As licensed therapists in Denver specializing in adult women's mental health issues and trauma...we're here to tell you:
And let me back up for a moment.
Not only is giving birth traumatic, but hormonal changes can be traumatic. Finding out you're pregnant can be traumatic. Telling your partner you're pregnant in some circumstances can be traumatic. Learning how to be mom can be traumatic. Watching your career change while pregnant is traumatic. Budgeting finances for a baby is traumatic. Watching your body change in a way that is out of your control is...you guessed it, traumatic.
The list could go on and on. Motherhood is a heavy load on the nervous system. So inevitably, the first few months after giving birth may feel traumatic as well.
Do you know what one of the most common responses to trauma is, by the way?
Depression. And if we do the math correctly...postpartum depression is actually a VERY realistic response to an intense amount of trauma that in our society is unfortunately normalized.
We're here to tell you, counseling for postpartum depression in Denver can help. Here are five reasons to find postpartum counselors near me in Denver.
1) To talk about your birth experience
For many new mothers, their birth experience can be a source of great joy or intense disappointment. Whatever your experience may have been, it’s important to talk about it with someone who can provide non-judgmental and supportive counsel. Postpartum counselors can offer you a safe place to express your feelings about your birth experience without fear of judgement or criticism.
A postpartum counselor will listen to your story, validate your experience, and help you to process any lingering emotions that you may be experiencing. Your postpartum counselor can also help you to recognize any positive aspects of your birth experience, allowing you to focus on the strength and resilience you demonstrated while giving birth.
2) To process your emotions
One of the main reasons to seek out a postpartum counselor in Denver is to help process your emotions. Giving birth, regardless of whether it’s your first child or your fourth, can be an overwhelming experience. It can be difficult to adjust to the sudden changes that come with having a baby, from sleep deprivation and hormones to the reality of caring for a newborn.
A postpartum counselor is trained to help you work through all the intense emotions that can accompany the postpartum period. Whether you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or feeling overwhelmed, talking to a counselor can help you better understand and manage your emotions.
By exploring and discussing your thoughts and feelings, a postpartum counselor can help you move through any emotions that may be preventing you from finding joy in parenting. Additionally, they can provide practical tools and tips on how to cope with any challenges you may be facing. With their support and guidance, you can learn healthier coping mechanisms to better manage the stress and emotions of being a parent.
3) To get support for your changing relationship
The transition to parenthood can be difficult, and it can create unexpected changes in relationships. Postpartum counselors near Denver can provide valuable support for couples who are navigating these changes. If you are feeling overwhelmed or need help adjusting to the new dynamic, a postpartum counselor can help you work through your emotions and work on communication and relationship issues.
Your postpartum counselor can also provide practical advice on how to make the most of the little time you have together, as well as offer support during the times when things don’t seem to be going right. They can help you build trust and understanding between you and your partner, and provide guidance on how to make the most of this new stage of your life.
4) To take time for yourself after having a baby
When you become a parent, it can be all too easy to get caught up in the daily grind of caring for your new baby. But it’s important to remember that taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your baby. A postpartum counselor can help you to find time and space to nurture your own wellbeing. Taking time for yourself can help reduce feelings of anxiety, stress and even depression, as well as helping you to recharge and stay emotionally strong as you continue to adjust to your new life as a parent.
A postpartum counselor can help you find ways to take time for yourself, whether it’s getting out of the house for an hour or two each week, scheduling a massage or yoga class, or finding moments throughout the day to focus on yourself and your needs. Taking time for yourself is not only important for your mental health but also helps you to stay physically healthy and energized, so that you can be the best version of yourself for your family.
5) To get referrals for other resources involving postpartum depression
Finding the right postpartum counselor in Denver can be a daunting task, so it’s helpful to have someone you trust and can rely on to refer you to other resources. Postpartum counselors often have a wide network of practitioners, both medical and mental health, who can provide assistance and support for postpartum issues.
Your postpartum counselor can provide referrals to specialists such as lactation consultants, pelvic floor physiotherapists, and midwives. They may also be able to refer you to parenting classes, support groups, and other services that can help you feel more secure in your parenting journey.
Most postpartum counselors will be happy to share their personal experiences with different providers in their network and offer you advice on what services might work best for you and your family. Having access to this kind of referral network allows parents to find the most qualified and experienced providers in their area.
Having the right resources at your disposal is essential to navigating the postpartum period successfully. Finding a postpartum counselor in Denver who can provide referrals to other specialized professionals can help you feel empowered and better equipped to face the challenges of parenting a newborn.