Postpartum Anxiety & Depression Treatment
Because "Just Enjoy Every Moment" Isn't Helping
You thought you'd be blissfully happy. Instead, you're anxious, overwhelmed, and wondering if you've made a terrible mistake. Whether it's your first baby or third, postpartum mood changes are real, common, and treatable.
You're not a bad mom. You need support.
The Reality of Postpartum Mental Health
Up to 20% of new mothers experience postpartum anxiety or depression, yet most suffer in silence, convinced they're failing at something that should come "naturally."
The truth no one talks about:
- • Bonding isn't always instant
- • Intrusive thoughts are common
- • Rage is a symptom too
- • It can happen with any pregnancy
- • Dads and partners can experience it
- • It's not your fault
With proper support, you WILL feel like yourself again.
Postpartum Anxiety: When Worry Takes Over
What It Looks Like:
- • Constant fear something bad will happen to baby
- • Unable to sleep even when baby sleeps
- • Racing thoughts about everything that could go wrong
- • Checking baby's breathing obsessively
- • Panic attacks or physical anxiety symptoms
- • Afraid to be alone with baby
- • Intrusive, scary thoughts you'd never act on
You're not going crazy. These are symptoms of a treatable condition.
Postpartum Depression: More Than "Baby Blues"
Beyond the First Two Weeks:
- • Persistent sadness or emptiness
- • No joy in anything, including baby
- • Feeling disconnected or numb
- • Overwhelming guilt and shame
- • "Everyone would be better off without me"
- • Can't stop crying or can't cry at all
- • Going through motions without feeling
This is not about being ungrateful or not loving your baby.
Comprehensive Postpartum Support
Immediate Relief:
- • Coping tools for intrusive thoughts
- • Sleep strategies for new parents
- • Anxiety management techniques
- • Crisis planning if needed
Processing & Healing:
- • Understanding hormonal impacts
- • Processing birth experience
- • Addressing identity shifts
- • Healing perfectionism
- • Building self-compassion
Practical Support:
- • Feeding decisions without judgment
- • Sleep training discussions
- • Childcare planning
- • Return-to-work preparation
- • Relationship navigation
Connection & Community:
- • Reducing isolation
- • Mom group referrals
- • Partner involvement
- • Family education
Specialized Postpartum Expertise
We Get It
Trained specifically in perinatal mental health
No Judgment Zone
Formula, sleep training, screen time—your choices are valid
Baby-Friendly
Bring baby to in-person sessions
Flexible Format
Virtual options when leaving house feels impossible
Real Talk
Honest about motherhood's challenges
Quick Access
Priority scheduling for postpartum moms
What to Expect
Week 1-2
Crisis stabilization, immediate coping tools
Week 3-4
Routine building, sleep prioritization
Week 5-8
Processing emotions, identity work
Week 9-12
Strengthening progress, relapse prevention
Most moms feel significantly better within 6-8 weeks of starting treatment
Your Questions Answered
"Will my baby be taken away?"
Seeking help is a sign of good mothering. We only involve authorities if there's immediate danger—intrusive thoughts alone don't qualify.
"Do I need medication?"
Not necessarily. Many women improve with therapy alone. If medication would help, we coordinate with prescribers who understand breastfeeding concerns.
"Can I bring my baby?"
Absolutely! Feed, hold, soothe as needed. Virtual sessions from home are also available.
"Is this postpartum depression or just exhaustion?"
If symptoms persist beyond 2 weeks postpartum or interfere with functioning, it's worth getting support.
You Deserve to Enjoy Motherhood
Postpartum anxiety and depression steal precious time. With specialized treatment, you can feel like yourself again—often better than before.
We have immediate openings for postpartum moms
📍 Bucktown location (baby-friendly)
💻 Virtual sessions from your home
✉️ katherine@kmhcounseling.com
Serving new mothers throughout Chicago and Illinois. You don't have to do this alone.