The Journey to Parenthood
Support for every step forward.
When the Journey to Parenthood Feels Different Than Expected
Parenthood can bring joy, meaning, and hope, but it can also bring uncertainty, grief, anxiety, and unexpected challenges. Whether you're navigating pregnancy after infertility or loss, preparing for life with a new baby, healing from a difficult reproductive experience, or adjusting to the realities of parenthood, it is common for the experience to feel different than you imagined.
You may find yourself feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, guilty, or unlike yourself. You might wonder why this feels harder than expected or question whether you're coping "well enough."
The truth is many people struggle silently during pregnancy and the postpartum period. These experiences are more common than they seem, and support is available. You do not have to navigate this chapter alone.
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During the prenatal period, it can feel confusing to navigate all of the changes to your body, hormones, sleep, mind and relationships. "One of the worst parts about the symptoms of postpartum depression and anxiety is that they don't feel like symptoms. They feel like who you are." - Karen Kleiman, lcsw (Author of Good Moms Have Scary Thoughts)
You may be wondering postpartum therapy for depression and/or anxiety can actually help, or if this is what it is supposed to feel like. You may be feeling unsure if it will feel better on its own. You may be fearful that if you let anyone know how you are feeling, they may judge you, or think you are not a good enough mother, or that what you are feeling is a reflection of you as a mom or your view towards your baby. You feel like you “should” be feeling happier, and it seems like others are able to handle it.
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Anxiety symptoms during pregnancy have a way of worsening at night, especially as sleep becomes more interrupted as the pregnancy progresses. You may be feeling out of control of your body, worried about labor and delivery, or fearful about a high-risk pregnancy. You may be experiencing postpartum rage or unexpected postpartum anger towards your mother-in-law. Pressures of parenthood can start before your child even arrives. You may feel stuck between unsolicited advice, societal expectations, and what you think you “should” be able to do right now. It’s easy to feel like you’re failing, if what your actions don’t align with your expectations. So many women feel like they’re failing because they can’t manage everything perfectly—but the truth is, our systems aren’t designed to support women the way they should. The unrealistic expectations society places on you are not a reflection of your worth, strength, or capabilities.
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If you're experiencing postpartum depression, healing after childbirth, or struggling with the emotional challenges of new motherhood, therapy with a perinatal psychologist can help. It’s common to feel isolated or disconnected during this time, even with support from family and friends. Solution-focused counseling can help you expand your support network, practice self-compassion, and navigate the emotional layers of postpartum grief. Through therapy, you’ll gain confidence in asking for help and adjusting expectations, while healing from the natural transitions of motherhood.
You don’t have to navigate the overwhelm, guilt or shame alone. Therapy can help you:
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Avoid Comparison Traps: Therapy can help help you step away from comparison traps and the overwhelm of "too much information." Quiet the noise and reconnect with what actually matters to you.
Expand Your Coping Toolbox: Expand your toolbox so you have a wide range of resources to help you navigate the challenges in an imperfect world.
Overcome Perfectionism and Foster Self Compassion: Challenge the perfectionism that upholds impossible standards, helping you see that "good enough" truly is enough.
Build Your Support Network: Build your "village" in a way that works within the realities of modern life.
Reclaiming Your Sense of Self in the Perinatal Season.
Asking for help doesn’t always come naturally. I recognize the strength it takes to reach out for help. Therapy with me is supportive, practical, and tailored to what you actually need in this season of life to help you feel better, nurture your emotional wellness, quiet self-doubt, and reconnect with what matters most to you, beyond the noise of outside expectations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pregnancy, Postpartum & Perinatal Mental Health Therapy
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Therapy can be helpful if you're feeling anxious, overwhelmed, irritable, emotionally disconnected, or having difficulty coping with the changes that come with pregnancy or parenthood. Many people also seek support during fertility treatment, pregnancy after loss, high-risk pregnancy, or major life transitions. You do not need to wait until symptoms become severe to reach out.
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Yes. Postpartum anxiety can involve excessive worry, racing thoughts, difficulty relaxing, sleep disruption, and feeling constantly on edge. Therapy can help you better understand these symptoms, develop coping strategies, and feel more confident navigating early parenthood.
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Many people begin therapy during pregnancy as a proactive form of support. If you have a history of anxiety, depression, postpartum mental health concerns, birth trauma, infertility, or pregnancy loss, therapy can help you prepare for the transition to parenthood and build tools to support your emotional well-being.
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Yes. Pregnancy after infertility, miscarriage, stillbirth, or fertility treatment often brings a mix of hope, excitement, fear, and uncertainty. Therapy can provide a supportive space to process these emotions, navigate anxiety, and feel less alone during the experience.
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Common signs include excessive worry about your baby's well-being, racing thoughts, difficulty sleeping, constant checking behaviors, irritability, and difficulty relaxing. Postpartum anxiety can occur with or without postpartum depression, and support is available.
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Yes. I provide virtual therapy for adults located in California and Georgia. I work with individuals navigating postpartum anxiety, postpartum depression, pregnancy-related stress, birth trauma, pregnancy after infertility or loss, and other perinatal mental health concerns.
Let’s explore how you can feel more like yourself again.
Therapy isn’t about fixing you—it’s about giving you the space, tools, and support to start feeling better.