PERINATAL AND POSTPARTUM SERVICES

Motherhood and Mental Health

Mental health problems affect 1 in 5 women who are planning a pregnancy, are pregnant, or just had a baby up to one year old. Common perinatal mental health problems experienced are:

• Perinatal depression
• Perinatal anxiety
• Perinatal OCD
• Postnatal / Postpartum psychosis
• Postnatal / Postpartum PTSD

Symptoms of perinatal mental health issues:

• feeling restless, keyed up, on edge, panicky
• worrying about things outside of your control
• easily fatigued
• difficulty concentrating
• irritability
• feelings of worthlessness or guilt
• diminished interest or enjoyment in activities
• recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
• trouble sleeping
• muscle tension
• panic attacks
• flashbacks or dreams that cause feelings of intense distress
• avoidance behaviors
• eating disorder
• feeling detached from others.

If you, or a loved one, is experiencing the above symptoms, schedule a confidential assessment as soon as possible. Early psychiatric intervention can help with the prevention and treatment of perinatal mental health illness.

Perinatal and Postpartum Counseling

Our therapists begin by listening and identifying your individual needs. We then work with you to help you understand the stressors that cause tension, conflict, or distress in your life. You will learn coping skills and practical strategies designed to help manage stress and improve your health and wellness.

All our efforts are focused on providing you with the necessary help and tools to address mental health issues related to pregnancy, childbearing, and parenting. Your honest input is an important factor in developing an effective treatment plan for you. Whether it is treating anxiety and depression during the perinatal period, healing the grief that arises from the loss of a pregnancy, mending the feeling of hopelessness that arise from infertility challenges, or working through the trauma of the birthing experience, we are here to help you navigate the challenges and emotions that arise during the perinatal period.

Take Your First Step Towards Mental Health Wellness

Our team of clinicians includes licensed therapists who specialize in maternal mental health and perinatal mental health issues. They are trained to provide evidence-based therapeutic approaches, such as:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Insight-oriented Therapy
• Mother-Infant Attachment
• Couples Counseling

Our therapists will tailor your treatment to meet your needs. This is a collaborative process that will:

• Help you feel supported by your partner, family and friends.
• Relieve your feelings of guilt, anxiety, fatigue, and disconnect from your baby, friends and family.
• Heal from your trauma and loss.
• Provide full perinatal and postpartum support that will make you feel confident being a mom.
• Help you enjoy motherhood.

Contact Us for an Appointment With Our Counselor

Reaching out to a mental health professional can be intimidating, but know that the West County Behavioral Health team is here to listen and help guide you on your journey of healing. Our therapists are great listeners and provide a secure and calm space for clients to open up and share their deepest thoughts and feelings. You are in good hands.

Our team consists of licensed therapists that specialize in a wide variety of therapeutic approaches. We work with individuals, couples, and families to help them build the vital supportive environment our clients need during the perinatal period. Our postpartum depression therapists have extensive training and experience in working with postpartum disorders caused by hormonal changes, personal history, family history of mental health problems, or stressful living conditions.

If you or a loved one is experiencing perinatal or postpartum mental health concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to us. Call (314) 200-5131 for more information.

West County Behavioral Health, St. Louis, MO

We are dedicated to providing high-quality therapy and psychiatric services to the residents of the Greater St. Louis area. Located in Saint Louis, Missouri, West County Behavioral Health is readily accessible to the residents of St. Charles and St. Louis. We recognize the challenging and often complex needs of individuals experiencing perinatal or postpartum mental health issues. Our goal is to help clients navigate it and improve their own well-being and also the well-being of their baby, partner and family. We believe that everyone deserves to feel supported and to receive the care they need throughout their motherhood journey.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What’s the difference between Perinatal, Antenatal, Prenatal, Postnatal, and Postpartum?

Perinatal means ‘around birth’ and refers to the time from the start of your pregnancy up to roughly one year after giving birth. Antenatal and prenatal both mean ‘before birth’ and refer to the time when you are pregnant. Postnatal and postpartum both mean ‘after birth’ and refer to the first year after giving birth.

How do I know if I need perinatal or postpartum services?

It is common to experience a range of emotions during pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period. However, if you are experiencing persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts that make it difficult to function, it may be helpful to seek support from a licensed therapist. Perinatal and postpartum services can also help you if you are experiencing reproductive challenges like infertility or if you are struggling to adjust to the changes and challenges of parenthood.

How can I access perinatal and postpartum services at West County Behavioral Health?

We offer in-person and teletherapy options to accommodate your needs and preferences. You can contact us to make an appointment.

Is it confidential to seek perinatal and postpartum services?

Yes, all therapy sessions at West County Behavioral Health are confidential and protected by law. Our therapists are committed to providing a safe and supportive environment for clients to discuss their thoughts and feelings.

What does perinatal and postpartum depression therapy involve?

Perinatal mood disorders (PMDs) are the number one medical complication of childbirth. Often referred to as postpartum depression, PMD can take many forms and can also occur during pregnancy. Perinatal mood disorders include depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and psychosis.

Our postpartum therapists start by identifying the challenges you are experiencing. Different types of therapy will be used according to your needs and challenges. Your therapist will work with you collaboratively and find ways for you to manage stress and heal.

Do you conduct speaking engagements on this topic of perinatal and postpartum mental health?

Yes, we do provide education and training in the form of talks and presentations for schools and organizations. We want to break the silence and end the stigma about mental illness & mental healthcare by promoting awareness and understanding of perinatal and postpartum mental health to the community in St. Louis. Please contact us at (314) 200-5131 if you are interested in engaging us.