Therapy for Postpartum Issues in Seattle
At Anchor Light Therapy, we understand the unique challenges and transformations new mothers face during the postpartum period. We provide tailored therapy to new mothers experiencing postpartum issues who require a nurturing space for healing and growth as they welcome their newborn into the family. Whether you join us in person at our Seattle office or from the convenience of your home through online sessions, our team is here to support you in navigating the complexities of the postpartum experience.
Seattle Postpartum Therapists
Postpartum Issues Mothers Can Face
Many new mothers and parents can experience a deeply personal and challenging postpartum journey. It’s a time when feelings of intense sadness, anxiety, or exhaustion may develop which can make even the simplest daily care activities for yourself and your baby feel insurmountable. It might provoke feelings such as, “I feel like I can’t cope”, “this doesn’t feel like me”, and “something is wrong”. Postpartum can present a range of issues that require professional support. Understanding these issues is the first step in acknowledging them and seeking support.
Baby Blues
Baby Blues are quite common, affecting up to 80% of new mothers. This condition is characterized by mild symptoms such as mood swings, sadness, irritability, anxiety, and trouble sleeping. These symptoms are largely attributed to the sudden hormonal changes after childbirth, combined with the exhaustion and adjustment to a new caregiving role. The baby blues typically surface within the first few days postpartum and resolve spontaneously within two weeks, without the need for medical intervention. Although the symptoms can be distressing, they generally do not severely impact a mother’s ability to care for her baby.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
PPD is a more severe form of emotional distress that can emerge during the first year after giving birth, most commonly within the first three months. PPD affects approximately 1 in 7 new mothers, manifesting in symptoms that are more intense and enduring than those of the baby blues. These include deep sadness, severe mood swings, withdrawal from loved ones, a lack of interest in the baby, feelings of worthlessness, hopelessness, and, in extreme cases, thoughts of harming oneself or the baby. Unlike the baby blues, PPD can substantially impair a mother’s functioning, making it difficult for her to perform daily tasks, care for her baby, or even take care of her own basic needs.
Postpartum Anxiety
While some anxiety is perfectly normal after giving birth, excessive worries and fears that dominate the thoughts of a new mother can lead to postpartum anxiety disorder.
Postpartum Psychosis
Postpartum psychosis is a rare condition that usually develops within the first week after delivery and can include symptoms like hallucinations, paranoia, confusion, rapid mood swings, and attempts to harm oneself or the baby. Postpartum psychosis is a severe condition requiring immediate medical treatment.
Postpartum PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
When a woman experiences a traumatic childbirth, it can lead to symptoms similar to PTSD, including flashbacks of the traumatic event, nightmares, and severe anxiety.
Relationship and Sexual Issues
Postpartum issues can also affect romantic and family relationships. The physical trauma, hormonal changes, and overall fatigue experienced by a new mother can lead to a lack of sexual desire that may strain her relationship. Likewise, parenthood is a significant adjustment that inevitably changes family dynamics. Sometimes, these changes can place strain on the relationship with one’s partner and family members.
Physical Issues
Childbirth can also present a host of physical issues that can be difficult to cope with, including infection, perineal pain, breast engorgement pain, mastitis, C-section scar issues, hemorrhoids, constipation, urinary and fecal incontinence, hair loss, changes in vision, and postpartum thyroiditis.
Our Therapeutic Approaches for Postpartum Issues
Addressing postpartum mental health issues is crucial for the well-being of the new mother, the child, and the family unit. For insight on healthy ways to address postpartum depression, please take a look at Coping with Postpartum Depression.
At Anchor Light, our therapists specialize in several therapeutic approaches that are effective for postpartum mental health issues, including:
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy offers mothers a safe, confidential space to unpack their feelings, fears, and challenges postpartum. By fostering self-awareness and coping mechanisms, individual therapy can be instrumental in navigating this new chapter and reclaiming one’s sense of self.
Couples and Marriage Counseling
The arrival of a newborn can strain even the strongest relationships. Our couples and marriage counseling provides a collaborative space for partners to communicate their needs, understand each other’s experiences, and jointly devise strategies to strengthen their bond during these transformative times.
Family Therapy
Just as the transition to parenthood can strain a couple’s relationship, it can also affect the larger family dynamic. Our family therapy services include partners and family members in the therapeutic process to address these issues, provide support for the new mother, and strengthen the family as a whole.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a talk therapy that helps women identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It’s been found effective for postpartum depression and anxiety, whether delivered in individual, group, or online sessions.
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT)
Mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and other mindfulness-based interventions can help mothers manage their thoughts and feelings, reduce stress, and improve mood.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
For mothers who have experienced traumatic childbirth or have prior trauma affecting their postpartum experience, EMDR can be a helpful therapeutic option.
Postpartum Articles
Postpartum Therapy Pricing
Therapy creates a space for you to experience healing and progress in a way that can change your life. But of course, it’s also an investment of time and finances. When you’re ready to commit to healing and transformation, here is what you can expect.
Standard individual session
(50 minutes) $190
Insurance
We do not participate with any insurance panels. Anchor Light Therapy Collective is considered an out-of-network provider.
As a courtesy to any individual clients who wish to utilize their insurance benefits, We are happy to verify your out-of-network plan benefits to tell you what portion, if any, may be covered by your health insurance provider.