Navigating Parenthood: Mental Health Support for Moms and Parents

Jessica LaJoie
Apr 22
2 min read

Becoming a parent is one of life’s most profound transitions. It’s deeply meaningful—and often deeply overwhelming. If you're navigating pregnancy, preparing for parenthood, or adjusting to life with a new baby, it’s okay to feel a mix of emotions.

I offer compassionate, evidence-informed support for parents and birthing individuals experiencing challenges before, during, or after pregnancy. Whether you're adjusting to a new identity, feeling isolated, or coping with anxiety and exhaustion—you don’t have to navigate it alone.

The Truth About Becoming a Parent

Despite what social media might show, parenthood isn’t always blissful. Many parents struggle silently with:

Perinatal and postpartum depression
Anxiety before or after birth
Intrusive thoughts or fears
Exhaustion and decision fatigue
Grief or guilt over how they thought it would feel
Major shifts in identity, roles, and relationships

And still—it’s common to feel pressure to “just be grateful” or “bounce back.” But here’s the reality: you can love your baby and still struggle. You can be grateful and still need help.

How Therapy Can Help During the Perinatal and Postpartum Phases

Therapy offers a space where you are held, not judged. Where your experiences are valid and real. Where you don’t have to be anyone other than the version of you that’s showing up today.

I specialize in perinatal mental health to support parents through:

Pregnancy anxiety and uncertainty
Birth trauma processing
Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)
Parenting identity shifts and emotional overwhelm
Balancing self-care and newborn care

What to Expect in Therapy With Me

You’ll never be told to “just think positively” or “enjoy every moment.”

Instead, we’ll talk honestly about the very real highs and lows of this chapter—and give you space to connect with yourself, your needs, and your truth.

In our work together, you’ll:

Learn calming tools to reduce anxiety and overwhelm
Explore the emotional impact of identity shifts
Release shame and self-judgment
Feel supported and seen in your parenting experience
Clarify your values, boundaries, and vision of parenthood
Reconnect with your inner strength and self-worth

This Work Is for You—Whether You’re…

A first-time parent questioning if you’re “doing it right”
Recovering from a difficult pregnancy or birth experience
Struggling with guilt, loneliness, or burnout
Balancing parenthood with personal or professional goals
Wanting to feel more confident and grounded in yourself

Parenting is hard—but you deserve support that softens the weight and reminds you: you’re doing better than you think.

Ready to Feel More Grounded and Supported?

Therapy during the perinatal or postpartum period can be a lifeline—a place to untangle the overwhelm, make space for your experience, and start healing in your own time, in your own way.