Understanding Perinatal Therapy: A Guide for New Parents

What Is Perinatal Therapy?

Perinatal therapy focuses on mental health concerns that arise during trying to get pregnant, pregnancy, and the first years after childbirth. This period can bring intense emotions, hormonal shifts, and life adjustments that affect well-being. Common issues addressed in perinatal therapy include:

• Postpartum depression

• Postpartum anxiety

• Birth trauma

• Preparatory birth and support planning

• Relationship changes after birth

  
  

Therapists trained in this area understand the physical, emotional, and social complexities of the perinatal period. They provide support tailored to the unique needs of pregnant and postpartum individuals.

How Perinatal Therapy Is Similar to General Therapy

At its core, perinatal therapy shares many features with general therapy. These include:

• Confidential and supportive environment: Both types of therapy offer a safe space to explore feelings and challenges without judgment.

• Use of evidence-based techniques: Therapists may use a variety of therapeutic approaches tailored to the client's unique needs to help manage symptoms.

• Goal setting and progress tracking: Clients work with therapists to set personal goals and monitor improvements over time.

• Focus on mental health and emotional well-being: Both aim to improve overall psychological health and quality of life.

  
  

For example, a person experiencing anxiety during pregnancy might receive some similar techniques as someone dealing with anxiety unrelated to pregnancy. They may also need some specialized techniques specific to pregnancy. The therapeutic relationship and process remain consistent in that the client's unique needs and progress are prioritized.

Key Differences in Perinatal Therapy

While the foundation is similar, perinatal therapy includes specific elements that set it apart:

Specialized Knowledge of Perinatal Issues

Therapists offering perinatal therapy have training in the biological and psychological changes during pregnancy and postpartum. They understand how hormonal fluctuations, body changes, identity shifts, relationship changes, and life transitions can affect mood and behavior. This expertise allows them to:

• Recognize symptoms of postpartum mood struggles that might be missed in general therapy.

• Address fears related to birth planning and labor.

• Support clients coping with birth trauma or loss.

• Provide unique training to support the major life transition to parenthood.

• Offer knowledge of specialized wrap-around resources that benefit the perinatal population.

  
  

Integration of Physical and Emotional Health

Perinatal therapy often involves collaboration with healthcare providers such as obstetricians, doulas, midwives, lactation consultants, physical therapists, or pediatricians. This integrated approach helps address both physical and emotional needs. For instance, a therapist might coordinate with a doctor to manage postpartum anxiety alongside medical treatment.

Focus on Family and Relationship Dynamics

Pregnancy and childbirth impact relationships with partners, family, and social support networks. Perinatal therapy frequently explores:

• Changes in partner dynamics after birth

• Parenting roles and expectations

• Support system challenges and changing needs for support

  
  

This focus helps clients navigate new roles and strengthen relationships during a vulnerable time.

Attention to Birth Planning and Transition to Parenthood

Therapists may assist clients with infertility struggles and birth planning, helping them prepare emotionally for labor and delivery. They also help identify support systems for after a child arrives. This can reduce anxiety and build confidence. Therapy also supports the transition to parenthood, addressing identity shifts and lifestyle changes.

What to Expect in a Perinatal Therapy Session

If you choose perinatal therapy, here is what a typical session might include:

• Assessment of mental health symptoms: The therapist will ask about mood, anxiety, sleep, and other concerns related to pregnancy or postpartum.

• Discussion of birth and parenting experiences: You may explore feelings about birth planning, labor, and early parenting challenges. Many people notice that they end up reflecting on and discussing their experience of being parented as part of their transition to parenthood.

• Development of coping strategies: Therapists teach skills to manage stress, anxiety, or depressive symptoms.

• Support for relationship issues: Sessions might include communication strategies for partners or family members.

• Goal setting: You and your therapist will set realistic goals tailored to your unique situation.

  
  

Sessions usually last 45 to 60 minutes and can be weekly or biweekly depending on your needs. Babies are welcome! We will even hold them if you ask. You can always feed your baby or attend to your baby's needs during a therapy session, whether in person or online.

Baby changing station at our Seeds of Change Counseling & Consulting Office

When to Seek Perinatal Therapy

Many people experience mood changes during pregnancy and postpartum, but therapy can be especially helpful if you notice:

• Persistent sadness or hopelessness

• Intense anxiety or panic attacks

• Difficulty bonding with your baby

• Overwhelming fears about birth or parenting

• Struggles with relationship conflicts

  
  

Perinatal therapy is also for non-birthing parents! Non-birthing partners and adoptive parents can also benefit from therapy to address their own needs during this major life transition.

How to Find the Right Therapist

Finding a therapist who understands perinatal mental health is important. Consider these tips:

• Look for therapists with training or certification in perinatal therapy. Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) is a certification you may see after a therapist's name, indicating that they have obtained additional training to work with this unique population.

• Ask about experience working with those trying to get pregnant, those who are pregnant, or with postpartum struggles.

• Choose someone who makes you feel comfortable and heard.

• Check if they offer telehealth options if in-person visits are difficult.

  
  

Many therapists provide initial consultations to see if their approach fits your needs.

Final Thoughts

Perinatal therapy offers tailored support for the unique challenges of pregnancy and early parenthood. While it shares many features with general therapy, its specialized focus on perinatal mental health, birth planning, and family dynamics makes it distinct. If you are navigating postpartum mood shifts, find yourself worried about this upcoming transition, or just aren't feeling like yourself since becoming a parent, seeking perinatal therapy can provide the understanding and tools you need to thrive during this important life stage.

Taking the step to reach out for help is a strong and positive choice. Whether you are planning your birth or adjusting to life with a new baby, perinatal therapy can guide you toward emotional balance and confidence. If you are in Lee's Summit, explore local resources for perinatal therapy to find the support that fits your journey.

At Seeds of Change Counseling & Consulting, LLC, Cara Gruhala is perinatal mental health certified and has additional training in perinatal trauma, perinatal-specific Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), parenting, and child development. Cara can be reached at cara@seedsofchangecc.com.

For a list of providers with specific training near you, visit: https://psidirectory.com/.

Additionally, the Postpartum International website is a wealth of information for the perinatal journey. It provides resources for birthing and non-birthing people regarding infertility, pregnancy, postpartum struggles, cultural and identity-specific topics, fetal diagnosis, pregnancy and infant loss, abortion, and termination for medical reasons (TFMR), and more. https://postpartum.net/