Pregnancy and Postpartum Issues

We understand the issues that people face during pregnancy, childbirth, and in the many years that follow caring for your child and family. The experience of having a baby is confusing – one moment exciting, joyful, and full of heart bursting love and in the next moment feeling fearful, anxious, worried, sad, or even, sometimes, mad. Having a child is one of the biggest transitions a person can experience during their lives. Whether you are still pregnant, have gone through childbirth, or have had the experience of losing a baby due to miscarriage we can help.

We provide counseling for the transition into motherhood, postpartum depression and anxiety, and couples therapy for parents to be and new parents.

Read about our postpartum specialist: Kristelle Mallah, lmft | Click here

If you are still pregnant you may have thoughts like “is my partner still attracted to me?”, “will my baby be healthy?”, “am I doing everything right?”, “will my career or finances be impacted?”, “when the hell will this morning sickness go away!?” , or “will I be safe during childbirth?”…and also “will I like being a parent?” These, among many other thoughts, are very common. We can help you to process these thoughts, plan for your future, and feel more at ease going into motherhood.

After childbirth, you might be struggling with memories of a disappointing or traumatic birth experience, difficulty breastfeeding, sleep deprivation, relationship changes with your partner, difficulty bonding with the baby, worries and anxieties about the safety of the child, and the stress of going back to work or choosing to stay at home.

If you feel depressed in the days following birth, you might have “baby blues “. Baby blues are a common occurrence and a normal part of your body managing new motherhood and hormonal changes. However, if these feelings persist for more than 2-3 days you should seek professional help to find relief from these feelings. Baby blues usually go away on their own, however if they do not it could be a sign of a more serious issue, such as postpartum depression or postpartum anxiety.

Even if you are not experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, parenthood is stressful and therapy can still be beneficial. New parents are tasked with caring for a brand new being while also still managing their intimate partnerships, friendships, and jobs or homes (see this little cartoon or this one for some relatable stuff!). Therapy can help you figure out how to prioritize, reduce stress, and live a more fulfilling and manageable life.

Signs of Postpartum Depression (from the Mayo Clinic)

  • Excessive Crying

  • Difficulty Bonding

  • Changes in sleep patterns, sleep deprivation

  • Withdrawing from friends or family

  • Changes in eating patterns

  • Reduced interest and pleasure in activities you used to enjoy

  • Intense irritability and anger

  • Fear that you’re not a good mother

  • Feelings of worthlessness, shame, guilt or inadequacy

  • Diminished ability to think clearly, concentrate or make decisions

  • Severe anxiety and panic attacks

  • Thoughts of harming yourself or your baby

  • Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide

Signs of Postpartum Anxiety

  • Constant worry

  • Physical pains unexplained by a medical issue

  • Feeling like something bad is going to happen

  • Dizziness

  • Sleep and eating changes

  • Difficulty sitting still

  • Racing thoughts

Signs of Postpartum Psychosis

*Postpartum psychosis is a life threatening condition and requires immediate treatment. If you are experiencing these symptoms, please know that there are professionals that can help and that your feelings can absolutely improve. If you relate to any of the symptoms below please ask a loved one to take you (or, if necessary, take yourself) to get treatment immediately. If you are not able to get an in office appointment with a professional then you can visit your local emergency room.

  • Confusion and disorientation

  • Obsessive thoughts about your baby

  • Hallucinations and delusions

  • Sleep disturbances

  • Paranoia

  • Attempts to harm yourself or your baby

Our Postpartum therapist:

Kristelle Mallah, LMFT

Kristelle Mallah has extensive experience working with people throughout the process of becoming a parent - from navigating pregnancy to infancy to the toddler years and beyond. Kristelle is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist trained by Postpartum Support International (PSI) in Advanced Perinatal Mental Health Psychology. Kristelle is also trained in Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 and 2 and EMDR Trauma Therapy, so she is particularly skilled in supporting couples postpartum and also those who have experience trauma during the birthing process.

Kristelle is available via Telehealth for residents of Pennsylvania and New York and in person at our office in Easton, Pennsylvania.

Read more about Kristelle here