Supporting your journey after childbirth
Postpartum Mental Health Counseling
We understand that while welcoming a new baby brings joy, it also creates real challenges for your mental and emotional wellbeing during the first year and beyond.
Online therapy in PA, VA, MD, and FL
Does this sound like you?
Are you experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, or mood swings that don't seem to improve?
Do you have trouble sleeping even when your baby is asleep, or find yourself sleeping too much?
Are you struggling to bond with your baby or having scary thoughts about yourself or your child?
Do you feel overwhelmed by motherhood, question your abilities, or worry you might be a "bad mom"?
You knew it would be hard— but not like this.
You want to feel overjoyed, but instead you’re feeling sad and disconnected.
The transition to motherhood can be overwhelming. While many expect the "baby blues" - brief mood swings and feelings of sadness that typically resolve within two weeks after birth - some women experience more serious and long-lasting symptoms.
Postpartum depression and anxiety are common conditions affecting many new mothers, often starting within the first few weeks or months after giving birth. These aren't just "baby blues" - they're real mental health conditions that can cause severe mood swings, crying spells, difficulty bonding with your baby, and feelings of extreme sadness or loneliness.
Without proper support, these conditions can interfere with your day-to-day life, your ability to care for yourself and your baby, and can strain family relationships. Untreated postpartum depression can even impact your child's language development and emotional wellbeing.
These are totally normal feelings.
Having a baby triggers huge hormonal shifts (that rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone is no joke!), physical changes, sleep deprivation, and a complete life transformation - all at once!
But here's what's important: when these feelings persist beyond two weeks, interfere with your ability to care for yourself or your baby, or include thoughts of harming yourself or your child, it's time to talk to a mental health provider.
Getting help is being the best mom you can be by taking care of yourself. Postpartum depression and anxiety are highly treatable conditions, and seeking support early means you can start feeling better sooner.
Here’s how we can Help
Postpartum Counseling can help you rediscover the joy of motherhood
At Ohana Counseling Services (where "ohana" means family), we provide specialized support for new mothers navigating the challenges of the postpartum period.
Our perinatal therapists, Megan Kuminski, MS, LCPC, PMH-C, and Beth Santa Maria, LCSW-C, have advanced training in maternal mental health and understand the unique struggles you’re facing.
Whether you're dealing with intrusive thoughts, relationship struggles, identity issues, or negative feelings about motherhood that you're afraid to admit - we've heard it all, and we're here to help, not judge.
Megan Kuminski, MS, LCPC, PMH-C
Beth Santa Maria, LCSW-C
Our postpartum counseling sessions are practical and personalized.
We'll work together to:
Identify symptoms of postpartum depression or anxiety
Develop coping strategies for your specific situation
Process any traumatic birth experiences or unexpected feelings about motherhood
Help you navigate relationship changes with your partner and other family members
Build a sustainable self-care routine that fits your new reality
We use evidence-based approaches like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), tailored to address your specific challenges during the postpartum period. With us, you can be sure you’ll receive expert care during this vulnerable time.
Your postpartum journey deserves support.
When you're able to talk with a mental health professional about your concerns and develop strategies for managing symptoms, you can begin to truly enjoy motherhood rather than just survive it.
Overcome Depression & Anxiety
Manage postpartum symptoms effectively so you can be present and engaged with your baby and family.
Master New Challenges
Develop practical coping skills for sleep deprivation, relationship changes, and daily stressors.
Rediscover Your Identity
Integrate your new role as a mother with who you were before giving birth.
Get the mental health care you deserve.
Become part of our ohana (family) where you'll find more than just therapy—you'll experience a special bond of support, understanding, and belonging during your postpartum journey.
Common Questions About Postpartum Counseling
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The "baby blues" typically appear within a few days of giving birth and resolve within two weeks. Symptoms include mood swings, crying spells, anxiety, and trouble sleeping.
Postpartum depression lasts longer, is more intense, and interferes with your ability to care for yourself and your baby. If your symptoms persist beyond two weeks or feel overwhelming, it's important to seek help from a mental health provider.
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Untreated postpartum depression can last months or even years, and may develop into a chronic depressive disorder. It can also negatively impact your relationship with your baby and partner.
This is why early treatment is so important - with proper support, you can recover much more quickly and prevent long-term effects.
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If you think a friend or family member may be experiencing postpartum depression, the most important thing you can do is encourage them to seek professional help.
Offer specific help with childcare or household tasks, listen without judgment, and remind them that getting help makes them a good parent, not a failure. Sometimes the most helpful thing you can do is make the call to schedule an appointment or accompany them to their first session.
