Pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood bring profound emotional, psychological, and physical changes. While this time can be filled with joy and excitement, it can also feel overwhelming, isolating, or even distressing. The perinatal period, covering pregnancy through to the early years of parenting, can surface a range of emotions and challenges, impacting both mothers and fathers.
I offer specialised perinatal mental health support, providing a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your feelings, navigate difficult experiences, and find your way through this transformative life stage. Whether you’re an expectant parent, a new mother or father, or coping with fertility struggles or loss, I’m here to offer the emotional support you need.
perinatal mental health support
Postnatal Depression
It’s common to feel sadness, exhaustion, or disconnection after birth, but when these feelings linger or intensify, they can impact your ability to bond with your baby or enjoy daily life. Postnatal depression can affect both mothers and fathers, often leaving parents feeling isolated or guilty. Together, we can work through these emotions, helping you feel more connected, empowered, and supported.
Birth Trauma
A difficult or traumatic birth can leave lasting emotional scars, often leading to anxiety, flashbacks, or feelings of failure. Processing a traumatic birth experience in a safe, non-judgmental space can help you regain control of your narrative, ease distressing emotions, and heal.
Anxiety During Pregnancy
Pregnancy can be an emotional rollercoaster, and it’s natural to feel worried or uncertain. However, overwhelming anxiety about your health, the baby’s wellbeing, or fears surrounding birth can become difficult to manage alone. I offer support to help ease these fears, providing tools to reduce anxiety and build emotional resilience.
Adjustment to Parenthood
The transition into parenthood can be both beautiful and challenging. You may find yourself grappling with identity shifts, changing dynamics in your relationship, or the pressure of new responsibilities. It’s okay to feel conflicted or overwhelmed. In therapy, we can explore these changes, helping you adjust and feel more grounded in your new role.
Areas I Can Support You With:
Fertility Struggles and Infertility
Fertility issues can bring waves of grief, frustration, and isolation. The emotional impact of treatments, failed cycles, or prolonged uncertainty can be profound. I offer a compassionate space to process the complex emotions that come with fertility struggles, helping you navigate this journey with understanding and care.
Baby Loss
Grief after miscarriage, stillbirth, or neonatal loss is deeply personal and can feel isolating. Whether you’re processing the early stages of grief or struggling with ongoing feelings of loss, counselling can provide a gentle, supportive space for you to express your emotions, honour your experience, and begin to heal.
Support for Fathers and Partners
While much focus is placed on mothers during the perinatal period, fathers and partners also experience significant emotional shifts. Feelings of helplessness during pregnancy or birth, postnatal depression, anxiety about new responsibilities, or struggles with bonding can all affect fathers and partners. I offer tailored support to help partners navigate these challenges, break down stigma, and find their voice in parenthood.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
The emotional challenges of the perinatal period can affect anyone—mothers, fathers, and partners alike. Seeking support isn’t a sign of weakness; it’s an act of care for yourself and your family.
If you’re finding this time more difficult than expected, I’m here to help you navigate the highs and lows with empathy, understanding, and practical support.
Let’s work together to create space for recovery, connection, and renewal.