Neurodiversity Affirming Prenatal and Postpartum Therapy in Middlesex, New Jersey
Prenatal and Postpartum Therapy in-person and online for New Jersey residents!
*You are welcome to bring your baby to your therapy sessions*
During pregnancy, everyone is interested in how mom is doing. “Does mom have morning sickness? Is the baby kicking yet? Do you know if it’s a boy or girl?”—the constant questions about doctor’s appointments, ultrasounds, etc. But no one is really asking how YOU are doing. And once the baby is here, forget it… It’s all about them. It’s like you don’t exist anymore. Like you’re not important. What matters is how the baby is. “Is the baby eating enough? Is the baby sleeping?” But what about you???
The Reality of Exhaustion
You thought you knew what being tired was, but you had no clue until you had a baby. Your days consist of multi-tasking. You multi-task like you’ve never multi-tasked before. Nap when the baby naps, they say? Well, how can you? The only time you have to get things done is when the baby is asleep. I mean, when else are you going to clean up, do laundry, dishes, etc.?
You. Don’t. Sleep. How can you? Baby is up all night crying, and when baby is actually asleep, you are up worrying about if the baby is okay or thinking, “I wonder how much sleep I can get before the baby starts crying again?” You. Don’t. Sleep.
The family comes to visit the baby. You don’t even want them there. You don’t have the energy to “entertain”.
You don’t have the brain for it.
You don’t get a break.
You don’t have any time for yourself.
The Lack of Breaks and Self-Care
Self-care? What’s that? You go days without showering because, well you don’t have time. If you do have time to shower, it’s a quick 5-minute shower. You better scrub well since you won’t have time to shower again for a few more days. Hobbies? What are those? You don’t even have time to watch a 30-minute television show. Every time you try, there is always an interruption. “Have someone care for the baby so you can take a break?” How can you when you don’t really trust anyone? No one knows how to care for the baby like you do; if you go out, you will just be worrying about the baby anyway. There is no time for you.
You don’t know how you are even functioning. You are barely functioning. You are starting to lose your patience when you are with your baby. Sometimes you feel like shaking them and saying, “Just tell me what you want?!” You feel like you are going crazy and are about to break! But wait? You can’t allow yourself to get this point? Who is going to take care of the baby if you can’t? I mean, you are their parent. They rely on you for everything.
These are the thoughts that may be going on through your head. Thoughts that are starting to get louder. Maybe you are having other thoughts. Scary thoughts…Thoughts you are too embarrassed and ashamed to have. You feel so alone…
The Expectation vs. Reality
You thought this was a phase. You thought you were just struggling temporarily to adjust to it all and that things would go back to how they were pre-baby. Even better than they were since now you have a baby and the family you wished and dreamed for. You NEED to be happy. But you’re not.
Imagine…
Being able to manage your emotions
Feeling like you have control over them.
No longer experiencing so many feelings of guilt and inadequacy.
Letting all your negative thoughts go and bringing in positive, hopeful thoughts, healthy thoughts
Imagine….
Finding peace and calm in your day
Having time for yourself
Having time to do absolutely nothing, if that’s what you want
Imagine…
Being present with your child
Having a strong bond and connection with them
Feeling love in your heart when you hold them or when they smile at you
Imagine…
Feeling a closer connection to others
Enjoying spending time with them
Laughing
Having fun
Can you imagine?
The journey into parenthood is often depicted as a time of joy, love, and connection with a new baby. However, for many women and men, this transition can also bring forth unexpected emotions and challenges, such as postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety. The darkness of these conditions can be overwhelming, but with the right support, including the guidance of a perinatal and postpartum therapist at True Reflections, postpartum life can take a positive and transformative turn.
Some of the Challenges Autistic Parents May Experience
Sensory Overload: Parents with Autism may experience heightened sensitivity to the sounds, smells, and physical sensations associated with newborn care.
Routine Disruption: The unpredictable nature of a newborn's schedule can be particularly challenging for Autistic parents who rely on structure and routine.
Need for Predictability: The constant changes and new demands can cause significant stress due to a strong need for predictability and routine.
Communication Difficulties: Struggling with social communication can make it hard for Autistic parents to seek help or express their needs and concerns to family, friends, or healthcare providers.
Social Isolation: Difficulties with social interactions may lead to increased isolation, as parents might find it hard to join parenting groups or seek social support.
Overwhelming and Meltdowns: The combination of physical exhaustion and sensory overload can lead to increased frequency and intensity of meltdowns.
Some of the Challenges Parents with ADHD may Experience
Attention and Focus Issues: Managing the constant demands of a newborn can be difficult due to challenges in maintaining attention and focus.
Organization and Planning Difficulties: ADHD can make it hard to stay organized, keep track of baby supplies, and plan daily activities.
Emotional Regulation: Parents with ADHD may struggle with emotional regulation, leading to heightened stress and frustration.
Impulsivity: Impulsive behaviors may interfere with the consistency required for newborn care.
