Now Offering Perinatal Mental Health Counseling

Pregnancy and early parenthood are often described as joyful, exciting, and full of anticipation. But they can also be stressful. Overwhelming. Lonely. Full of unexpected anxiety, emotional pain, grief, and uncertainty.

Sometimes, you may feel like you should be happier than you are. Maybe you are struggling with thoughts or feelings you did not expect. Maybe your pregnancy, birth, or transition into parenthood has been very different from what you imagined. Or maybe you simply feel like you are carrying more than you can manage on your own.

You do not have to navigate this season alone.

Supporting the Mental Health of Parents

At The Kid’s Therapy Center, LLC, we believe that healthy attachment and strong parent-child relationships begin developing long before a baby is born. Supporting the mental health of parents during pregnancy and the first year after birth benefits not only parents, but the entire family.

Approximately 1 in 5 women experience a mental health condition during pregnancy or after giving birth. These concerns are common and treatable, and you never have to wait until you are in crisis to seek support.

Beth Oldham, LCSW, PMH-C is a Perinatal Mental Health Certified therapist through Postpartum Support International. She has specialized training in evidence-based assessment and treatment for concerns related to pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, pregnancy loss, adoption, and the transition to parenthood.

What Can Perinatal Counseling Help With?

Perinatal mental health counseling can support you through many different experiences, including:

• Depression during pregnancy or postpartum

• Pregnancy and postpartum anxiety

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder and scary or intrusive thoughts

• Birth trauma

• Infertility and trying to conceive

• Miscarriage, stillbirth, neonatal loss, and grief

• Adoption and post-adoption adjustment for adoptive and birth/first parents

• Relationship changes during pregnancy and postpartum

• Adjusting to parenthood and changes in your identity

• Balancing work, family, and the mental load of parenting

You do not need to have a specific diagnosis to benefit from therapy. Sometimes you simply know that you are struggling, overwhelmed, or not quite feeling like yourself.

That is enough reason to reach out.

What Can You Expect from Therapy?

Therapy can be a place to slow down and process everything you have been carrying without judgment.

Together, you can work on developing practical coping strategies, strengthening your support system, navigating changes in your relationships, and reconnecting with yourself during a season of tremendous change.

Whether you are experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety, grieving a loss, struggling to bond with your baby, processing a difficult birth experience, or simply feeling unlike yourself, therapy can provide a supportive place to talk about what you are experiencing.

You do not have to have everything figured out before you come to therapy. You do not have to know exactly what is wrong. You can simply show up as you are.

You Don’t Have to Wait Until Things Are “Bad Enough”

Many people wonder whether what they are experiencing is “normal.” Others hesitate to seek support because they believe they should be able to handle things on their own.

But pregnancy and early parenthood are significant life transitions. You deserve support during them—not only when things have reached a crisis point.

You might benefit from therapy if you are:

• Constantly on edge or unable to relax

• Experiencing racing or intrusive thoughts

• Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenthood

• Grieving the birth experience, pregnancy, or parenthood experience you hoped for

• Feeling disconnected from your baby

• Struggling with changes in your identity or relationships

• Feeling like you are failing as a parent

• Having difficulty coping with everyday responsibilities

• Feeling unlike yourself

You deserve support at any point in your journey. Early support can make a meaningful difference for you and your family.

If you are trying to conceive, currently pregnant, in the process of adopting, or within your baby's first year and would like additional support, Beth would be honored to walk alongside you. You deserve to be treated with compassion, dignity, and respect during one of life's biggest transitions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to have postpartum depression to benefit from therapy?

No. You do not need to have a diagnosis to benefit from therapy.

Pregnancy and new parenthood are significant life transitions, and many people seek counseling simply because they feel overwhelmed or would like additional support.

Therapy can help with concerns like feeling constantly on edge, racing or intrusive thoughts, grieving the birth experience you wanted to have, feeling disconnected from your baby, struggling to cope, changes in your relationships, feeling like you are failing as a parent, and many other challenges.

How do I know if what I am experiencing is “normal”?

It is common to wonder whether your emotions are simply part of pregnancy and new parenthood or whether something more is going on. There is no single “right” way to feel during pregnancy or early parenthood. However, if stress, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelm are making it difficult to enjoy daily life, function in your roles and responsibilities, care for yourself, or feel like yourself, it may be worth reaching out for support. You do not have to wait until things get “bad enough” to seek help.

Can partners attend sessions?

Sometimes. If relationship concerns or improving communication are part of your therapy goals, your therapist may suggest inviting your partner to participate in one or more sessions. Together, you can decide what would be most helpful for your treatment and recovery.

Can I bring my baby to therapy?

Absolutely! Babies are welcome in sessions. We understand that arranging childcare is not always possible, and we want therapy to be as accessible as possible during this season of life.

You do not have to choose between caring for your baby and caring for yourself.

If you are struggling during pregnancy, after birth, while trying to conceive, or during the transition to parenthood, you do not have to navigate it alone. Support is available, and you are worthy of receiving it. Give us a call at 701-751-0384 to set up a consultation or intake appointment.