For many people, the process of trying to conceive (TTC for short), can introduce a new level of anxiety. You might have imagined this season as one of hope and excitement, but instead you find yourself meticulously tracking your cycle, over-analyzing every symptom, and getting caught in a spiral of "what-if" thoughts. You can deeply want to grow your family, and feel scared about how that process will unfold. While common, anxiety while TTC is often carried quietly.

Perinatal mental health work is uniquely complex. As therapists, we are often holding developmental transitions, identity shifts, relational changes, trauma histories, and significant physiological changes all at once. Because of this, many clinicians find that general clinical supervision alone doesn’t always feel sufficient. Specialized perinatal mental health supervision can be an essential support in providing thoughtful, ethical, and effective care for this population.

The holidays can bring about a unique sense of pressure for new parents. On top of the already busy time of year, being in the thick of postpartum recovery adds another layer of stress. You're managing familial and societal expectations for holiday gatherings, all while being sleep deprived and navigating new routines. By setting boundaries, managing expectations, and prioritizing your mental health, it's possible to ease the busyness of the holiday season with a newborn.

Learn how to tell the difference between normal new mom worry and postpartum anxiety. Understand the signs, symptoms, and when to seek help from a perinatal therapist.