Question 1

Is Rose Grove Counseling the right fit for me?

Accepted Answer

It might be! I could be the right fit if you're pregnant, recently gave birth, trying to conceive, or processing a loss. I'm likely the right fit if you're struggling with perinatal depression or anxiety, intrusive thoughts, grief, or the adjustment to parenthood.

Question 2

How would I know if I have postpartum anxiety?

Accepted Answer

If you're concerned about it, it's worth getting evaluated. Postpartum anxiety often looks like constant worry, feeling persistent dread, feeling tense, or panic about your child's safety. You can talk to your OBGYN or your child's pediatrician about getting assessed. However, you don't need a diagnosis to reach out to me. We can talk about what you're experiencing and if postpartum anxiety is the right diagnosis for you.

Question 3

What does postpartum depression look like?

Accepted Answer

Postpartum depression often looks like unexplained and heavy sadness, frequent crying, little energy, feelings of guilt and shame, lack of interest in or connection with your baby, or feelings of rage. Some people with postpartum depression have thoughts about harming their baby or themselves.

Question 4

What is perinatal OCD?

Accepted Answer

Perinatal OCD is characterized by obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are intrusive thoughts or mental images that you don't want and aren't able to control. Compulsions are the things you may do to reduce those obsessions, like avoiding triggers, checking on your baby over and over, repeating a phrase a certain number of times, or rearranging something into a specific order. People with perinatal OCD are often frightened by their thoughts and feel guilt and shame about them. You might feel afraid about being alone with your child. Remember, OCD is not your fault and it is treatable.

Question 5

Is what happened to me actually birth trauma?

Accepted Answer

Trauma can look a lot of different ways- it's less about what happened and more about how it made you feel. If you had an experience during birth that felt traumatic, (e.g. unexpected interventions, unplanned c-section, birth complications like prolapsed cord or shoulder dystocia, hemorrhage or birth injury, NICU stays, or a general lack of control and support) then you have experienced birth trauma. What trauma feels like is defined by you.

Question 6

I lost my baby- can you help me?

Accepted Answer

Yes. I'm happy to help you process through grief and loss, whether that be a result of miscarriage, stillbirth, or infant loss.

Question 7

I haven't been able to get pregnant. Is perinatal mental health care the right thing for me?

Accepted Answer

It absolutely could be. The experience of trying to conceive (TTC) is often fraught with disappointment, grief, and trauma. You might feel like no one understands or worry that you're burdening others with your experience. I'd be happy to help you process in a safe, supportive space.

Meaningful Support During the Perinatal Period

Perinatal Mental Health

Specific Areas of Focus

Birth & Recovery Trauma

Grief & Loss

Frequently Asked Questions