Perinatal Mental Health Support in Sherwood Park
Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring profound physical, emotional, and psychological changes. While this time is often portrayed as joyful and fulfilling, many individuals experience overwhelming emotions, anxiety, depression, and identity shifts that can be difficult to manage alone. At Midnight Sun Wellness, we provide compassionate, evidence-based support for individuals navigating the challenges of infertility, pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.
Our therapist, Stephanie, is certified through Postpartum Support International, ensuring clients receive specialized, trauma-informed care tailored to perinatal mental health needs. Additionally, our therapist Kubra has extensive experience supporting clients who have faced infertility, recognizing the emotional complexities and grief that can accompany this journey. Whether you are struggling with postpartum depression, perinatal anxiety, birth trauma, or fertility challenges, we are here to support, validate, and empower you in your path to healing.
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the first year after childbirth. While hormonal fluctuations, sleep deprivation, and new responsibilities can be challenging for any new parent, some experience more severe mental health struggles that require professional support.
It is estimated that:
- 1 in 5 birthing parents experience postpartum depression or anxiety.
- Many struggle in silence, feeling shame, guilt, or pressure to “bounce back” after birth.
- Partners and non-birthing parents can also experience perinatal mental health challenges.
If you are feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, or unlike yourself, know that you are not alone—and support is available.
Common Perinatal Mental Health Challenges
Perinatal mental health concerns can affect parents in different ways. You may benefit from therapy if you experience:
- Postpartum Depression (PPD): Persistent sadness, irritability, numbness, or difficulty bonding with your baby.
- Postpartum Anxiety (PPA): Racing thoughts, excessive worry, physical symptoms (dizziness, nausea), or fear of being alone with your baby.
- Birth Trauma & Postpartum PTSD: Flashbacks, panic, avoidance of medical care, or emotional detachment.
- Perinatal OCD: Distressing intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or extreme fear of being a bad parent.
- Identity & Relationship Shifts: Struggles with body image, loss of self, relationship conflicts, or feeling unseen and unsupported.
If any of these resonate with you, therapy can help.
How Therapy Can Support Perinatal Mental Health
At Midnight Sun Wellness, we provide a safe, judgment-free space where parents can process their experiences, explore emotions, and develop practical coping strategies. Our goal is to help you feel more grounded, supported, and confident in your journey through pregnancy and postpartum.
We use a combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches to address perinatal mental health challenges, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Identify and reframe unhelpful thought patterns contributing to depression, anxiety, and intrusive thoughts.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Build emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and mindfulness skills to navigate postpartum mood swings, overwhelm, and relationship challenges.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Process birth trauma, PTSD, or distressing past experiences related to pregnancy and parenting.
- Somatic Therapy & Mindfulness: Help regulate emotions, reduce stress, and reconnect with your body after pregnancy or birth.
- Narrative Therapy: Reframe your postpartum story and explore the identity shifts that come with parenthood.
- Attachment-Based Therapy: Strengthen the parent-child bond and address fears or anxieties about parenting.
Your mental health matters just as much as your baby’s well-being. Therapy provides a dedicated space for you to be cared for, supported, and empowered.
Why Choose Perinatal Therapy at Midnight Sun Wellness?
- Certified Perinatal Mental Health Expertise: Our therapist Stephanie is certified through Postpartum Support International, ensuring specialized care for pregnancy and postpartum mental health concerns.
- Infertility Support with Kubra: Our therapist Kubra has extensive experience supporting individuals and couples navigating infertility challenges, helping them process grief, manage uncertainty, and find emotional resilience during their fertility journey.
- Inclusive, Nonjudgmental Space: We recognize that parenting looks different for everyone and provide LGBTQIA+ affirming, culturally responsive care.
- Support for All Parents: Whether you are the birthing parent, partner, or non-birthing parent, we offer therapy to support your transition into parenthood.
- Online & In-Person Therapy Options: Flexible scheduling to fit your busy life.
We are here to support your mental health, your relationships, and your journey into parenthood.
Take the First Step Toward Healing
If you’re struggling with postpartum depression, anxiety, birth trauma, or identity shifts, you don’t have to navigate this alone. Therapy can help you feel heard, supported, and empowered in your journey.
Book a free 15-minute consultation today and take the first step toward healing and reclaiming your well-being.