Postpartum Therapy in Los Angeles
Serving mothers during the postpartum year in Los Angeles and throughout California
Welcome to Your Journey Within
Hi, my name is Angela Yepremian, and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist as well as a certified Perinatal Mental Health provider in Los Angeles.
You waited months to hold your little baby and create a beautiful bond. And the time is finally here now, your baby came into the world, but you’re not feeling as excited as you thought you would. There is so much that goes on from the minute you are admitted to the hospital to the entire postpartum year.
Here are some challenges women go through during the postpartum year.
Birth Trauma:
Typically, moms-to-be have a detailed birth plan that they hope they get to experience. They wish for their water to break naturally and have a smooth labor and delivery. However, majority of the time, it does not go as planned and many women experience birth trauma. This is not only scary in the moment, but can easily be replayed in your mind as the months go by.
You might be sad that labor and delivery didn’t go as planned and now you might be putting pressure on yourself because you “failed.” You’re thinking if you couldn’t do childbirth, how could you do motherhood. These are thoughts some new moms have when their expectations of what childbirth “should” look like doesn’t take place.
Changes in Identity:
Matrescence is the transition to motherhood. This is a major life transition, even if the pregnancy was planned. You are thrilled that you get to start this new chapter of your life but your identity might change. Your relationship with your partner may change, your relationship with friends and family may also change. Boundaries might become more firm when it comes to you and your baby.
Adjusting to motherhood can be difficult. You are constantly caring for this little human that you love but you worry about making all the perfect choices. The sleepless nights, mixed emotions and endless decision making secretly have you missing your old life. You miss being in control of your schedule, leaving the house whenever you wanted to, and having spontaneous nights out with your partner or friends. You’re grieving the loss of your pre-baby life and while being grateful you have your baby. All these thoughts and feelings you have are expected in new moms.
Postpartum Depression:
After giving birth, it’s common for women to experience “baby blues.” But baby blues can go up to a few days to a few weeks, when it passes a couple weeks and the symptoms are more intense, it is considered postpartum depression. It’s beyond feeling sad. Moms that experience postpartum depression can persistently feel sad, have crying spells, have difficulty bonding with their baby, difficulty sleeping, feeling guilty, feeling worthless, and having thoughts about hurting themselves.
It doesn’t help when you have a newborn who cries constantly or is up at all hours of the day, no matter what you do you can’t seem to get your baby to sleep for more than 30 minutes. And it’s driving you crazy! You’re exhausted from the sleepless nights and have so many mixed thoughts about everything. You might be having trouble breastfeeding or finding a formula that works best for your baby.
Postpartum Anxiety:
Some women might experience postpartum anxiety instead of postpartum depression, or some might experience both. It is common to worry about your baby and worry if you are doing things correctly. However, women who have postpartum anxiety are constantly worrying about their baby, they have a difficult time leaving their baby with trusted adults, they have trouble sleeping because they are constantly worried about baby and baby’s health. Moms become hyper vigilant about their babies and constantly check on baby especially when baby is sleeping. Women can have obsessive thoughts, feeling on edge, shortness of breath, tightness in their chest, and difficulties relaxing.
The postpartum year is full of uncertainty and mixed emotions. You are physically, mentally, and emotionally exhausted. You are learning how to navigate this chapter while creating beautiful moments with your family.
If you are ready to start exploring your thoughts and feelings during postpartum, schedule a 20 minute free consultation with a postpartum therapist today.
My approach to postpartum therapy in Los Angeles
Giving birth to your beautiful baby is an incredible feeling. Postpartum is everything in between, from the minute you are admitted to the hospital to the first year of life after birth. It brings on a spectrum of feelings.
Postpartum therapy is about learning how to put yourself first, which can seem hard for anyone- especially for new moms. I create a non-judgmental safe space for moms to show up how they are and express how they truly feel about motherhood.
Each woman has a different postpartum experience with different symptoms and different timelines. I tailor my sessions to the specific needs and concerns of each mom. Here are some symptoms I help you work through:
Change in Identity
Birth Trauma
Postpartum Depression
Postpartum Anxiety
Body image and self-esteem
Parenting stress and overwhelm
Work-life balance
Self-care and wellness
As a postpartum therapist, I understand all the ugly and amazing thoughts that come up during postpartum period and I am here to walk through this journey with you. As a society we used to have a village to help us recover and take care of our newborns, but as the years have evolved, the “supermom” became the new norm- thinking we can do it all by ourselves. But this is the time to ask for help and lean on your supportive friends and family because it is a crucial time in your life.
As a postpartum therapist, I help new moms learn how to be gentle with themselves during this crucial period, how to communicate their needs with their partners and loved ones, and how to manage the emotional rollercoaster. I am here to listen to your anxious and scared thoughts, and to hear about the sad feelings. I help my new mamas cope with these mixed emotions and thoughts.
I not only help you through your bad days as a mom but I like to celebrate the milestones that happen with you and your child.
It takes a village to raise a child and I am here to help guide you while you do your absolute best. And I am here to help you work through your concerns, feelings, and thoughts without the fear of being judged.
If you’re ready to work through these tough times, schedule a free 20 minute consultation with a postpartum therapist today.
How working with a postpartum therapist can help you:
Learn communication skills to improve your relationship with your partner
Improve symptoms of depression and anxiety
Learn the importance of self-care and find self-care activities that will help you
Process the changes with your body
Process the spectrum of emotions that comes during postpartum
Reduce the feelings of feeling lonely
Process the adjustment to motherhood and new responsibilities
Process your feelings about your own mother
Explore fears of inadequacy and inabilities to be a mother
Process your traumatic birth experience
Recognize unhelpful thought patterns and learn how to break through them
FAQs about postpartum therapy in Los Angeles
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Postpartum therapy is a form of counseling specially designed to address the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals, especially new mothers, after childbirth.
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Postpartum therapy can be beneficial for individuals experiencing emotional challenges, mood disorders, relationship difficulties, or any other mental health concerns during the postpartum period.
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Postpartum therapy can address postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, adjustment to motherhood, finding a new routine for you and your partner, loss of sense of self, relationship changes, difficulties bonding and feeding the baby, finding ways to cope with all these changes, and more.
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You can start postpartum therapy anytime. Some new moms start therapy immediately after childbirth, while some moms realize the need for therapy later in the postpartum period. However, you feel is best for you and your baby.
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Sessions typically involve discussing and exploring your thoughts and feelings about motherhood. We explore your experiences and concerns, and process your emotions. We also work on developing coping skills that work for you. The duration of therapy depends on the individual. Some moms need short term therapy, while others may choose long term support.
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Check with your insurance provider to determine coverage for postpartum therapy. Some plans may cover it, but coverage can vary.
Get in touch for a free 20 minute consultation.
Click below to schedule your consultation. I will be happy to answer any questions you have about starting therapy for prenatal, postpartum, and parenthood.