POSTPARTUM THERAPIST
It feels like you're crying more than your baby, and you don’t know why.
Since your baby’s birth, it seems like sleep is a distant memory. You dread the nighttime, even when the day has gone okay. You know you’ll be unable to rest and tomorrow will feel worse.
Anxiety, irritability, and guilt consume you, and the person you were before is unrecognizable.
Your life has been taken over by your baby’s needs, with little room for your own.
Everything is coming at you all at once — the emotional ups and downs, depression, anxiety, exhaustion, and constant demands.
That’s why you’re looking for a postpartum therapist.
A mountain of shame for not connecting with your baby and not being excited about the baby’s arrival. It’s hard to admit to anyone. It’s lonely and isolating, and it feels like it won’t ever get better.
Feeling guilty for not enjoying motherhood and being worried you’re not cut out for it
Guilt for not giving your older kids as much attention since the baby arrived
Frustrated and aggravated, seemingly for no reason
Sad and hopeless without knowing why (after all, you wanted this baby, so what gives?!)
A big adjustment to a whole new life and identity as a parent
Exhausted by the thought of socializing, and anxious about leaving the house or meeting other parents
Not to mention: hormonal, sleep deprived, exhausted…
You may be feeling….
Becoming a parent is supposed to be joyful, but instead, you're having thoughts like….
How often is too often to have my mother-in-law watch the baby for me?
I’m a horrible person; I hate myself for feeling uninterested in my baby
I’m not cut out to be a mom; other people can do this, but I can’t
My baby deserves better
My body isn’t my own anymore: breastfeeding, holding/rocking, getting up in the middle of the night, etc.
Wanting to avoid potential criticism or unsolicited advice about parenting choices, and feeling resentful of the unwanted feedback
It's a lot.
And, feeling this way after having a baby is way more common than you think.
Feeling the excitement, pride, and adoration of your baby and motherhood that everyone talks about
Feeling calm and hopeful, instead of continuously feeling sad and stuck in the same routine day after day
Sliding on the new identity of “mother” the way you slide on your favorite pair of jeans: they fit perfectly, without you having to do a dance or suck it in
Communicating your feelings and needs respectfully to your partner so that you feel understood, supported, and bonded to them during this new experience you’re sharing together
At your family’s holiday party absorbing compliments about how beautiful your new baby is, rather than annoying unsolicited parenting advice
Feeling empowered to find new friends who have babies of their own – without feeling like you have to choose between your long-term non-parent friends and new mommy friends
Knowing exactly how to talk to your older children about the change and include them in the new experience so that they don’t feel forgotten or left out, and you still feel close to them
Instead, imagine yourself…
THIS is what we’re doing in postpartum therapy together.
So, what will life look like after I attend therapy with a postpartum therapist?
Well, here’s what won’t happen: you won’t look back in five years and realize, with shock and grief, that you missed out on your child’s babyhood.
During postpartum therapy with me, you will start to look forward to waking up and spending the day with your baby. You’ll savor the moments you have with them – without resentment, regret, or being too tired and lethargic to function properly.
You’ll leave the (internal and external!) judgment and “shoulds” at the door. Finally give yourself permission to do what works for you and your family. Things like…
Sleep, feeding styles and schedules
Bringing baby with you to your yoga class or walking group
Medication options
You’ll start to view your postpartum thoughts and feelings differently: they don’t truly represent how you see your baby and yourself as a parent. You’ll start to feel less shame, you’ll shed the self-hatred, and you’ll forgive yourself for your (human) thoughts and feelings. This will make you a more present and available mom because you aren’t preoccupied with beating yourself up. This will also make it much easier to bond with your new baby!
You’ll start to see glimpses of the hopeful future you had for yourself and your family when you decided to have a baby. Eventually, you won't be able to remember what your life and your family were like without your baby (in the best way!).
Who is a postpartum therapist the best fit for?
Therapy with me IS for you if…
You want to collaborate with a trained postpartum therapist so that you can feel and function at your best
You want to learn strategies for managing your anxiety, depression, or irritability
You want to figure out how best to speak about your feelings to your loved ones without it turning into an argument
You want to strengthen your bond with your baby
Therapy with me is NOT for you if…
You have a plan to commit suicide
You are experiencing postpartum psychosis
You do not want to share your thoughts and feelings with a postpartum therapist (it can feel vulnerable to share with someone you don’t know well!)
