postpartum therapy

Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy

Trying to grow your family—whether through pregnancy, IVF, or other paths—can bring a complicated mix of hope, grief, frustration, and uncertainty. You might feel isolated in the waiting, overwhelmed by decisions, or heartbroken by setbacks. Family planning isn't always straightforward, and the emotional toll can weigh heavily.

Even once pregnancy begins or a baby arrives, many are surprised to find themselves struggling with sadness, anxiety, or disconnection. You may be asking yourself, "Why does this feel so hard?" or "What happened to the version of me I used to know?"

In therapy, we can explore your experience in a safe, supportive space—whether you're navigating fertility challenges, planning for the future, adjusting to pregnancy, or coping with the changes of postpartum life. You deserve care during every step of the journey.

If you're ready to start, reach out to schedule a complimentary consultation with me—your therapist for family planning, perinatal, and postpartum support in Nashville.

My approach to therapy for postpartum

Perinatal and postpartum therapy is centered on supporting individuals through one of life’s most profound transitions—before, during, and after pregnancy. Whether you're navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy, new parenthood, or the emotional toll of birth recovery, therapy provides a safe space to process the complex feelings that often arise. These can include anxiety, identity loss, sadness, intrusive thoughts, relationship changes, and the deep overwhelm that many hesitate to speak about.

In our work together, I’ll help you explore the emotional and psychological shifts that come with this season—no matter where you are in your journey. That may mean unpacking grief after a pregnancy loss, managing fear and uncertainty while trying to conceive, or finding yourself again in the thick of postpartum.

As your therapist, I want you to know that your experience is valid. It's common to feel like you "should" be coping better or enjoying this time more—and it's okay if that’s not your reality. Together, we’ll gently explore the expectations you're holding, the beliefs you’ve internalized, and the emotional patterns that may be showing up. We'll work to build tools for self-compassion, emotional regulation, and connection—both with yourself and with those around you.

You deserve support that meets you exactly where you are. If you're ready to begin this journey, I invite you to reach out and schedule a complimentary consultation. You don’t have to carry this alone.

Perinatal and Postpartum Counseling FAQs

What does perinatal mean?

Perinatal refers to the period of time before and after birth, typically starting during pregnancy and continuing through the first year postpartum. This includes emotional, physical, and psychological changes that happen while trying to conceive, during pregnancy, and after the baby is born.

Perinatal mental health focuses on supporting individuals through all of these stages—whether they’re navigating fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, birth recovery, or the adjustments of new parenthood.

Are my postpartum feelings normal?

Yes—many postpartum feelings are completely normal, even if they’re not often talked about openly. After having a baby, it’s common to feel a mix of emotions: joy, exhaustion, anxiety, irritability, sadness, or even a sense of loss around your former identity. Your body and hormones are shifting, your sleep is disrupted, and your entire life has changed—so of course your emotions might feel all over the place.

Many new parents experience the “baby blues” in the first couple of weeks after birth, but if your feelings persist longer or start to interfere with your daily life, you might be experiencing postpartum depression, anxiety, or another perinatal mood disorder—which are also very common and treatable.

The most important thing to know is: you’re not alone, and your feelings are valid. Reaching out for support is a sign of strength, not weakness. Therapy can help you make sense of what you’re feeling and give you tools to feel more grounded, connected, and supported in this season.

Is postpartum therapy helpful?

Therapy during the postpartum period can be incredibly valuable in helping you navigate the many emotional, physical, and psychological changes that come with new parenthood. It provides a safe and non-judgmental space to express your feelings, fears, and challenges—whether that’s anxiety, sadness, overwhelm, or struggles with identity and relationships.

A therapist can help you:

  • Understand and process your emotions related to childbirth, parenting, and life changes.

  • Develop coping strategies to manage stress, anxiety, or mood changes.

  • Address any past experiences or traumas that might resurface during this vulnerable time.

  • Improve communication and boundaries within your relationships, including with your partner and family.

  • Build confidence and self-compassion as you adjust to your new role.

Ultimately, therapy can support your mental health and well-being, making it easier to bond with your baby and enjoy this unique and challenging phase of life. It’s a space just for you—to be heard, understood, and empowered.

How can therapy support me through the challenges of family planning?

Therapy can provide a safe and compassionate space to explore the complex emotions that often come with family planning, including hope, anxiety, disappointment, and grief. A therapist can help you develop healthy coping strategies to manage stress and uncertainty, improve communication with your partner, and navigate any feelings of loss or frustration. Through therapy, you can also work on building resilience, self-compassion, and emotional balance, which can make the family planning journey feel less overwhelming and more manageable. Ultimately, therapy supports your mental and emotional well-being during this deeply personal and sometimes challenging time.

Get help from a therapist for postpartum in Nashville

If you’re ready to take the jump, contact me today to set up a free consultation to make sure we have the connection you need to begin the journey of increasing self-esteem.