Birth Trauma and Postpartum Support For Women in New York

The perinatal period for new moms lasts from the time of conception through the first year of giving birth. Perinatal mental health acknowledges the impact of hormonal fluctuations, the entire pregnancy period to post-birthing issues, and breastfeeding on a new mom’s mental health. The postpartum period itself includes the entire first year after giving birth.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can affect any new or soon-to-be mom.

In fact, 1 in 7 new moms experience mood or anxiety disorders. This may look like depression, panic, increased anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or even PTSD due to birth trauma. There is no shame or blame in having these experiences. They are much more common than many women realize and with medication and therapy, you can feel more like yourself, feel less anxious and overwhelmed, less depressed, and more present for yourself, your family, and your baby. Our therapists in New York are specialized in these issues that women face every day, you are not alone.

We may have harmful assumptions of what pregnancy, labor, and motherhood “should” look like:

• Pregnancy always ends in a live birth.

• Pregnancy is a magical experience.

• Pregnancy means I will have a healthy baby.

• Motherhood is enough fulfillment for me.

• I should be able to get pregnant the “normal” way.

• C Section means I took the easy way out or I failed.

• Natural birth is the only plan that is good or right.

• It is weak to have medication during birth.

• If I don’t bond with my baby right away, then I am not a good mom.

• I should be able to do it all on my own.

What are common factors that may exacerbate my risk for postpartum depression or pregnancy anxiety?

• Birth complications

• Complications in pregnancy

• Time spent in the NICU

• Challenges breastfeeding

• Health challenges for mother or baby

• The challenging, sensitive, or intense temperament of the baby

• Grief and loss surrounding pregnancy loss

• The trauma of a stillbirth

You just went through a huge life change. It's okay to not feel okay.

You've welcomed your baby, and despite looking forward to this moment, you might be feeling overwhelmed. Postpartum can bring anxiety about motherhood's challenges and the changes in your body. Perhaps, you're anxious about caring for your newborn or worried about the uncertainties that come with motherhood. What should be a time of joy may be overshadowed by worries, doubt, and fear.

You have a new baby and unexpected emotions.

You just had your baby and you feel guilty, confused, and unheard. You feel like you should be happy but maybe you're not. You feel as if there is something wrong because you don't feel bonded with your baby right away. You love them but don't feel the 'instant connection' you thought you would. Maybe your baby spent time in the NICU  or you had a traumatic birth and that's making it even harder or trying to navigate motherhood with chronic pain and chronic illness. This is not the way you imagined motherhood - the feelings of inadequacy, exhaustion, and isolation can be overwhelming.

You’re struggling with your new identity.

You're also struggling with your new identity as a mom and the isolation that can come with this stage of life. You miss your independence before your baby and not being fully responsible for the well-being of another human 24/7 while trying to just take care of yourself amidst health struggles. This makes you feel guilty and a sense of shame because you're not "perfectly happy" with this new phase of life. It's hard and it's okay to not be okay at this moment. Your best moments of motherhood are still ahead of you.

What’s the Difference Between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression?

Baby blues are extremely common, affecting 60-80% of new moms. This can last up to two weeks after childbirth and is caused by a lack of sleep and hormonal shifts. After two weeks postpartum, it is best practice to screen for depressive symptoms.

Rather than baby blues tearfulness and appropriate worry, new moms experiencing depression may feel more irritable, have lower self-esteem, have difficulty sleeping, fatigue, and lack appetite.

With medication and CBT-based Perinatal Therapy, new moms can get the support they need to adjust to the intense changes they’ve experienced and begin thriving with their families and babies.

What is Birth Trauma?

Birth trauma includes any event during the labor or birthing process that involves threat of death, death or serious injury as well as the threat of death or harm to the mother of her baby.

These experiences may include:

• Postpartum complications

• Emergency C-section delivery

• Premature birth

• Stillbirth

• NICU admission

• Long and intensive labor

• Poor response to pain management attempts, medication, or anesthesia

• Traumatic vaginal birth

• Severe pre-eclampsia

• Hyperemesis Gravidarum

You feel powerless and invisible.

You may feel like you had no support or reassurance during this birth trauma. You felt invisible like no one was listening to you. Your dignity felt taken and you felt abandoned. You feel overwhelming powerlessness and a lack of trust in the medical system. You are expected to feel only gratitude for a healthy baby but feel guilty for thinking that the trauma your mind and body endured was not worth it.

You have difficulty bonding with your baby.

If you are navigating birth trauma, you may feel like it’s difficult to bond with your baby or avoid postpartum care with your OBGYN or pelvic PT. You may never want to get pregnant again and struggle with the idea of not expanding your family. There may be a strain on your intimate relationship with your partner and re-experience the trauma each year on your baby’s birthday.

What Are the Benefits of Third Wave CBT approaches for Postpartum Moms in New York?

Transitioning to motherhood is overwhelming and hard to prepare for as nothing can really prepare you for the transformation of your life that comes with becoming a mother. Therapy is a way to build a safe, nurturing, and non-judgmental space for new mothers to share their experiences and transition to motherhood. Third wave integrative CBT techniques blend

Benefits of integrative therapy techniques include:

• Learning how to manage emotions and stress related to becoming a parent

• Moving through the emotions of birth trauma or traumatic pregnancy

• Understanding how to cope with the daily challenges of parenting

• Developing tools and strategies to help manage life transitions

• Build more flexible thought patterns to help you get “un-stuck”

• Connecting with other mothers to provide emotional support

• Building resilience and self-compassion

• Exploring motherhood identity

• Developing grounding, somatic and breathing exercises to help regulate your nervous system

Motherhood is a journey, and it can be easier and more enjoyable when we have the right support. Through supportive psychotherapy, you will have the therapeutic tools and resources to provide you with the support and understanding needed for this important transition.  It's okay to not be okay and you don't have to do it alone.