Why Having a Specialized Perinatal Therapist Matters for Postpartum Therapy
Becoming a parent is a life-changing experience—filled with moments of joy, love, and growth. But it’s also one of the most vulnerable and challenging times in a person's life. In the postpartum period, it's easy to feel overwhelmed or isolated, and that’s where a trained therapist can make all the difference. Specifically, working with a perinatal-trained therapist can provide the specialized support you need during this time.
What is a Perinatal Therapist?
A perinatal therapist is someone who is specifically trained to understand the unique mental health needs of individuals before, during, and after pregnancy. Perinatal care spans from conception to the postpartum period, with a focus on how mental health is impacted by pregnancy and childbirth, which can include everything from fertility challenges, miscarriage, and stillbirth to birth trauma, postpartum depression, and recovery from C-sections.
In essence, a perinatal therapist has additional expertise in the emotional, psychological, and physical tolls of the entire reproductive experience.
Why Postpartum Therapy is Different
The postpartum period is unlike any other stage in life. Your body is healing, your hormones are shifting, and you're adjusting to the monumental responsibility of caring for a new baby. But it's not just physical—it's emotional and mental too.
You might find yourself battling a mix of emotions you didn’t expect. Maybe you feel like you "should" be happier, or you're overwhelmed with guilt, sadness, or anxiety. These feelings are normal, but they’re also signals that extra support could help.
A perinatal-trained therapist will have a deep understanding of these changes and how they impact mental health, offering a tailored approach to postpartum support.
Specialized Knowledge
General therapists are wonderful at what they do, but a perinatal therapist has specific training in areas directly tied to postpartum health. This includes:
Postpartum Depression (PPD): One in seven people experience PPD, and a perinatal-trained therapist knows how to identify its signs early and provide evidence-based interventions. Learn more about the mental health impact ofchildbirth.
Postpartum Anxiety: Anxiety can often be overlooked, but it’s just as prevalent as depression. A perinatal therapist understands the fears and worries that can come with caring for a newborn.
Birth Trauma: Whether you had a C-section or an unplanned intervention, processing a traumatic birth can feel isolating. A therapist trained in perinatal care will understand how to support you through that. My blog post on C-section recovery provides further insight into this experience.
Perinatal Grief: Miscarriage, stillbirth, and infant loss are often overlooked aspects of the perinatal journey. A trained therapist can help navigate the complicated grief that accompanies these experiences.
The Benefits of Working with a Perinatal Trained Therapist
1. They “Get It”
When you’re talking to someone who understands the postpartum period inside and out, you don’t have to explain or justify your feelings. They already know the range of experiences you may be dealing with—from sleep deprivation to guilt, from identity shifts to navigating societal expectations of parenthood.
2. Trauma-Informed Care
If you’ve experienced trauma related to birth, a perinatal therapist is trained to recognize and address it. They provide a safe space to process your birth experience, without rushing you or minimizing what you’ve been through.
3. Specialized Treatment Plans
A perinatal-trained therapist doesn’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. They develop customized treatment plans based on your unique postpartum needs, whether it's dealing with anxiety, depression, trauma, or finding your identity as a new parent.
4. Long-Term Mental Health
Mental health care in the postpartum period isn’t just about short-term fixes. A perinatal therapist is focused on your long-term well-being, helping you build resilience and coping mechanisms that can last well beyond the immediate postpartum period.
Accurate Assessment for Postpartum Safety
One of the key benefits of working with a perinatal-trained therapist is the level of competence and safety they bring to your care. The postpartum period is an especially delicate time, and it’s important to work with someone who understands the unique mental health challenges you might face.
A perinatal-trained therapist is skilled at assessing the specialized needs that come with this time. For example, it's not uncommon to have intrusive thoughts—those unwanted, distressing images or ideas that seem to pop into your head out of nowhere. Many new parents are terrified of these thoughts and feel too ashamed to share them, worried about being judged. A general therapist might not always recognize the difference between intrusive thoughts, which are common and often harmless, and actual thoughts of wanting to hurt your baby, which require immediate attention.
This is where the specialized training of a perinatal therapist comes in. They understand the nuances between intrusive thoughts and more concerning signs, such as thoughts of harming yourself or your baby. A perinatal therapist can provide reassurance when necessary but also knows when to act if more serious intervention is needed. This ensures that you receive the appropriate care for your specific mental health needs, whether it's navigating normal postpartum anxiety or addressing more severe conditions like postpartum psychosis.
Knowing you're in the hands of someone who can accurately assess and address these experiences brings a sense of safety, allowing you to open up and get the care you deserve without fear of being misunderstood or judged. Check out this helpful resource for more information on postpartum mental health.
How to Know if You Need Postpartum Therapy
If you’re experiencing any of the following, postpartum therapy could be beneficial:
Difficulty bonding with your baby
Feelings of sadness, anger, or irritability that persist
Anxiety, panic attacks, or overwhelming worry
Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to you or your baby
Flashbacks or distressing memories related to your birth experience
Feeling disconnected from your partner or loved ones
Physical symptoms of anxiety or depression, such as lack of sleep, appetite changes, or fatigue
It’s important to remember that you don’t have to meet a specific threshold to seek help. Therapy is for anyone who feels they would benefit from talking to someone about their experience.
You Don’t Have to Go Through This Alone
It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to need support. In fact, it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself and your family. Whether you’re dealing with postpartum depression, recovering from a traumatic birth, or simply adjusting to this new phase of life, you deserve to have a compassionate and knowledgeable professional in your corner.
At Anna C. Maling Therapy, I specialize in supporting people through perinatal challenges, including postpartum care. If you’re feeling overwhelmed or unsure of where to turn, know that you’re not alone—and help is just a conversation away.
