The Importance of Perinatal Counseling: Look for PMH-C
Many mothers and mothers-to-be feel a sense of isolation when they are preparing for or tending to a new baby. While there is much excitement that surrounds having a baby, there is also much uncertainty. Instead of being showered with supportive resources to help during this challenging time, mothers are withdrawing within themselves wondering if something is wrong with them. Instead, they should be seeking perinatal counseling for help.
If you are a mom or a mom-to-be who feels alone during your pregnancy or postpartum experience, the first thing to remember is that you are not alone. What you are experiencing is actually common. However, just because something is common doesn't mean it is normal to feel. This is an indication that you should seek additional support.
Perinatal counseling can be exactly what you need to feel more secure and confident in your role as a mother. In addition, this type of counseling will be able to assess you for any underlying challenges you might be feeling, such as depression, anxiety, or something else.
What is Perinatal Counseling?
Perinatal counseling is a new form of counseling that has begun to positively impact the mental health of mothers and mothers-to-be. With perinatal therapy, you and your therapist are able to address your mental health, which is separate from general counseling.
As research has discovered, the changes that take place in a mother's brain are extensive and could lead a mother to feel like she is "going crazy". This is where perinatal counseling plays a vital role in the mental health of mothers.
What is a Perinatal Therapist?
A perinatal therapist is someone who has extensive and unique training that is specific to helping mothers who are experiencing perinatal mood disorders. Perinatal mood disorders could include postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, perinatal depression, or perinatal anxiety. A therapist with a perinatal mental health certification (PMH-C) is specifically trained and knowledgeable in these areas.
As a perinatal therapist myself, it is a passion of mine to help moms through this confusing time. Not only is your body growing or recovering from having grown a baby, but your mind is changing each day. With the PMH-C certification, it is my goal to help moms understand what they are feeling and give them a safe space to process their thoughts and emotions.
Perinatal therapists also can help you find and connect with other resources you might need such as lactation consultants, postpartum doulas, mom support groups, and more.
How to Find a Perinatal Therapist
Learn how to find a perinatal therapist using the steps below. You will be happy to learn how easy it can be to find one.
Look for Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C)
When you are looking for a therapist to help you with mental challenges in motherhood, look for therapists that have the PMH-C letters at the end of their name. PMH-C stands for perinatal mental health certification. This will tell you that the therapist went through more training to specialize in how they can help you.
A PMH-C therapist is required to renew their certification every two years. This means the therapist you partner with will have the most relevant and up-to-date training that will benefit you in your mental health journey.
Check Availability
Once you have found a therapist that has PMH-C and you are considering working with them, check their availability for a consultation. Most therapists offer a free consultation. Their schedule will be based on their own availability, but they should also coincide with your needs as well.
If you don't see a day or time on their calendar that works for you, consider reaching out to the therapist to see if you can receive their perinatal counseling on a specialized schedule. It doesn't hurt to ask.
Make a Connection
The first meeting with a perinatal therapist should be more of a connection meeting. This gives you the space to see if this person is a good fit for what you need as a patient. Not every therapist you meet will be right for you.
It is important to ask questions, engage in conversations, and be honest about your needs. Your perinatal counseling appointments won't be beneficial to you if you aren't being honest with yourself and your therapist.
Review Other Credentials
Ensure that your therapist is actually a licensed therapist and explore what other credentials or acknowledgments they have received. Using this information will help you gauge your potential new therapist's expertise and experience.
Your mental health is an important piece of what keeps you healthy each day. Don't skimp yourself short. Find a perinatal therapist with a good track record who will be able to actually help you.
Perinatal Therapists (PMH-C) Help Pregnant and Postpartum Women
Having a baby is a critical and vulnerable time in a woman's life. It is especially important that you seek the help and resources you need in order to make this a positive journey. A perinatal therapist (PMH-C) is the best way to get help.
Don't let the dark hole of the internet steer you in the wrong direction. When you are faced with too many opinions and not enough direction from the internet and social media, this could be worse for your mental health as a mother. Invest in your own mental health with perinatal counseling.
Women aren't meant to do motherhood alone. When you build a village or a community of support, including a perinatal therapist, your journey becomes well-supported. Remember, you are not alone. Reach out to a PMH-C therapist like myself today. Schedule your free consultation here and together, we can work on a plan of healing and discovery.