Becoming a parent is truly a life-changing experience

PRENATAL & POSTPARTUM COUNSELING 

What is Postpartum Depression (PPD) and Prenatal Depression?

Postpartum Depression is a term that is often used to encompass depression and/or anxiety which occur up to a year after childbirth. 1 in 5 mothers experience Postpartum Depression and 1 in 10 fathers do as well. Partners can also experience postpartum depression. PPD is temporary and treatable with professional help.  It can happen to any woman, even mothers who have other children and did not experience PPD previously.  You will feel better again with proper treatment.  The sooner you get help, the sooner you will be feeling better, and the easier recovery will be.  

Prenatal Depression occurs during pregnancy, and the symptoms are the same as postpartum depression.  About 50% of postpartum depression starts during pregnancy, which highlights the need for early intervention.      

Parenthood

Becoming a parent is life-changing. From the moment you find out you're pregnant, everything looks different. You think about the birth, your child's future, and what kind of parent you'll be. But sometimes reality doesn't match the happy story you expected. Instead of cuddling a sleepy baby, you're up all night with a crying one. It's overwhelming, and you start to doubt yourself as a parent. You may even feel like you've made a huge mistake. No one warns you about the challenges of being a parent or how tough it can be. We know how stressful it is, and we want you to know that you're not alone.

We can help you feel calmer, happier, and more confident. If you're feeling a lot of stress or unsure if what you're experiencing is normal for pregnancy or parenthood, reach out to us for a free phone consultation.

We help people at all stages of parenthood, whether you've just had a baby or you have older children. And did you know we offer video sessions? It's a great option for when you can't find childcare, don't have transportation, or live far away from our office.

Signs of PPD can include:

  • Frequent crying

  • Mood swings, irritability, anger

  • Feeling exhausted

  • Difficulty concentrating

  • Trouble sleeping

  • Anxiety, panic

Why does PPD occur?

There is no single cause for PPD.  It is a combination of hormonal, biological, environmental, and psychological factors.  It is not fully understood why some parents experience PPD and others do not.  

What is true is that you did not cause it, and it did not happen because you are not a good parent.  

  • Appetite change, weight loss/gain

  • Feeling inadequate, shame, or guilt

  • Feeling hopeless

  • Fear of being alone

  • Scary thoughts about the baby or yourself

What You Can Do

If you do not like how you have been feeling, reach out for help today. You are worth it.  As mothers/parents, we tend to put our own needs aside and minimize the extent of our feelings.  But ignoring the problem will not make it go away.  The sooner you seek help, the sooner you will be feeling better.   

Contact us today to schedule an appointment or phone consultation.

You are not alone in what you are experiencing and it is not your fault.  

Support Professionals and Communities

It takes a village to raise a child.  We truly appreciate the meaning behind this saying.  And in our busy lives, we firmly believe that parents need a village too.  With support, your needs can be taken care of, rather than being moved to the bottom of the list.

We're happy to be part of a village of support professionals and communities who will help you feel more confident and less stressed. Here are some of our favorites:

 Crisis Pregnancy Center - located in Gaston County, offering the following services below:

Visit their site and start building your village today!

  • Abstinence Education (Sexual Avoidance Education)

  • Free Pregnancy Test

  • Birds and Bees without Butterflies

  • Choosing the Best curriculum in our schools

  • Confidential, supportive environment to examine all of your choices

  • Help in managing family relationships during pregnancy

  • Information about pregnancy, adoption, abortion, fetal development and parenting

  • Information and support for men

  • Limited Ultrasound

  • Maternity and baby clothes (newborn to 12 months)

  • Networking and referral with other agencies

  • Post Abortion Counseling and Education

  • Safe and secure place to talk about your feelings