INFERTILITY, PREGNANCY & POSTPARTUM SUPPORT
How infertility & Loss impact mental health
Infertility is defined as the inability to become pregnant after one year of trying for women under 35 years old and not being able to become after 6 months of trying for a woman over 35 years old. In the United States, the CDC reports that roughly 1 in 4 women have trouble becoming pregnant and/or carrying a pregnancy to term. The disappointment, stress, anxiety, and sense of loss that accompanies infertility are just some of the factors that can negatively affect one’s mental health. Women and couples may also experience feeling stigmatized, a decreased sense of self-worth, higher levels of depression and distress, and relationship stress or marital discord.
Additionally, losing a pregnancy - whether a miscarriage, stillbirth, or abortion - is an experience that can affect a woman and her partner in myriad ways. For most women, it is a traumatic event that can lead to grief, depression, anxiety, stress, fear of a subsequent pregnancy, and symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). For some couples, it can bring them closer through their shared traumatic experience; and yet for others, it can feel like too much to bear and cause a chasm in the relationship. Every person experiences these devastating events differently. However, given that the loss of a pregnancy happens to roughly 15% of known pregnancies, it’s more common than most people realize and needs our support and attention.
At SGS Practices, we understand all of the factors that lead to a decrease in mental health for those struggling with infertility and loss. We understand the hardships associated with seeing friends and families send out birth announcements and baby shower invitations, as well as how painful it is when another well-meaning individual asks: “So when are you having a baby?” We know that it can feel lonely and bring on isolation, as you attempt to protect yourself from further pain. We understanding the devastation of finally becoming pregnant and then losing that pregnancy - sometimes over and over. So whether you are struggling with primary infertility, secondary infertility (difficulty getting pregnant after at least one other pregnancy), or anything else related to having difficulty getting pregnant or holding a pregnancy, we are here to support you.
Support during pregnancy
Although society may tell us that pregnancy makes us “glow” and there is no greater joy in the world, many woman feel conflicted about their pregnancy. Between worries about the baby, changes in their bodies, shifting identities, balancing work and family, health concerns, and daily aches, pains, and stressors, pregnancy can be very difficult for many women. Additionally, if you’ve struggled with anxiety, depression or other mental health concerns prior to pregnancy, those symptoms may heighten during pregnancy and cause further hardship. Furthermore, if you’ve experienced a prior miscarriage or stillbirth, pregnancy after loss can feel impossible at times.
We understand the complex nature of the intersection between pregnancy and mental health. We also understand that simply having someone to talk to who unconditionally cares and listens can make a significant difference. By using a combination of traditional therapy methods mixed with mindfulness tools, guided imagery, hypnotherapy or relaxation techniques, and evidence-based techniques (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)), we are able to make the pregnancy journey a little easier.
Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety & PARENTING support
Many of us remain hopeful that after giving birth, everything will come naturally and easily to us as a new mother. Our mood will stay consistent and elevated, motherhood will feel natural and seamless, and we’ll figure out how to navigate this new existence with a partner without any hitches. And then the sleep deprivation hits, postpartum recovery is a lot harder physically and emotionally than expected, breastfeeding or feeding challenges become the norm, family roles change without adequate communication, and a myriad of other shifts and changes begin to overwhelm you.
For some people, these transitions, often referred to as “baby blues,” are difficult, but finite. They may last for a few months after birth, but they eventually subside and you find your new normal. For others, anxiety, crying, irritability, insomnia, disinterest in the baby, and inattention can feel debilitating and scary. With more than 1 in 7 women experiencing Postpartum Depression (PPD) and 1 in 6 women experiencing Postpartum Anxiety (PPA) or other types of post-birth anxiety, there is a great need for more postpartum support. At SGS Practices, we help people struggling with a number of postpartum concerns, including (though not limited to): Postpartum Depression (PPD), Postpartum Anxiety (PPA), postpartum support, parenting support, and helping with the transition to motherhood. We use a combination of modalities, including mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and hypnotherapy to help individuals stay more present-focused to help let go of the “what ifs” and fears keeping them paralyzed; interpersonal therapy can help redefine their identity and sense of self; and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help develop concrete tools to navigate difficult moments in the months and years ahead. There is no one-size-fits-all when it comes to postpartum support, and we pride ourselves on creating a unique treatment plan to help you.
If you are struggling with infertility, loss, pregnancy-related anxiety, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, or anything else related to maternity concerns, please get in touch by email to schedule an appointment or learn more about how we can help.