Perinatal Mental Health Counseling Throughout Michigan

Pregnancy, birth, and becoming a parent can bring emotions and challenges you may not have expected. You may be feeling anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected from yourself, or struggling after a difficult birth or NICU experience.

The Story Within Counseling provides compassionate, specialized virtual therapy for adults navigating pregnancy, postpartum, birth trauma, NICU experiences, and the transition into parenthood throughout Michigan.

You don’t have to navigate this chapter alone.

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What Is Perinatal Mental Health?

  • Persistent, excessive, and hard-to-control worry or fear that occurs during pregnancy. Can include intrusive thoughts such as frightening thoughts about the baby’s health or safety.

  • Persistent, overwhelming worry and fear that develops after childbirth or adoption. Postpartum anxiety involves an escalated state of hypervigilance that may interfere with daily life.

  • A serious and complex condition characterized by persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and emotional exhaustion that develop after childbirth. It can interfere with a parent’s ability to care for themselves and bond with their baby.

  • The physical injury or profound psychological distress experienced during or immediately following labor and delivery. It is important to note that birth trauma is subjective to the individual and experience.

  • An emotional and practical journey that parents undergo when their newborn is admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU).

  • A recognized transition state characterized by severe stress, identity loss, and emotional upheaval as individuals adapt to the demands of caring for a newborn.

  • Loss of identity and/or feeling overwhelmed are core psychological experiences in perinatal mental health and often coincide with the transition to parenthood.

  • Having a baby can have a drastic and sudden shift in any relationship. This is a normal response to structural stress, sleep deprivation, and a complete realignment of roles.

  • You don’t have to wait until you feel overwhelmed to reach out for support. Pregnancy, birth, and the transition into parenthood can bring significant emotional changes, and it can be difficult to know when what you’re experiencing is more than a challenging chapter.

    If you’re wondering whether therapy could be helpful, schedule a consultation to talk through what you’re experiencing.