You are the right mother for your baby even when you feel like you’re failing

If your fears or perfectionism are stealing this precious moment, reach out for compassionate and effective treatment for postpartum anxiety and OCD

It’s normal to be extra cautious about the health and safety of your baby. A woman’s focus on keeping her child safe is hardwired into many of us and a very important quality in infant care. With some new mothers, however, this natural instinct can reach levels that begin to compromise your mental health and ability to function. If you are experiencing distress from anxiety or disturbing thoughts, you’re not alone and it’s not your fault. If since having your baby or becoming pregnant there has been a change in behavior that concerns you or your family, reach out for help from a trained professional.

I practice from an attachment, developmental lens and have special knowledge and experience with breastfeeding mothers. I provide sensitive care for mothers experiencing:

  • Intrusive and upsetting thoughts of baby being harmed

  • Rumination about being a good or perfect mother

  • Unrealistic expectations of infant behavior

  • Rigid societal or familial pressures about sleep and feeding schedules or returning to work

If anxiety and obsessive compulsive behavior causes distress or reduce your ability to function, it may be time for professional help from a trained clinician. It’s possible to interrupt the cycle of anxious distress so you can reclaim your confidence and begin to experience presence and joy during this tender season.

Support for fathers and partners is available. Contact to get started.

You’re not alone.

There’s nothing like being responsible for the life of another human. Every single ounce of their safety…every single emotional and physical need is reliant on you. It’s all so primal and raw…You’ve never done this and you’re not sure what’s normal and what’s not.

Common anxiety and OCD symptoms in the postpartum period

Some postpartum moms start seeing germs everywhere. Some forfeit eating and using the bathroom because they can’t tolerate a few seconds of baby outside of their arms. Some new moms obsessively track nursing, striving for exact symmetry on each side. Some ruminate over length of naps and compulsively enter data into an app to scrutinize. Some moms don’t sleep in order to repeatedly check if baby is breathing…If these behaviors cause the mother distress and compromise her ability to function, professional help is warranted.

***

Healing and growth

Many postpartum moms find relief from anxiety and obsessive compulsive traits when supported by the empathy and wisdom of a clinician trained in maternal mental health who has a shared experience of motherhood. This was the case for me and many clients I’ve worked with.

With the right help you can develop a more flexible understanding of yourself as a new parent. You can change your relationship with anxiety, uncertainty, and fatigue. You can hold your story with self-compassion and confidence.

***

Why do some moms get anxious distress?

A mother’s heart is prone to worry. Some women are more conscientious and afraid due to temperament, life experiences, or wiring. Our ability to anticipate danger is a gift that has helped keep our species alive, but the consequence is we are more at risk of clinical anxiety and mood disorders—especially in fractured modern societies where families are commonly isolated from both practical and emotional support.

Our protective instincts naturally increase when our children are most vulnerable (eg. infancy), but even if this is natural, it can feel too intense. If you have questions about your anxiety or behavior, reach out for help ♡