Perinatal Mental Health Services Overview
Welcome to Hartman Therapy’s Perinatal Mental Health Services
Navigating the journey of pregnancy and early parenthood is an extraordinary experience filled with both joy and challenges. At Hartman Therapy, we understand that this transformative period can also bring about unique mental health concerns. Our specialized perinatal mental health services are here to support you every step of the way.
What is Perinatal Mental Health?
Perinatal mental health encompasses the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. This critical time can involve a range of experiences, including:
Perinatal Mood Disorders: Such as postpartum depression and anxiety.
Adjustment Challenges: Adapting to the significant life changes that come with parenthood.
Birth Trauma: Emotional and psychological impact following a difficult birth.
Infertility and Pregnancy Loss: Coping with the emotional aftermath of infertility or loss.
Addressing these concerns is vital for the well-being of both the parent and the baby, ensuring a healthy start for the entire family.
Why Address Perinatal Mental Health?
Untreated perinatal mental health issues can impact a parent’s ability to bond with their baby, affect relationships, and hinder the overall quality of life. By seeking support, you can:
Improve Emotional Well-Being: Gain tools to manage and alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, and stress.
Enhance Parenting Experience: Feel more confident and capable in your parenting journey.
Strengthen Relationships: Foster better communication and connection with your partner and family.
Promote Healthy Development: Ensure a nurturing environment for your baby’s growth and development.
Our Perinatal Mental Health Services
At Hartman Therapy, we offer a comprehensive range of services tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals and families during the perinatal period. Our services include:
Individual Therapy
Personalized Support: One-on-one sessions focusing on your specific experiences and challenges.
Tailored Techniques: Utilizing evidence-based approaches to address perinatal mood disorders, anxiety, and more.
Couples Counseling
Strengthen Bonds: Support for partners to navigate the changes and stressors of parenthood together.
Communication Strategies: Enhance understanding and cooperation between partners.
Family Counseling
Harmonize Dynamics: Address family challenges and improve communication and relationships within the family unit.
Supportive Environment: Create a cohesive and supportive family structure.
In-Home Therapy
Convenience and Comfort: Receive therapy in the familiar and comfortable environment of your home.
Personalized Care: Tailored support to fit your lifestyle and needs.
Telehealth Services
Flexible Access: Online therapy sessions to accommodate your schedule and location.
Secure and Confidential: Maintain privacy and convenience through secure video conferencing.
Get Started with Hartman Therapy
Taking the first step towards addressing your perinatal mental health is a courageous and important decision. At Hartman Therapy, we are here to provide compassionate, expert support tailored to your unique needs.
Explore Our Services
Discover more about how we can support you by exploring our specific service pages. Whether you’re looking for individual therapy, couples counseling, or family counseling we have the resources and expertise to help you thrive.
Prenatal Mental Health Counseling
Birth Trauma and NICU Experiences
Motherhood and Identity Counseling
Perinatal Couples and Family Counseling
Contact Us Today
Ready to begin your journey to well-being? Schedule your free consultation or reach out to us with any questions.
We’re here to support you every step of the way.
Hartman Therapy: Empowering Parenthood through Compassionate Care
Do I have Baby Blues?
Lots of women have what is called “baby blues” 2-3 weeks post birth of baby; up to 80% of women. And usually go away on their own.
Is this postpartum depression?
1 in 5 women have a diagnosable mood or anxiety disorder postpartum. If you have some of the following symptoms 4 weeks-12 months post baby. You may be experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety.
Some women experience depression and anxiety during pregnancy. You are not alone. Get the help and support you need.
Postpartum depression can affect any woman.
Risk Factors Include
Previous symptoms of depression in a previous pregnancy
Experience with depression or bipolar disorder
Family history of mental illness or depression
A stressful life event during pregnancy or shortly after birth: loss of loved one, major complications during delivery, illness, domestic violence
Mixed feelings about pregnancy or parenthood
Lack of supportive relationships with partner, family, or friends
Alcohol or drug use
Additional postpartum mood and anxiety disorders
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Constant worry
Feeling that something bad is going to happen
Racing thoughts
Disturbances of sleep and appetite
Inability to sit still
Feeling “on edge”
Irritability
Physical symptoms like dizziness, hot flashes, and nausea
Panic/heart palpitations
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Obsessions, also called intrusive thoughts, which are persistent, repetitive thoughts or mental images related to the baby. These thoughts are very upsetting and not something the woman has ever experienced before.
Compulsions, where the mom may do certain things over and over again to reduce her fears and obsessions. This may include things like needing to clean constantly, check things many times, count or reorder things.
A sense of horror about the obsessions
Fear of being left alone with the infant
Hypervigilance in protecting the infant
Moms with postpartum OCD know that their thoughts are bizarre and are very unlikely to ever act on them.
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Intrusive re-experiencing of a past traumatic event (which in this case may have been the childbirth itself)
Flashbacks or nightmares
Avoidance of stimuli associated with the event, including thoughts, feelings, people, places and details of the event
Persistent increased arousal (irritability, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance, exaggerated startle response)
Anxiety and panic attacks
Feeling a sense of unreality and detachment
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A medical emergency
Experiencing of hallucinations or delusions
Mood changes, such as mania (an increase in activity and mood) and hypomania, or depression (a decrease in mood).
Depersonalization (some people describe this as an out-of-body experience).
Disorganized thinking or behavior.
Insomnia.
Irritability or agitation.
Thoughts of self-harm or harming others (especially their newborn).
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Bipolar 1 Disorder
Periods of severely depressed mood and irritability
Mood much better than normal
Rapid speech
Little need for sleep
Racing thoughts, trouble concentrating
Continuous high energy
Overconfidence
Delusions (often grandiose, but including paranoid)
Impulsiveness, poor judgment, distractability
Grandiose thoughts, inflated sense of self-importance
In the most severe cases, delusions and hallucinations
Bipolar 2 Disorder
Periods of severe depression
Periods when mood much better than normal
Rapid speech
Little need for sleep
Racing thoughts, trouble concentrating
Anxiety
Irritability
Continuous high energy
Overconfidence
This list is for informational purposes and not to be used as a formal diagnosis. It is best to consult with your doctor or therapist to learn more.
Reach out today if you would like to chat further if you think you may be experiencing anxiety or depression in pregnancy or postpartum.
Find Peace and Balance in your Journey of Motherhood-Start Today!
happy. healthy. you.
If you or someone you know is in crisis or thinking about suicide:
Call 911
24 hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-TALK (8255)
Postpartum counseling services for depression in Fort Collins, Loveland, Windsor and surrounding areas. Postpartum therapy in Conroe, Willis, Spring, The Woodlands, and greater Houston Area. Offering online counseling in the state of Colorado and Texas. Call to learn more.