The journey into parenthood can be both beautiful and overwhelming. Whether you’re a new parent adjusting to life with a newborn or navigating the changes during pregnancy, the postpartum and perinatal period can be challenging. At Valley Connections Counselling, we provide specialized counselling and psychotherapy services to support individuals, couples, and families during this transformative time.
What is Postpartum & Perinatal Mental Health?
Postpartum and perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of parents during pregnancy, childbirth, and the first year following childbirth. The changes that come with pregnancy and new parenthood—physical, emotional, and relational—can sometimes lead to stress, anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
It’s essential to understand that it’s okay to ask for help. It is normal to find the Perinatal and postpartum period challenging, and sometimes this leads to the need for extra support for the well-being and mental health of new parents. At Valley Connections, we are here to offer the support, understanding, and tools you need to navigate these changes in a healthy and positive way.
Our Counselling Services for Postpartum & Perinatal Health
At Valley Connections Counselling, we offer a range of therapeutic approaches to help you manage and overcome the challenges of the perinatal and postpartum periods. Our services include:
- Individual Counselling: Tailored one-on-one support to help you address anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, or any other emotional concerns during or after pregnancy.
- Couples Counselling: As you adjust to life as parents, relationship dynamics may shift. Our therapists work with you and your partner to strengthen communication, foster emotional connection, and navigate the challenges of co-parenting.
- Support for New Parents: The transition to parenthood is unique for everyone. Whether you’re a first-time parent or adding to your family, our therapists provide compassionate guidance as you adjust to your new role.
- Parenting Support: Navigating parenthood can raise complex emotions. We offer strategies to manage stress, encourage bonding with your child, add emotion coaching skills into your parenting repertoire, and support your emotional and mental well-being.
- Trauma-Informed Therapy: If your birthing experience was traumatic or you’re processing past traumas, we offer trauma-informed therapy such as EMDR to help you heal and move forward with confidence.
- Grief & Loss Support: For those who have struggled with the pain and disenfranchised grief of infertility, or experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss, we offer compassionate, understanding support to help you grieve and heal.
Signs That You Might Benefit from Postpartum & Perinatal Counselling
While some emotional shifts are expected after childbirth, it’s important to recognize when additional support is needed. You may benefit from our services if you are experiencing:
- Overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, or depression
- Difficulty bonding with or connecting to your baby
- Overwhelming guilt or feelings of inadequacy as a parent
- Difficulty adjusting to changes in your relationship with your partner
- Fear of becoming a parent or uncertainty about your role
- Intrusive or negative thoughts
- Postpartum mood disorders, such as postpartum depression or anxiety
- Feeling overwhelmed by the demands of parenthood
- Birth trauma or processing a difficult delivery experience
- Increased conflict in your relationships with your partner or loved ones
- A tendency to isolate from important people in your life
Why Choose Valley Connections Counselling?
At Valley Connections Counselling, we specialize in trauma-informed care, ensuring that you receive the support you need in a safe, non-judgmental environment. We understand that every individual’s experience is unique, and our therapists work with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and goals. We provide a warm, welcoming space for you to process your feelings, manage stress, and build resilience during this critical time.
How to Get Started
If you are struggling with postpartum or perinatal mental health concerns, you don’t have to navigate this path alone. Contact Valley Connections Counselling to schedule a consultation. Our team of therapists is here to support you on your journey toward healing, growth, and well-being.
We offer in-person therapy at our Burlington location and online counselling for clients throughout Ontario and Canada. We are committed to helping you find balance and peace as you adjust to the joys and challenges of parenthood.