One of the scariest parts is not understanding what’s happening to you.
Stop Self-judgement. Understand and Recover.
Postpartum
Having a baby is one of life’s most joyous milestones. Motherhood comes with many normalized expectations and preconceived notions about postpartum life. This includes being consumed by love or more common stressors like sleep deprivation. Being pregnant and giving birth is one of the most incredible and beautiful things to happen in one's life. However, there is also another profound truth that is overlooked, underdiagnosed and often “taboo” to talk about.
Any woman who is pregnant, had a baby in the past several months, miscarried, recently weaned a child from breast feeding, or adopted a child can suffer from something called postpartum depression. While 50% of women experience some symptoms of baby blues after childbirth (feeling tearful, overwhelmed or fatigued which tapers off around 2 weeks postpartum) postpartum depression is much more significant and long lasting.
Know the numbers. You're not alone.
- 10% - 20% of new moms experience PPD or perinatal depression.
- 50% begin experiencing PPD symptoms during pregnancy.
- 20% of fathers have symptoms of depression during the postpartum period
- 32% of adoptive parents experience signs of postpartum depression
You don’t have to love the newborn stage
Signs and Symptoms of PPD
Early recognition and treatment of postpartum depression can lead to better symptom management and faster recovery rates. How often postpartum depression symptoms occur, how long they last, and how intense they feel can be different for each person.
Changes in your emotions
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- Persistent sadness/crying, anxious, or “empty” mood
- Irritability, anger or restlessness
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, shame, or helplessness
- Feeling detached or in a haze
Changes in your everyday life
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- Overwhelming fatigue or loss of energy
- Little interest in things you like or withdrawing from people
- Diminished ability to think clearly or make decisions
- Inability to sleep or sleeping too much
- Loss of appetite, weight changes, or both
- Aches, headaches, cramps, or digestive problems
Changes in how you think about yourself or your baby
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- Overly worried or having thoughts that something might happen to your baby
- Trouble forming an emotional bond with your newborn
- Persistent doubts about the ability to care for the new baby
- Fear you’re not a good mother or of hurting your baby or yourself
- Thinking about suicide
Gain New Awareness, Skills & Freedom
WHY Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety or Postpartum PTSD occur:
There’s no single reason why some develop postpartum depression and others don’t, but a number of interrelated causes contribute to the problem including physical, emotional, biological and lifestyle factors. It could be a combination of many things: sleep deprivation, new responsibilities, lack of time for yourself, financial strain, changes in social relationships or lack of a strong support network, physical changes to your body as well as estrogen and progesterone hormonal and thyroid changes, or experiencing a traumatic pregnancy or birth. We’ll work with you to help you understand contributing factors and triggers.
Holistic Treatment for Couples, Partners, Single Mothers and Single Monthers by Choice
With us you don’t have to act “over-the-moon” with happiness. We're a safe and affirming space where you can be vulnerable and openly discuss guilt, shame, or fear as we understand PPD and fully recognize you as a good mother. We're glad you're seeking the support and treatment you deserve and need.
We will tailor our treatment approach with you based on the nature and severity of your postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or postpartum PTSD symptoms. This is temporary and treatable.
Contact Us.
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70 E Lake St #222
Chicago, IL 60601
Serving Chicago, Streeterville, Gold Coast, West Town, West Loop, River North, Old Town, Lincoln Park, Lakeview, Lincoln Square, Bucktown, Ravenswood and surrounding areas.
Common Questions
Do you accept insurance?
We are in network with the following insurance carriers:
- Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Choice Advantage
- Blue Cross Blue Shield Blue Choice Preferred
- United Behavioral Health, aka United Health Care
- Optum Veterans Affairs Community Care Network
However, if you have a carrier that we don’t accept we can still work together! Using your out of network benefits, many insurance companies will provide you with 20% to 80% reimbursement for sessions. We provide you with an invoice, you send it into your insurance company and they mail you a check. If you’d like to know what your out of network benefits are call the number on the back of your card and ask, “What are my out of network benefits for mental health counseling?” Please contact us to provide you with additional information about this.
Is there parking available at your office?
All el lines are within 1-2 blocks, and, there are two parking garages nearby at 60 E. Lake St. and 20 E. Randolph.
I tried therapy and didn't like it. How's this different?
Therapy varies depending on the personalities of the counselor and client, as well as the particular concerns brought forward. Sometimes the chemistry between the counselor and client or the counselor’s style or approach just isn’t a good fit. The relationship between the client and the therapist is of utmost importance. Therefore, we work to create a safe environment where open and honest communication is encouraged so that concerns or questions about treatment or the relationship can be addressed in session. This often benefits the therapeutic process and deepens the therapeutic relationship.
What can I expect from the first few sessions?
During the first and second session, we will gather information about what has brought you into therapy including your concerns, what you’d like to work on and information about your current and past emotional health and life history. This information helps us gain a deeper understanding about your situation, you as a person and how to best help you. As noted earlier, since it is important that clients feel comfortable with their counseling, we encourage clients to also use the first session as an opportunity to assess if this is a good fit for you as well.
What can I expect during a typical therapy session?
During therapy you will begin to discuss and share your feelings, thoughts, and reactions in order for you to begin to gain insight, develop new thinking patters, coping skills and overall improved quality of life. It is natural to feel uncomfortable about opening up at first but this process because much easier after a few sessions. Since self-growth is possible through commitment and work I will encourage you to practice the things you discuss and learn outside of session.
How long will I need to be in therapy?
The number of sessions needed is different for everyone depending on a number of factors including but not limited to your goals, severity or intensity of your concerns or symptoms, how long you’ve been dealing with your concerns, current levels of stress, and the progress you make towards reaching your short or long-term goals.
Is what I say in therapy confidential?
In general, all communications between a client and counselor are confidential and can only be released with the client’s written permission. However, there are some exceptions required by law to this rule. Exceptions include:
- When there is a reasonable suspicion of child/dependent abuse or of an elder adult.
- When the client communicates a threat of bodily injury to others.
- When the client is suicidal.
- When disclosure is required pursuant to a legal proceeding.