Perinatal & Postpartum Therapy

There’s no “wrong” time to start perinatal therapy. Many women benefit from beginning therapy early in pregnancy or even during the pre-conception phase to address anxiety, build coping skills, and cultivate mindfulness practices. Others seek support in the second or third trimester as physical changes intensify or birth approaches. The key is to reach out whenever you feel you need support—whether that’s managing stress, processing fears about labor and delivery, or simply creating space to connect with yourself during this journey. Early intervention can help build resilience and coping strategies for both pregnancy and postpartum.

Your first session is a warm, welcoming conversation where we get to know you and your unique needs. We’ll discuss what brought you to therapy, your pregnancy or postpartum experience, any concerns or symptoms you’re experiencing, and your goals for therapy. There’s no judgment—only compassionate listening. We’ll explore your support system, any previous mental health history, and how you’re coping with the changes you’re experiencing. Together, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that may include talk therapy, mindfulness practices, breathwork, and holistic approaches like Reiki or gentle movement. You’re in control of your healing journey.

Mindfulness is a core component of our holistic approach at Mindful Transformations. During perinatal therapy, we teach practical mindfulness techniques that help you stay present and connected to your body during pregnancy and postpartum. This might include guided breathing exercises to manage anxiety, body scan meditations to ease physical discomfort, or mindful movement practices like prenatal yoga. Mindfulness helps you develop awareness of your thoughts and emotions without judgment, creating space between feelings and reactions. These tools are especially valuable during labor, delivery, and the sleep-deprived early days of motherhood, helping you find moments of calm and self-compassion.

Perinatal therapy is specialized mental health care specifically designed for the unique challenges of the childbearing years. Our therapists have specialized training in pregnancy-related anxiety, prenatal depression, birth trauma, postpartum mood disorders, and the profound identity shifts that come with motherhood. We understand the hormonal, physical, and social changes you’re experiencing and incorporate approaches that are safe and appropriate for pregnancy and breastfeeding. We also take a holistic view, addressing not just mental health but also the mind-body connection through techniques like Reiki, breathwork, and gentle bodywork that support your overall well-being during this transformative time.

Insurance coverage for perinatal therapy varies by provider and plan. Many insurance plans do cover mental health services, including perinatal and postpartum therapy, often under standard mental health benefits. We recommend calling your insurance company to verify your behavioral health coverage and ask specifically about coverage for perinatal mental health services. During your free 15-minute consultation with Lauren, we can discuss your insurance coverage and payment options. We’re committed to making our services accessible and can help you navigate the insurance process or discuss self-pay rates if needed.

Yes, treating postpartum depression and anxiety is a core part of our perinatal therapy services. Postpartum mood disorders affect up to 1 in 5 new mothers, and they are treatable with the right support. We provide compassionate, evidence-based care that combines talk therapy with holistic approaches to address the emotional, physical, and spiritual aspects of postpartum mental health. Our therapists create a safe, non-judgmental space where you can share your feelings—whether that’s overwhelming sadness, intrusive thoughts, panic, or disconnection from your baby. We’ll work together to develop coping strategies, restore your energy, and help you reclaim joy in motherhood. You don’t have to suffer in silence.

Absolutely! We understand that finding childcare can be a significant barrier for new mothers seeking help. You’re welcome to bring your baby to sessions, and we’ll work flexibly around feeding, soothing, and your baby’s needs. Some mothers find it helpful to have their baby present, while others prefer to arrange care so they can focus fully on themselves. We also offer telehealth sessions, which can be easier for new moms who prefer to stay home. Our priority is making therapy accessible and removing any obstacles that might prevent you from getting the support you deserve during this critical time.

Trust your instincts. Many new mothers experience symptoms that don’t fit the “typical” description of postpartum depression but still indicate they need support. You might be feeling more irritable than sad, experiencing intense anxiety, having scary intrusive thoughts, or simply feeling unlike yourself. Postpartum mood disorders exist on a spectrum and can include postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, post-traumatic stress (especially after difficult births), or general adjustment difficulties. You don’t need a formal diagnosis to reach out for help. If something feels off, that’s reason enough to schedule a consultation. Early intervention makes a real difference, and we’re here to help you navigate whatever you’re experiencing.

The duration of perinatal therapy varies based on your individual needs and goals. Some women find relief and build effective coping strategies within 8-12 weekly sessions, while others benefit from longer-term support throughout pregnancy and the first year postpartum. For postpartum depression or anxiety, research suggests that consistent therapy for at least 3-6 months often leads to significant improvement. We’ll regularly check in about your progress and adjust our approach as needed. There’s no pressure or predetermined timeline—we’re here to support you for as long as you need, whether that’s short-term support during a specific challenge or ongoing care throughout your motherhood journey.

Yes, we welcome and encourage partner and family involvement when appropriate. Becoming parents affects the entire family system, and your partner may be experiencing their own adjustment challenges or may want to better understand how to support you. We can include partners in sessions to improve communication, address relationship changes, and create a stronger support system. We also recognize that family members, especially those helping with childcare, may benefit from understanding perinatal mood disorders and learning how to provide effective support. The decision about involving others is always yours, and we’ll work together to determine what feels most helpful for your healing.

Yes, we offer both in-person and telehealth perinatal therapy sessions to meet you where you are. Virtual sessions can be especially helpful for new mothers who may have difficulty leaving home due to feeding schedules, lack of childcare, physical recovery from birth, or simply the exhaustion of early motherhood. Telehealth allows you to receive high-quality, compassionate care from the comfort of your own home. Many clients find that virtual sessions reduce stress and make it easier to maintain consistent therapy. We use a secure, HIPAA-compliant platform to protect your privacy. Whether you prefer in-person or virtual sessions, we’re committed to providing accessible, effective support during this important time.