“This is not what I expected.”

You did it. You are a mother now. So why aren’t you as happy as you thought you’d be? Because being a new mom is hard, and sometimes it feels just as hard to talk about it. Your new baby might seem like a stranger, making it hard to feel connected. You are short-rested and exhausted, longing to escape the daily stress and constant touch. The days run together between feedings, naps and diaper changes, and you wonder why it sometimes feels so empty. You might even secretly have scary thoughts about your baby that fill you with shame, wondering if you are really cut out to be a mother. Everything feels different—your body, your life, your relationship with your partner. You sometimes barely recognize yourself and wonder if things will ever get back to normal.

Moth•er (v)
to raise up with care and affection.

You are pouring everything into mothering your new baby, but who is mothering you?

Did you know? 1 in 5 women and 1 in 10 men experience postpartum depression. There are additional perinatal mental health disorders that can occur including postpartum OCD, postpartum anxiety, postpartum PTSD, postpartum psychosis and postpartum bipolar disorder. Working with a Certified Perinatal Mental Heath Provider (PMH-C) can help. Connect with one of our postpartum therapists in Newport Beach to learn how we can support you.