Sutter Maternity and Surgery Center, Lactation Department
Call 831-477-2229 for more information.
BOOKS:
"Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts: A Healing Guide to the Secret Fears of New Mothers" by: Karen Kleiman
"This Isn’t What I Expected: Overcoming Postpartum Depression" by: Karen Kleiman and Valerie Raskin
*If at any time you feel you or your baby are not safe, please call 911 or have someone take you to an emergency room.
*If others have told you that your thoughts are worrisome but they seem real to you, or you feel that your thoughts make sense and everyone around you must be the crazy ones, let someone close to you know how you are feeling and tell them it’s an emergency.