Postpartum Counseling

We Offer Postpartum Services for New Mothers

Set Your Appointment with Dr. Susan: 813-215-5558

Are you trying to cope with challenges that arise with a new bundle of joy?

Women are faced with many challenges as they adapt to the changes associated with having a new baby. The joys of having a baby are often more difficult than most women anticipate, and bringing a baby into the family environment can be stressful at first. Unfortunately, many women blame themselves for struggling to adjust, and become afraid tell others what they are experiencing emotionally. At times, woman may fear they are going crazy, experience embarrassment, and surprised that having a baby is more challenging than anticipated.

Eighty percent of new mothers experience 'baby blues' which tends to resolve on its own 7-10 days after delivery; however, 15-20% of women may experience postpartum depression, and /or anxiety, while 1% may experience postpartum psychosis. Often a women's needs are not identified by their care providers and suffer unnecessarily. If not treated, the potential for depression and anxiety may become apparent for their infant, and long term consequences can be devastating.

Counseling can help new mothers adjust to cope with life style, relational, and psychological changes that occur during this phase of their family's development. Common changes new mothers face include: financial strain, job loss, identity loss, no time for self care, parent relationship strains, interrupted sleep, change in family dynamics, and unrealistic expectations.

Counseling discussions may consist of the following:

Myths about parenthood
Realistic expectations
Coping with sleeplessness
Stress management
Marital adjustment
Returning to work
Coping with depression and anxiety
Adapting to life style changes
Identity changes
Eliciting support from others
Dealing with in-laws and other extended family members
Body image, self confidence and self care
Helping siblings cope with a new baby
Coping with colic
Parenting skills
Bonding
Breast and bottle feeding challenges

POSTPARTUM COUPLES

When adjusting to parenthood a couple becomes a trio, or more, and as a result, Dr. Susan strongly encourages fathers to attend counseling sessions when possible. Often fathers do not know how to assist their wives, while at the same time facing their own stressors. In fact, 13% of fathers experience postpartum depression and having a baby may put strain on the couples' relationship. When parents learn how to cope, and communicate, about the inevitable changes during this phase of their families development, they are better prepared to negotiate role changes, adapt to life style changes, and establish realistic expectations – all of which will strengthen their family's foundation. A solid foundation sets the stage for a mentally healthy infant.

In addition to the topics above, couples will also address:

Realistic expectations of each other and the baby
Renegotiating roles
Helping fathers cope
Improving communication
Better understanding of each others experience
Intimacy issues
Staying connected as a couple

POSTPARTUM GROUP COUNSELING AND SUPPORT

Group counseling provides new mothers an opportunity to share their concerns, listen to others with similar experiences, receive emotional support, and assist in building a strong foundation for their childs' development. The focused support is on the mothers' well-being, relational issues, and ensures they are not alone as they share their feelings, thoughts, and experiences.

Our support group, and counseling, provides you a safe, confidential, non-judgmental environment where mothers may discuss the following issues:

Isolation
Realistic expectations
Coping with sleeplessness
'Super Mom' syndrome
Marital adjustment
Returning to work
Coping with depression and anxiety
Adapting to life style changes
Identity changes
Eliciting support from others
Dealing with in-laws and other extended family members
Body image, self confidence and self care
Helping siblings cope with a new baby
Coping with colic
Parenting skills
Bonding
Breast and bottle feeding challenges

Mothers may bring infants.

Please call for availability. 813-215-5558

To view our rates please click here.