You’re exhausted, emotionally drained, and wondering if it’s supposed to feel this hard. Maybe you’re always second-guessing yourself or afraid you’re not cut out to be a mom. Prenatal and postpartum therapy can help you feel grounded, confident, and supported through this new chapter.
Becoming a mom is often seen as one of life’s greatest joys, but pregnancy is a profound experience that can completely shift your life, relationships, and sense of self. There’s nothing wrong with feeling emotionally overwhelmed.
Struggling doesn’t make you a bad mom. In fact, maternal mental health disorders are the number one complication of childbirth, affecting 1 in 5 women in the U.S.—so you’re not alone. That’s why caring for your mental health isn’t just essential for you, but also a powerful way to care for your baby.
At our Deerfield counseling practice, we specialize in prenatal and postpartum therapy, providing a safe, non-judgmental space to explore your feelings, fears, and frustrations—and to work through the complex emotions they bring. In time, you’ll feel more capable of handling the challenges of pregnancy and motherhood with ease and confidence.
Common Prenatal & Postpartum Issues Therapy Can Help With
Many women feel overwhelmed, guilty, or angry during a time that’s “supposed to” be joyful. Some expectant mothers struggle with anxiety or depression, fearing it may worsen. New moms are often sleep-deprived and overwhelmed, sometimes lacking partner support and carrying the burden on their own.
Sometimes, it’s more than just a mix of emotions—you may be facing anxiety, depression, or a persistent low mood that affects your well-being. Prenatal and postpartum therapy can help with common challenges during the perinatal stage (i.e., pregnancy and the first year after birth), including:
Perinatal/Postpartum Depression
Different from “baby blues,” which begins a few days after birth and typically fades within weeks, perinatal or postpartum depression is more severe and lasts longer.
Some common symptoms include:
Anger, irritability, or rage.
Difficulty bonding with the baby or a lack of interest in them.
Changes in sleep and appetite.
Persistent sadness, crying, or mood swings.
Guilt, shame, or hopelessness.
Fatigue and loss of interest in pleasurable activities.
Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby.
Perinatal/Postpartum Anxiety
While it can occur on its own, it often happens alongside perinatal/postpartum depression.
Some common symptoms include:
Racing thoughts.
Persistent worry and a sense that something bad might happen.
Changes in sleep and appetite.
Restlessness.
Physical symptoms (e.g., nausea, dizziness, hot flashes).
Anger, irritability, or rage.
Feeling anxious, on edge, or unable to relax.
Perinatal/Postpartum Psychosis
A severe disorder that requires emergency treatment. It can progress rapidly and risk the safety of both mother and baby.
Some common symptoms include:
Hallucinations, delusions, or unusual beliefs.
Hyperactivity, excessive energy, or agitation.
Emotional numbness or severe depression.
Hypersomnia or insomnia.
Paranoia and suspiciousness.
Intense mood swings.
Other common prenatal & postpartum issues include obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bipolar disorder, and more.
Find Prenatal & Postpartum Support in Deerfield, IL
You don’t have to carry it all on your own. Together, we’ll help you find balance, reclaim joy, and reconnect with yourself and those around you—we’re here for you.
How Prenatal & Postpartum Therapy Can Help You
Pregnancy and postpartum bring profound changes to a person’s life, and it’s completely valid if you’re not feeling the joy and excitement you were told you should. There’s no ‘right’ way to feel—your experience is as real as anyone else’s, and your feelings matter.
We believe you are the expert of your own life. And while reaching out can feel hard, it’s also an act of love—for yourself and your baby.
Our goal is to build a collaborative, trusting relationship grounded in compassion—one where you can safely and openly share your concerns and feel supported and truly heard. We’ll walk alongside you to help you navigate this new chapter of your life with peace and resilience.
Our Approach to Prenatal & Postpartum Therapy in Deerfield, IL
Our specialized prenatal & postpartum therapists combine various evidence-based techniques to support you through this life-changing journey.
Some of the approaches we incorporate include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Identifying negative self-talk and unrealistic expectations can help ease guilt, sadness, and self-doubt that often show up during pregnancy or after birth.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
By accepting painful thoughts and emotions without judgment, you can validate your experience and take meaningful steps guided by your values.
Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
Improving communication and interpersonal skills helps you strengthen relationships and build a more dependable support system—your own village.
Mindfulness Techniques
Grounding and breathing exercises help you stay present and observe your thoughts as they come and go, without feeling the need to react or act on them.
In prenatal and postpartum therapy at Ammirati Counseling Group, we help you feel empowered to deal with the struggles of pregnancy and motherhood. Our therapists will provide practical tools to normalize your experience, manage difficult thoughts and emotions, and support a healthier, more fulfilling transition into becoming a new mom.
Get Started with Prenatal & Postpartum Therapy in Deerfield, IL
Looking for prenatal & postpartum support in Deerfield, Bannockburn, or the North Chicagoland area? Taking the first step can feel overwhelming, but we’re here to guide you through it with care and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I expect in prenatal & postpartum therapy sessions?
We’ll begin by exploring the emotions and challenges you’re facing, whether it’s anxiety, mood swings, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming expectations. Our goal is to support you during this sensitive time and help you feel more grounded and understood.
Together, we’ll develop healthier coping strategies and tools to navigate the transitions of pregnancy and new parenthood with more confidence and compassion. Over time, therapy will foster long-term emotional resilience and help you reconnect with your sense of self during this transformative chapter of your life.
How long does perinatal treatment take?
Therapy isn’t about instant solutions—it’s about healing at your own pace. Our focus is on building a long-term, trusting relationship that supports you on your path toward your best self.
Many people start noticing positive changes within the first few sessions, but the timeline depends on your unique goals and needs. Together with your therapist, you’ll decide what feels right for you.
What is the best treatment for prenatal & postpartum disorders?
The most effective treatment depends on the specific challenges you’re facing and your individual needs. Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), along with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), are evidence-based approaches that can be highly effective for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Mindfulness techniques can help you stay grounded and manage anxiety, while Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) focuses on improving relationship dynamics and communication patterns—easing relational stress during the perinatal period.
Why am I so angry during pregnancy?
Anger is one of the emotions you might experience during pregnancy, along with sadness, fear, and frustration. It may seem irrational at times, but mood swings are quite common when you’re expecting and can be addressed in therapy.
Anger during pregnancy can be linked to the many changes you’re going through, both physical and emotional. It may stem from common pregnancy discomforts or from everyday situations that feel more frustrating than usual. Feeling exhausted, drained, nauseated, or sore can lower your tolerance for stress and make it harder to cope.
This experience is completely normal and treatable. Pay attention to what’s triggering your anger, how often it happens, and how intense your emotions are. In some cases, anger can contribute to pregnancy-related depression. If you feel your emotions are becoming overwhelming, don’t delay speaking with a professional.
How can pregnancy affect your mental health?
Anxiety and depression are the most common mental health challenges during pregnancy, often involving emotional distress, persistent worries, low mood, and other difficult symptoms.
Several factors can influence a pregnant person’s mental health beyond hormonal changes, including:
- A pre-existing mental health condition that requires pausing psychotropic medication during pregnancy.
- Past experiences with abortion.
- Family or relationship instability.
- Chronic stress.
- Lack of social support.
These factors can lead to intense despair or even destructive behaviors, such as self-harm. Pregnancy can be a turbulent emotional journey and may feel isolating at times, but you are not alone. Don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Support is available, and seeking it is a sign of strength, not weakness.