Perinatal - Common Symptoms & Experiences
Pregnancy and postpartum can bring emotional experiences that feel confusing, overwhelming, or leave you thinking “this is not like me.” You may find yourself anxious, on edge, disconnected, or struggling in ways that are hard to explain. Whether this is your first experience with these feelings or not, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
constant worry or racing thoughts
intrusive or unwanted thoughts
overwhelmed or unable to relax
fear of something going wrong
irritability, guilt, or feeling unlike yourself
avoiding things that once felt manageable
difficulty sleeping—even when your baby is sleeping
Our Approach to Perinatal Therapy
Specialized Perinatal Expertise
Care is grounded in a deep understanding of perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, including anxiety, depression, OCD, and the emotional complexity of pregnancy
Thoughtful, Evidence-Based Care
Therapy integrates evidence-based approaches in a way that feels supportive—not overwhelming. The focus is on helping you understand what’s happening, while also building practical tools to reduce distress and increase stability.
Support That Meets You Where You Are
This work is not one-size-fits-all. Care is tailored to your needs, your pace, and your specific experience—whether that includes navigating intrusive thoughts, adjusting to new roles, or processing a difficult postpartum journey.
What to Expect in Therapy
Step 1: Getting Started
We begin by taking the time to understand your experience—what you’re feeling, what’s been most difficult, and what support would feel most helpful. Whether you're navigating pregnancy or adjusting to life postpartum, this is a space to feel heard and understood without judgment.
Step 2: Building Support and Skills
As we continue, therapy becomes more focused and tailored to your needs. We integrate a range of evidence-based approaches—including CBT, mindfulness, and mind-body techniques—to help you feel more grounded and supported in your day-to-day life—particularly when managing anxiety, intrusive thoughts, mood changes, or sleep disruption.
Step 3: Forward with Confidence
Over time, many clients experience greater emotional stability, clarity, and confidence in navigating pregnancy and postpartum. The goal is not just to feel better in the moment, but to develop lasting tools and a deeper understanding of yourself moving forward
Common Questions About Our Therapy
How do I know if what I’m experiencing is “normal”?
If something feels off, overwhelming, or unlike yourself, that’s enough. Therapy can help you make sense of what you’re experiencing and determine what support you need.
Can I include my partner in therapy?
Absolutely. We believe partners are an integral part of a woman’s mental health during this transition. They are often navigating their own experience, yet can be overlooked in the process. At Foundations, we intentionally include and support partners—creating space for their voice while helping them better understand how to support you.
Do you work with what I’m going through?
Most likely, yes. We support individuals through a wide range of perinatal experiences, including infertility, pregnancy loss, high-risk pregnancies, complex medical diagnoses, and difficult decision-making. If you’re unsure, we’re happy to talk through your situation and help determine if this is the right fit.
What does therapy actually look like?
We start by understanding your experience—what you’re feeling and what’s been most difficult. From there, therapy is tailored to you and incorporates a CBT-based approach, with practical coping strategies you can begin using right away.
Do I need childcare to attend appointments?
Not at all. We believe care should be accessible, and we understand that childcare can be a barrier. You’re welcome to attend sessions while caring for your child—whatever works best for you.
How long will it take until I feel better?
Every experience is different and can vary based on your individual needs. Many people begin to feel relief within the first few weeks, especially with consistent, weekly sessions. In some cases, additional support—such as medication—can be helpful. The encouraging part is that perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are highly treatable with the right care.