You wanted this baby more than anything else, and now that you’re pregnant or the baby has arrived, you wonder, “What have I done?” Do you ever think of running away, that perhaps your family would be better off without you? Have you imagined divorcing your partner, or find yourself constantly irritated with them? Do you feel overwhelmed by rage or sadness? Are you experiencing scary, unwanted thoughts and fears of something bad happening to your baby? These are more than new parent worries, and there’s help.
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders effect one in seven mothers and 1 in 10 fathers, and we suspect these numbers are underreported. Parents and partners of any gender are susceptible to PMADs. Symptoms for 80%of birthing parents include anxiety.
PMADs are the most common complication of childbirth. The good news is it is temporary and it’s highly treatable. A variety of risk factors make many new parents susceptible to mood disorders. Through a combination of baby friendly counseling and peer support groups, we help new parents realize they aren’t alone, and it truly does get better. Jamie loves to work with parents of all gender identities, and welcomes all family constellations.