Postpartum Anxiety Support

Yes, extremely common. Up to 90% of new mothers experience some intrusive thoughts. They're a symptom of anxiety, not a reflection of your character or desires. The fact that they disturb you so much actually proves you're a caring, protective mother.

They're related and often overlap. Postpartum OCD involves intrusive thoughts PLUS compulsive behaviors to reduce the anxiety (excessive checking, cleaning rituals, needing things "just right"). Both are treatable with similar approaches (CBT, ERP, sometimes medication).

Absolutely. While it often begins in the first few weeks postpartum, PPA can emerge anytime in the first year (or longer). Common triggers include return to work, end of maternity leave support, sleep regressions, introduction of solid foods, or crawling/walking (new safety concerns).

Worrying is your mind's (misguided) attempt to protect your baby. Through therapy, you'll learn that worrying doesn't prevent bad outcomes, uncertainty is inherent in parenting, you can tolerate not knowing for certain that everything will be okay, and being present with your baby is more protective than constant worry. We teach practical techniques to interrupt the worry cycle and redirect your attention.

No. Appropriate anxiety medication should reduce excessive worry and physical symptoms while allowing you to feel normal emotions and stay fully present with your baby. If you feel "numb," your medication may need adjustment. We work closely with prescribers to ensure optimal dosing.

Yes. We design exposures that are realistic and safe for you and baby. For example, practicing leaving baby with a trusted caregiver for short periods, gradually reducing nighttime checking behaviors, or tolerating brief moments of uncertainty rather than immediate googling. Exposures are always consensual, gradual, and tailored to your specific fears.

These are statistically rare events, and we validate that your fears have a grain of truth. However, anxiety makes you overestimate the likelihood and underestimate your ability to cope. We help you take reasonable safety precautions (Safe Sleep, car seat checks), distinguish between realistic caution and excessive anxiety, tolerate the inherent uncertainty of life and parenthood, and trust yourself to handle challenges if they arise.

Many mothers notice some symptom relief within 3-4 weeks as they begin implementing anxiety management techniques. Significant improvement typically occurs within 8-12 weeks of consistent treatment. However, healing isn't linear. You may have setbacks during stressful periods, and that's normal.

Absolutely. Partner sessions can be very helpful for educating your partner about postpartum anxiety, teaching them how to support you (and what not to do), addressing how anxiety affects your relationship, and reducing their own stress about your symptoms.

We provide Super Bills for insurance reimbursement if you have out-of-network benefits. We also offer a free 15-minute consultation to assess fit, flexible scheduling (including early morning and evening), access to New Mom Program community resources for additional support, and referrals to low-cost community resources if our services aren't accessible.