You’re Not Alone: Navigating Postpartum Mental Health with Therapist Jennifer Blackstone
Welcoming a new baby into your life is an experience filled with joy and love, but it can also bring unexpected challenges, especially when it comes to mental health. Far too often, new parents feel like they have to silently carry the weight of anxiety, sadness, or guilt, unsure of whether what they’re experiencing is “normal” or if they need help. That’s why we’re so grateful to bring you this important conversation with Jennifer, a licensed therapist and mom of two who specializes in perinatal mental health.
With honesty and compassion, Jennifer shares insights from her professional work and personal journey as a mother, shedding light on common postpartum mental health challenges like postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, and even PTSD. She also offers practical ways for new parents and the people who love them to recognize the signs when something deeper might be going on.
This blog post is not only for parents currently struggling, but for partners, birth workers, and loved ones who want to better understand and support those navigating the emotional realities of new parenthood. Most of all, it's a reminder that no one should have to face this season alone and that help is out there, ready when you are.
Q&A with Jennifer
Q: Can you tell us a little about who you are and what drew you to focus on perinatal mental health?
A: I’m a mom of two young boys, ages 6 and 8. My boys are about 19 months apart, and I remember those early days of parenting, as well as the months to follow. My days were filled with a lot of anxiety, joy, fear, laughter, and tears. I chose to focus on perinatal mental health because it was relatable and I saw a need for it through many years of being a therapist and a friend to moms experiencing motherhood.
Q: What are some common postpartum mental health challenges you see in your practice?
A: Some of the common postpartum mental health challenges I’ve seen are clients who are experiencing Postpartum Depression, Postpartum Anxiety, and Postpartum OCD. I’ve also seen clients who experienced Postpartum PTSD. Postpartum Depression I’ve seen as an overwhelming sense of hopelessness, difficulty bonding with your baby, lots of crying for no specific reason, and exhaustion. When a client is experiencing Postpartum Anxiety, they’ve conveyed to me that they are constantly worried about the baby, which causes them to not be able to ever allow their minds to rest. In Postpartum OCD, the client could have intrusive thoughts that could be potentially harmful to the baby and/or thoughts of making a mistake, and obsessions about having things in order. It can also be seen as repeatedly checking on their baby, excessive cleaning/changing their diaper for fear of a rash, as well as making sure they are doing everything right by asking for reassurance. Postpartum Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder can happen if the birth was traumatic, and it can cause the clients to have flashbacks, as well as possibly think twice about having another baby due to their past experience.
Q: How can someone tell the difference between “normal” new parent stress and a deeper mental health concern like postpartum depression or anxiety?
A: Honestly, it has to do with the length of time a new parent is experiencing any depression or anxiety symptoms. The baby blues are feelings that begin in the first few days after having your baby, and last about 2 weeks. As a new parent, it is common that you will feel a range of emotions; however, if the emotions related to sadness, anxiety, irritability, loss of pleasure, or loss of hope become heightened and/or continue for a period of time, it’s important to speak with someone.
Q: What are some signs that a partner or loved one might notice if something’s not right?
A: Loved ones should look out for signs of frequent crying, excessive worry, being agitated easily, and conversations about being inadequate as a parent. They can also notice that some of their loved ones’ behaviors have changed since giving birth, for example, withdrawing from them and other loved ones, extreme changes in eating, and having a hard time caring for themselves and/or their baby.
One exercise I do with my clients before giving birth is a session with my client and their partner, if present, to complete a Positive Postpartum Plan, and list out any possible red flags that would need to be addressed. These are very helpful for your loved ones to better understand your needs and be able to identify when more help is needed.
Q: Many new parents feel ashamed if they’re not enjoying early parenthood. What would you say to someone struggling with that guilt?
A: I would say that struggling with this guilt is a 100% normal feeling! You are doing the hardest job in the world, and it is okay to acknowledge that some days are harder than others. Being a new parent can be quite exhausting, but that doesn’t take away the love you have for your baby.
Q: In Latin and other communities of color, mental health isn’t always openly discussed. What do you wish our communities knew about postpartum wellness?
A: I believe that it’s important to talk openly and honestly about mental health challenges and challenge the stigma around them. Everyone needs to know the feelings that may be experienced during the postpartum period are normal and can happen to anyone. New parents need to understand that feeling overwhelmed is not a sign of failure, and there is nothing wrong with asking for help.
Q: What would you say to someone who wants to try therapy but feels overwhelmed about where to start?
A: It is overwhelming to take the first step towards starting therapy; however, thinking about it is the first step to starting! I would ask a friend, your doula, your doctor, or your child’s pediatrician for recommendations of therapists they could refer you to. Most therapists offer free consultations, so you can have a call to see if they are the right fit for you. I would also stress the importance of not giving up in your search for the right therapist.
Q: How would speaking to a therapist help with these postpartum mental health challenges?
A: Having a professional to talk through these feelings with in a non-judgmental and unbiased manner can be very beneficial. Your therapist can assist in pinpointing what's happening more specifically and collaborate on building coping strategies to manage the challenges of parenting. Should these feelings continue, your therapist could then explore additional support options with them, potentially including medication.
Q: How can doulas and therapists work together to support parents in a more holistic way?
A: By working together, we can help ensure you feel truly supported. Knowing that the incredible journey of parenthood can be full of ups and downs, we can support you physically, emotionally, and mentally.
Need support? You’re not alone.
If you're struggling with your mental health during or after pregnancy, please don’t wait to reach out. You deserve support, healing, and community.
Learn more about Jennifer below and check her out on Psychology Today.
Jennifer Blackstone, LCSW, PMH-C
Moving Forward Counseling Services
Wyckoff, NJ 07481
(973) 664-7630
With over 20 years of experience supporting children, adolescents, adults, and families, Jennifer helps clients navigate a wide array of life's challenges and transitions. She specializes in holding space for individuals who are figuring out how to move forward with issues like self-care, perinatal/postpartum struggles, and parenting, by fostering a collaborative, goal-oriented approach. Jennifer meets clients where they are, guiding them step-by-step toward becoming the best version of themselves.
Jennifer holds full certification from Postpartum Support International (PSI) and, with specialized training, has expertise in treating perinatal mental health issues, including postpartum depression and anxiety, infertility, pregnancy loss, and birth trauma. Additional Resources for Parents Outside of NJ
Postpartum Support International (PSI) – https://www.postpartum.net
📞 Helpline: 1-800-944-4773 (Call or text "HELLO")988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline – https://988lifeline.org
📞 Dial 988 anytimeNational Maternal Mental Health Hotline – https://mchb.hrsa.gov/national-maternal-mental-health-hotline
📞 1-833-943-5746Therapy for Latinx – https://www.therapyforlatinx.com
Inclusive Therapists – https://www.inclusivetherapists.com
