Perinatal & Postpartum Therapy in Chicago & Northbrook IL

Becoming a parent is one of the most profound transitions a person can go through. It can also be one of the hardest. The cultural narrative around pregnancy and new parenthood is often filled with images of joy and completeness. What gets far less airtime is the anxiety, the exhaustion, the loss of identity, the relationship strain, and the very real possibility that your mental health may need support during this time.

If you are struggling during pregnancy or after having a baby, you are not failing at this. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are among the most common complications of childbirth, and they are treatable. Reaching out for help is not a sign that something is wrong with you. It is a sign that you are paying attention.

What Is Perinatal Mental Health?

Perinatal refers to the period spanning pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs) are a spectrum of conditions that can develop during pregnancy or in the postpartum period. They affect people of all genders who have recently had a baby and are far more common than most people know.

Common Perinatal Mental Health Concerns

Postpartum depression: persistent sadness, emptiness, or hopelessness following birth
Postpartum anxiety: excessive worry, intrusive fears, difficulty calming down
Prenatal depression and anxiety: mood difficulties that begin during pregnancy
Postpartum OCD: intrusive, unwanted thoughts often related to harm coming to the baby
Postpartum PTSD: following a traumatic birth experience
Postpartum rage: intense anger often connected to underlying depression or anxiety
Postpartum psychosis: a rare but serious condition requiring immediate medical attention
Birth trauma and traumatic birth recovery
Adjustment difficulties for non-gestational partners

“Everyone’s journey into parenthood can look and feel different. According to Postpartum Support International, 1 in 5 to 1 in 10 new parents may experience depression or anxiety during the perinatal period. It can be one of life’s greatest transitions full of beauty, overwhelm, joy, confusion and love. Your identity, priorities and values can shift in ways that feel foreign and intense. It is important to remember that you are not alone during this journey. You and your family deserve to live a life full of support and connection to thrive.”
– Rachel Brennan, RYT, LCPC, Midwest Counseling & Diagnostics

You Are Not Alone

Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 5 new mothers and a significant number of non-birthing partners as well. These conditions are not signs of being a bad parent or not loving your baby. They are medical conditions that respond to treatment.

Perinatal Therapy in Chicago, Northbrook, and via Telehealth

Our clinicians with perinatal specialization serve adults in Chicago and Northbrook, and via telehealth across Illinois and many other states. Telehealth can be particularly helpful for new parents navigating the logistics of getting out of the house.

Frequently Asked Questions About Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy

What is postpartum depression?
Postpartum depression (PPD) is a mood disorder that develops following childbirth, characterized by persistent sadness, emotional emptiness, hopelessness, fatigue, and difficulty bonding with the baby. It differs from the baby blues in its severity, persistence, and level of impairment. PPD is treatable with therapy, medication, or a combination.

How common is postpartum anxiety?
Postpartum anxiety affects approximately 15 to 20 percent of new mothers, making it at least as common as postpartum depression. It is often underdiagnosed because the hypervigilance of new parenthood is culturally normalized.

What are postpartum intrusive thoughts?
Postpartum intrusive thoughts are unwanted, disturbing mental images or thoughts, often about harm coming to the baby. They are ego-dystonic, meaning they feel deeply wrong and contrary to the person’s values. They are not wishes or impulses and do not predict behavior. They are treatable.

When should I seek help for postpartum depression or anxiety?
Any time your symptoms are significantly affecting your ability to function, care for yourself or your baby, or are causing significant distress. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, seek help immediately. Do not wait to see if it gets better on its own.

Is postpartum therapy available via telehealth?
Yes. Telehealth is often particularly valuable for new parents who face logistical barriers. Research supports the effectiveness of telehealth for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. Midwest Counseling offers perinatal and postpartum therapy via telehealth across Illinois and many other states.

Reach out to start
your healing journey today.

(312) 291-9570

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