You don’t want help with figuring things out
You can’t handle constructive (but kind!) feedback
What makes me different? I am a postpartum therapist, trained and certified in child-parent psychotherapy (CPP), hypnosis, EMDR, psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and other modalities. I’m also a Circle of Security-Parenting (COS-P) facilitator and accredited therapist with The Center of Adoption Support and Education (C.A.S.E.). I have many years of experience serving parents, families, and children, including those in the foster care system.
My style is kind, down-to-earth, and proactive. You’ll get useful resources to enhance your parenting skills versus silent nodding or abstract advice without applicable input.
And you’ll do this from the comfort of your home, office, or any private space of your choice. That’s the beauty of online therapy with a postpartum therapist. Reach out to schedule a free consultation today.
About Gayle Weill, LCSW
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
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No, I am not accepting insurance at this time, but I am happy to submit claims on your behalf with the help of Mentaya so that you can be reimbursed for therapy sessions.
People with out of network insurance benefits generally receive 60-80% reimbursement after meeting their deductible.
Mentaya is a billing company that can help us figure out your out of network benefits and submit claims for sessions so that you don’t have to.
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$285 for a 60 minute session.
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At this time I am only offering telehealth on Zoom for therapy sessions.
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CBT and IPT are often best for postpartum, addressing anxiety, depression, and role changes. Therapy with a postpartum specialist is ideal.
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Postpartum depression (PPD) is a serious mood disorder that can affect parents after having a baby. It goes beyond typical "baby blues" and involves persistent feelings of sadness, anxiety, exhaustion, and hopelessness that can interfere with daily life and caring for the baby. Symptoms usually begin within the first few weeks after childbirth but can develop up to a year later. PPD is treatable through therapy, medication, and support systems.
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A postpartum therapist specializing in perinatal mental health or postpartum depression.
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Postpartum depression can appear anytime within the first year after the baby is born, and symptoms can last for years if one does not pursue treatment. With proper care, many improve within weeks to months.
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Postpartum anxiety, similar to postpartum depression, can appear anytime within the first year after the baby is born. With proper care, many improve within weeks to months.
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Postpartum depression doesn't follow strict stages but may include feelings of sadness, anxiety, irritability, guilt, withdrawal, and, in severe cases, hopelessness or thoughts of self-harm.
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Seek support, prioritize rest, practice self-care, connect with others, and consider therapy or counseling with a postpartum therapist.
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The "5-5-5 rule" emphasizes rest to support healing and adjustment. It encourages postpartum moms to focus on recovery by:
5 days in bed: Rest as much as possible, limiting activity to essentials.
5 days around the bed: Gradually increase light activity nearby.
5 days near the bed: Slowly resume daily tasks, avoiding overexertion.
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Postpartum rage can start within the first few weeks after childbirth, often triggered by hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, and stress.
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To pull yourself out of postpartum depression, seek support from loved ones, talk to a postpartum therapist, prioritize self-care, set small achievable goals, and consider medical treatment like medication if needed.
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Patients most prone to postpartum depression include those with a history of depression or anxiety, lack of support, difficult pregnancies or births, or high levels of stress. Additionally, first-time mothers and those with a history of trauma or mental health issues are at higher risk.
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Postpartum depression symptoms can last anywhere from a few weeks to several years, but with proper treatment, many women begin to feel better within a few months.
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To fight postpartum depression naturally, try prioritizing rest, regular exercise, healthy eating, social support, practicing mindfulness or meditation, and spending time outdoors. Seeking postpartum therapy can also be highly beneficial.
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Warning signs of postpartum depression include persistent sadness, irritability, excessive worry or anxiety, difficulty bonding with the baby, extreme fatigue, feelings of guilt or worthlessness, changes in appetite or sleep, and in severe cases- thoughts of harming oneself or the baby.
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The first-line treatment for postpartum depression typically includes postpartum therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Interpersonal Therapy (IPT), and, if necessary, medication like antidepressants (SSRIs). Support from family and self-care practices are also important components.
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Postpartum depression is diagnosed within the first year after your baby is born. However, the symptoms of postpartum depression could last for years without proper treatment.
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Your OBGYN will screen for postpartum depression during your 6-week postpartum checkup. Your baby’s pediatrician will screen you for postpartum depression during your baby’s first several well visits.
