Perinatal Mental Health

Welcome

Adding a newborn to your family can be an incredibly joyous experience, but it can also be immensely stressful impacting one's mental health and wellbeing. Perinatal mental health is an important aspect of maternal and child health which requires prompt diagnosis and treatment. Do you or someone you know need help navigating these life changes?

What are Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)?

PMADS is a medical term describing a variety of mental health conditions which can occur during pregnancy and anytime within 12 months following childbirth. Studies show that 1 in 7 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience severe mental health issues stemming from pregnancy.

Risk Factors

Symptoms

History of trauma or mental health issues
Pre-existing medical conditions
Substance abuse & addiction
Poor sleep hygiene
Unrealistic parental expectations
Difficult pregnancy, labor or delivery
Parent of multiples
Limited family & social support
Breastfeeding challenges
Colicky or difficult to console baby

Feeling sad, hopeless or overwhelmed
Feeling anxious or panicky
Having trouble sleeping
Feelings of being alone
Isolating from friends and family
Unexplained anger or irritability
Fear of harming self or baby
Feeling that you are not a good parent
Difficulty concentrating or making decisions
Feeling out of control

What is Perinatal Mental Health?

Join Rachele Watkins, MSW, APSW, PMH-C, Clinical Therapist at Us 2 Behavioral Health Care, as she dives into the essentials of perinatal mental health.

What Are the Baby Blues?

Join Kinsey Pierre, LCSW, PMH-C, Clinical Director at Us 2 Behavioral Health Care, as she explains the details of the baby blues.

What We Offer

Treat perinatal mental health conditions by providing in-person and virtual therapy

Conduct outreach and establish ourselves as a referral source to organizations who work with new or expecting parents

Provide continuing education training to healthcare professionals on a variety of topics including perinatal mental health.

What To Expect During Therapy

One-on-one assessment with a therapist

Discuss your pregnancy experience

Develop an individualized treatment plan

Breastfeeding friendly clinic

Your baby is welcome to attend

Perinatal Support Group

Us 2 Behavioral Health Care now offers Perinatal Support Group "Grow Your Village". Step into a nurturing environment crafted to offer solace and understanding, where you can openly share both the joys and challenges of this parenthood.

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

Weekly, Mondays

Online (via Zoom)

Our Resources

Non-Emergency PSI Helpline:

1-800-944-4773

24/7 Maternal Mental Health Hotline:

1-833-943-5746

Dial 988 for suicide and crisis lifeline

www.postpartum.net

Perinatal Therapists

We are dedicated to developing a skilled perinatal workforce and offering comprehensive perinatal mental health training across the entire state of Wisconsin. Many of our therapists have undergone rigorous training to earn their PMH-C, ensuring we deliver the highest quality service to you. Click on each profile to learn more.