Written by Dr. Sarah Davidson, Clinical Psychologist at The Centered Space
The Centered Space Psychology Group offers individual, couples, and short-term therapy focused on the perinatal period. This article discusses mental health considerations unique to the perinatal period, the benefits of proactively establishing support systems and nurturing your relationship, and the topics we typically address when meeting with expectant parents before their baby arrives.
The birth of a child is a major life transition that can affect many aspects of individual and family life, including mental health and emotional well-being. The pregnancy and postpartum periods are times of great vulnerability for women and birthing individuals’ mental health. About 1 in 5 women experience a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (“PMAD”), making it the most common complications of pregnancy (Policy Center for Maternal Mental Health, 2026). About 1 in10 dads also struggle with mood symptoms such as depression following the birth of a child (Paulson & Bazemore, 2010). Therefore, it can be helpful to consider ways in which you can preemptively put supports in place and the benefits of connecting with a mental health professional before giving birth.
This is especially relevant if you are at an increased risk for a PMAD or are identified by your medical provider as being symptomatic (US Preventive Services Task Force, 2019). Risk factors commonly associated with an increased risk of developing a PMAD include having a history of a mood or anxiety disorder, infertility, premenstrual syndromes, lack of social support, infertility, abrupt weaning, trauma history, pregnancy loss, among others (Postpartum Support International, 2021).
Another important area to consider before baby’s arrival is your relationship with your partner or co-parent. The transition to parenthood is accompanied by many identity changes, stressful periods, increased needs for collaboration, evolving responsibilities, and shifts in connection. These common new parenting stressors can also be accompanied by heightened emotions and increased mental load, both of which can compromise previous coping strategies. Couples may find it helpful to explore and address these potential changes in a proactive manner to help them feel better prepared to utilize supportive strategies. They may also find it helpful to have a space to better understand each other’s parenting style and create plans prior to the baby’s arrival.
At The Centered Space, we work with pregnant and postpartum parents in individual and couples therapy. We also created The Checkup, which is a shorter-term service involving an assessment period, creating a roadmap for your goals, building a postpartum plan, and connecting you with postpartum resources. Below are some topics we tend to cover should you be interested in connecting with one of our clinicians for perinatal mental health services:
Psychoeducation on PMADs and matrescence
Conversations around the importance of protective sleep
Identifying coping resources and self-care activities
Establishing social support and boundaries
Optional session or two with partner to address:
Strategies for communication and collaboration
Skills for problem-solving around conflict
Encouraging dedicated time for connection
Ensuring your partner is familiar with PMADs
A comprehensive clinical intake interview so we can understand your personal risk and protective factors
A potential referral to a reproductive psychiatrist if indicated
It can be difficult to recognize when you need additional support or to establish care when you are in the thick of the postpartum period, especially if you encounter challenges you did not anticipate. Bolstering your skills and increasing knowledge ahead of time can help you navigate this intense transition. Establishing a connection with a mental health provider in advance can also make it easier to access support if needed. Please reach out to schedule a phone consultation with one of our clinicians if you’re interested!
The Checkup could be a helpful option for those new to therapy who want to explore the process as well as those with prior therapy experience who could benefit from a perinatal focused refresher. It offers a structured opportunity to identify needs, strengthen supports, and prepare for a major life transition.
Click here to schedule a free consultation for perinatal therapy or the checkup.