Sleep Deprivation: ADHD symptoms can be exacerbated by sleep deprivation, which is common in the postpartum period.
Time Management: Juggling multiple tasks and responsibilities can be particularly challenging due to difficulties with time management.
Combined Struggles Autistic and ADHD Parents May Experience in Postpartum
Increased Stress: The combination of sensory sensitivities and attention difficulties can lead to higher levels of stress and overwhelm.
Compounding Challenges: The unique challenges of each condition can compound, making it harder to find effective coping strategies.
Enhanced Need for Support: Parents with both Autism and ADHD may require more tailored support to manage the demands of the postpartum period.
Potential for Misunderstanding: Misunderstandings about their needs and behaviors may lead to inadequate support from healthcare providers and family members.
TYPES OF PERINATAL & POSTPARTUM MOOD DISORDERS
Prenatal and Postpartum Depression
Some symptoms of perinatal and postpartum depression can include:
Depressed mood most of the day and nearly every day
Lost interest in once-enjoyed activities
Significant weight change or appetite disturbance
Sleep disturbance
Agitation/Irritability
Fatigue/loss of energy
Difficulty maintaining focus
Overwhelmed
Feeling of worthlessness
Excessive feelings of guilt
Recurrent thoughts of death, suicidal thoughts
Not feeling connected to the baby
Inability to take care of yourself or your family
Social withdrawal/isolation
Increased somatic symptoms (i.e. headaches, GI distress, etc.)
If symptoms persist after two weeks postpartum, it is not the “baby blues”.
Prenatal and Postpartum Anxiety
Some symptoms of perinatal and postpartum anxiety can include:
Excessive anxiety or worry, about your health or the baby
Ruminating, persistent thoughts
Agitation/Irritability
The feeling of guilt/shame
Difficulty maintaining focus
Restlessness
Sleep disturbance
Somatic symptoms (muscle tension, shaky, racing heartbeat, dizziness, shortness of breath, etc.)
Panic Disorder
Fear of dying
Feeling like you are going crazy
Feeling like you are losing control
Prenatal and Postpartum OCD
Intrusive, repetitive thoughts (usually of harm coming to the baby)
“What if” thinking (i.e. What if I drop the baby? What if the baby dies? What if I drown the baby in the tub? What if I fall down the stairs with the baby?)
Fears of deliberate or accidental harm
Engage in certain behaviors in order to avoid harm or decrease triggers
Feelings of guilt/shame
Hypervigilance
Prenatal and Postpartum PTSD (Post-traumatic Stress Disorder)
Possible Perinatal and Postpartum Traumatic Events:
Emergency C-section
Prematurity or stillbirth
Immediate medical intervention at birth
NICU Parent
Postpartum Hemorrhage
Severe pre-eclampsia
3rd or 4th degree laceration
Traumatic vaginal birth
Witnessing partner’s birth
Long labor process
Fetal anomaly diagnosis in pregnancy
PTSD Symptoms/behaviors:
Nightmares
Emotional flooding
Distancing from partner
Avoiding contact with childbirth providers or certain locations
Bipolar Disorders (I & II)
“Highs” of Bipolar Disorder:
Increased physical and mental activity
Increased self-confident
Feelings of grandiose
Racing speech, thoughts, flight of ideas
Impulsiveness
Poor Judgement
Difficulty maintaining focus
Decreased need for sleep
“Lows” of Bipolar Disorder:
Irritability/Agitation/Anger
Aggressive behavior
Anxiety
Pessimism
Loss of energy
Significant change in appetite or patterns of sleep
Social withdrawal
Former interests are no longer pleasurable
Inability to maintain focus
Feelings of guilt, worthlessness
Recurrent thoughts of death or suicide
Postpartum Psychosis
Delusions (i.e. baby is possessed)
Hallucinations (i.e. seeing someone else’s face instead of the baby’s)
Rapid mood swings
Insomnia
Find Support Navigating The Perinatal and Postpartum Period With Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy in Middlesex, NJ
If you’re struggling to navigate the emotional challenges of parenthood, perinatal and postpartum therapy can provide the support and guidance you need. Don’t face these overwhelming feelings alone—find support at True Reflections for a healthier, happier you. Take the first step towards reclaiming your well-being by following these three simple steps:
Request an appointment to get scheduled
Begin meeting with a caring perinatal and postpartum therapist
Find support navigating the challenges of parenthood.
Other Services Offered at True Reflections
At True Reflections Mental Health Services, I’m here to help you find your true self and help you overcome anything with therapy. So in addition to providing Perinatal and Postpartum Therapy, I also offer Neurofeedback Therapy, Autism and Anxiety Therapy, ADHD and Anxiety Therapy, Trauma Therapy for ADHD and Austim, Affirming Therapy for those with ADHD, and Affirming Therapy for those with Autism. I also offer different treatment modalities such as Play Therapy, Sandtray Therapy, EMDR Therapy, DBT Therapy, and more. My services are offered in both Middlesex, NJ as well as online in the state of New Jersey. Check out my blog for more topics!
