Perinatal mental health disorders are mental health problems that affect pregnant people, those trying to conceive, and/or people within 1 year of giving birth. But the truth is, without help, the symptoms can persist much longer. Perinatal mental disorders are common; 1 in 7 women or birthing persons will have symptoms of postpartum depression, mood, or anxiety disorders. 1 in 10 men or birthing partners will. Luckily, perinatal mental health disorders are treatable, and many people are able to return to their normal selves within a matter of weeks after starting treatment.
Many people experience the “baby blues” after they give birth, but when these feelings last longer than 2 weeks, you may meet criteria for a perinatal mental health disorder. Perinatal mental health problems are diverse, and include but are not limited to:
Feelings of anxiety, depression, guilt, isolation, and/or inadequacy
Having trouble bonding or forming an emotional attachment with one’s baby
Feeling like you aren't sure who you are anymore
Feeling sad, hopeless, or empty
Experiencing anger, a short fuse, or rage
Crying more often than usual or for no apparent reason
Worrying or feeling overly anxious or overwhelmed
Feeling moody, irritable or restless
Oversleeping, or being unable to sleep even when baby is asleep
Having trouble concentrating, remembering details and making decisions
Losing interest in activities that are usually enjoyable
Suffering from physical aches and pains, including frequent headaches, stomach problems, and muscle pain
Eating too little or too much
Withdrawing from or avoiding friends and family
Hearing or seeing things that other people can’t hear or see
Having strange or unusual beliefs/thoughts
Paranoia
Persistently doubting one’s ability to care for one’s baby
Thinking about harming oneself or one’s baby
If you need immediate support, please see the resources page for crisis lines and resources.
Trying to grow your family can be one of the most emotional journeys you’ll ever walk. Whether you're facing infertility, trying to conceive, facing pregnancy loss, or navigating the complex emotions of adoption, you don't have to do it alone.
We offer a compassionate space for hopeful and grieving parents—honoring both the dreams and the heartbreak that can accompany the path to parenthood. Your feelings are valid, your story matters, and we are here to walk alongside you with empathy, support, and care.
Pregnancy can bring a wide range of emotions—hope, excitement, fear, and even grief. Whether you are navigating a high-risk pregnancy, processing previous losses and carrying a rainbow baby, coping with anxiety about birth, or adjusting to the realities of carrying new life, we’re here to support you.
At Safe Haven Psychology Center, we offer trauma-informed, attachment-focused therapy to help you feel more connected, empowered, and cared for during this tender and transformative time.
If you’ve experienced a difficult birth, NICU stay, infertility, loss, or medical trauma related to pregnancy or childbirth, you’re not alone. You may be carrying anxiety, flashbacks, or guilt—especially if you felt powerless or unheard during your care. We offer a safe, compassionate space to process these experiences and support healing for birthing parents, partners, and caregivers alike.
Therapy may include EMDR, talk therapy, collaboration with your OBGYN or pelvic floor physical therapist, and other approaches to address both emotional and physiological impacts. Your story matters, and we’re here to support you every step of the way.
Read more about birth trauma on our Blog.
Read more about trauma treatment here.
Anxiety during pregnancy and after birth is more common than many people realize. You might find yourself constantly worrying about your baby's health, your own health, or whether you're doing everything "right." You may feel tense, restless, easily overwhelmed, or struggle with racing thoughts that are hard to turn off — even when everything seems "fine."
Perinatal anxiety can show up in different ways, including intrusive thoughts, physical symptoms like a racing heart or trouble sleeping, or a persistent sense that something bad might happen. It's not just "new parent nerves" — it's a real and treatable condition.
You don't have to carry these worries alone. Therapy can help you understand what's happening in your mind and body, develop tools to manage anxiety, and build a stronger, more compassionate relationship with yourself during this important transition. Support is available — you are not alone.
The perinatal period (trying to conceive, pregnant, and postpartum) is a time of transformation. Your identity, roles, and relationships all change rapidly and significantly. For some, this transition is challenging but manageable. For others, approximately 1 in 5 mother and 1 in 10 fathers, mental health takes a major hit. If you are struggling, you are not alone. It's not your fault and with support you can be well again.
We work with parents, hopeful parents, parents-to-be, and postpartum parents who are parenting through stress, adjustment, and trauma.
Maybe you find yourself snapping over small things. Maybe you feel a rush of anger that scares you—and then guilt or shame immediately follows. Postpartum rage doesn’t make you a bad parent. It’s a signal that your nervous system, your body, and your heart are asking for support. In therapy, we offer a safe space to untangle these overwhelming feelings, heal the deeper wounds, and help you reconnect with your strength, your tenderness, and yourself.
If you’re struggling with unexpected anger, irritation, or rage after having a baby, you’re not alone. Postpartum rage is a real and valid experience that often goes unspoken. At our center, we specialize in helping new parents work through postpartum anger with compassion and understanding. Through therapy, you’ll learn how to manage intense emotions, understand their deeper roots, and build healthier ways of coping. Reach out today for postpartum rage support in a safe, nonjudgmental space.