The months during pregnancy and after a baby arrives bring major physical, emotional, and practical changes. For many parents, that includes anxiety, low mood, or a sense of being overwhelmed that goes beyond ordinary tiredness. Postpartum depression, anxiety, and birth trauma are common and treatable. PPG offers support for new and expectant parents, including facilitated group support and individual therapy.
Understanding Postpartum Mental Health
Postpartum depression and anxiety are mood and anxiety conditions that can develop during pregnancy or in the year after birth. They can affect anyone who is pregnant or has had a baby, as well as partners and adoptive parents.
They are different from the "baby blues," which are common, begin in the first days after birth, and usually ease within about two weeks. Symptoms that last longer, feel more intense, or make it hard to care for yourself or your baby are a reason to seek support.
Some parents also experience birth trauma: lasting distress after a birth that felt frightening, painful, or out of control. It can occur with or without depression or anxiety, and it can be treated.
Needing help is not a sign that something is wrong with you as a parent. These conditions are common, and they can be treated.
Signs You May Want Support
Persistent Low Mood
Sadness, emptiness, or loss of interest that lasts more than a couple of weeks.
Constant Worry
Racing thoughts, feeling on edge, or difficulty sleeping even when you have the chance.
Intrusive Thoughts
Unwanted, upsetting thoughts or images about your baby's safety. They are common and distressing, and they can be treated.
A Difficult Birth Experience
Distressing memories, nightmares, or avoidance related to pregnancy, labor, or delivery.
Feeling Disconnected
Feeling numb, detached from your baby, or unlike yourself.
Guilt and Self-Criticism
Ongoing guilt, comparison, or a sense of failing as a parent.
How Our Approach Works
Understanding What You Are Experiencing
We help you distinguish the expected adjustments of early parenthood from symptoms that need targeted treatment, so you know what you are dealing with and what will help.
Calming Your Body and Mind
You learn practical grounding and regulation skills for stressful moments, such as when your baby is crying or you are short on sleep.
Easing Self-Criticism
We work on perfectionism, comparison, and unrealistic expectations, with an emphasis on being a "good enough" parent rather than a flawless one.
Connecting With Other Parents
In group sessions, you meet other new parents who understand what you are going through, which can reduce isolation.
Group and Individual Support
Group support brings new and expectant parents together with a clinician facilitator to share experiences and learn skills. Individual therapy offers one-on-one care, which can be a better fit if your symptoms are more severe, if you prefer privacy, or if you want to work on a difficult birth experience or on your own history. Many parents use both. Your clinician will help you decide what fits.
How This Fits Within Psychology Partners Group
Postpartum concerns often touch more than one part of family life. With your consent, your clinician can coordinate with a colleague in individual therapy or with your OB-GYN, midwife, pediatrician, or prescriber. Birth trauma is treated in individual therapy, and our clinicians can draw on EMDR therapy and other trauma-focused approaches when appropriate. We also offer parent-focused therapy for questions about your baby's behavior and development, and couples therapy and the Bringing Baby Home workshop for partners adjusting together.
Meet our specialists in this area
Emily Bly, PhD
CEO, Clinical Director, Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Bly founded Psychology Partners Group on the idea that people do best when they're matched with the right expertise and feel at ease with their clinician. She works with adults, adolescents, and couples on anxiety, depression, ADHD challenges, relationship strain, and major life transitions, including infertility, adoption, and divorce.
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Eva Leighton, PhD
CFO, Training Director
Dr. Leighton is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults, couples, children, and families on trauma recovery, substance use, parenting and behavioral concerns, and relationship difficulties. Her style is warm and supportive, with a natural sense of humor.
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Megan Sedita, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Dr. Sedita is a licensed clinical psychologist who works with adults, adolescents, and couples on trauma, anxiety, mood, and relationship difficulties. She trained at the VA Hudson Valley Health Care System, working with Veterans.
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Jessica Duffy, LCSW
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Jessica is a licensed clinical social worker with twelve years of experience supporting adolescents, adults, couples, and families through anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and family or relationship conflict.
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