Pregnancy and Postpartum

I have accompanied dozens of births and hundreds of families as a birth doula, always seeking to be updated and informed. I have trained with wise Mexican women in the art of rebozo, and I have learned from the families that each birth is an opportunity for growth for the whole family. I have experience in planned home birth, bvac, pregnancy loss, migrant mothers, etc.

I am trained in PPMD's and love to work with parents or expecting parents. Along with this I am also education and work with people who have struggled with infertility, pregnancy loss, abortion, etc. I work hard to create a space that you can talk about your deepest struggles and the funny parenting moments.

This time in our lives gives us a lot of "shoulds". You "should" be nothing but happy. You "should" only feel grateful. You "should" not feel sad, or alone, or scared. This puts so much pressure on new moms, moms-to-be, or those struggling. Yet, it can be normal not to feel these "shoulds". There's nothing wrong with you- this can be a hard time, and sometimes our hormones feel like they're in control. Let's work together to make you feel whole again.

Pregnancy & Postpartum can be some toughest life changing transitions in a woman's life. Losing oneself in motherhood is a common experience. Becoming overwhelmed, stressed, getting stuck in your thoughts, & constant pressure or comparison can plague a new mom or mother in transition. I am passionate about helping moms find their way through this new phase of life, while also bringing elements of her old life. (Perinatal Mood Disorders Trained- Postpartum Support International)

I am trained in pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders and provide support to all who are in this stage of life. I spent five years volunteering for Postpartum Support international, working on their warm line for new mothers. I have volunteered as a new parent support group leader for The Program for Early parent Support. I am also a mother to three children, so I understand the demands of motherhood on your life, your family and your relationship.

I provide compassionate, knowledgeable support through the perinatal journey. I offer a safe place to explore your experience of pregnancy, birth and the transition to parenthood. Additionally, I offer specialized support for perinatal mood/anxiety disorders, birth trauma, NICU parents and couples struggling with the transition to parenthood.

Pregnancy and the postpartum period are two of the most significant changes in a woman's life. I have training in helping moms adjust to their new roles, as well as addressing any postpartum anxiety or depression that may be present.

My interest in the field of perinatal mental health began in 2021 after my son was born. I began training in perinatal mood disorders in 2022 through Postpartum Support International. I became certified in 2023. I have worked with clients through preconception, pregnancy, postpartum and beyond.

For the last 9 years I have worked at Washington University School of Medicine specializing in work with this population. I have specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International. I have helped thousands of women navigate the perinatal period including infertility, fetal and infant loss, diagnosis and treatment for anomalies discovered in pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum.

I have training and experience treating a large number of maternal mental health struggles. Whether you are struggling to become a mother, became pregnant without your consent, have had a traumatic birthing experience, or are struggling with your thoughts and emotions during pregnancy or postpartum - motherhood has a way of bringing up our past trauma and hurts.

Given approximately 10-20% of birthing parents and many non-birthing parents are affected by Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), it's of the utmost importance to support parents during such a major transition in their lives. I've trained with Postpartum Support International, completed a year internship in a perinatal mental health clinic, and attend ongoing trainings in order to best guide parents in preventing and treating PMADs. I enjoy working with nontraditional families.

Therapy can be a place to figure out how to adjust to parenthood and how to cope with the pressures that come with this new role. It also provides you with a place to get support for what you are going through. I work with men and women who are struggling with this adjustment in a more mild form as well as men and women who are experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.

We cannot rush through this transition into parenthood and our society certainly doesn’t help. There are many losses and gains when becoming a parent. We will acknowledge and explore them with grounding and acceptance. You will learn real self-care by asserting your needs and setting healthy boundaries.

If you're pregnant, or recently gave birth, struggle can show up in lots of ways: depression, anxiety, obsessive thoughts and actions, PTSD, and in rare cases psychosis. You do not have to suffer alone and there is nothing "wrong" with being unable to bask in the glow of pregnancy and parenthood the way you're "supposed to." These issues are treatable with compassion, acceptance, and research-backed therapy. Let's normalize your scary thoughts and figure out your plan for recovery together.