The holidays are an exciting time, filled with family gatherings, twinkling lights, and an unspoken pressure to be joyful. For anyone navigating the transition to parenthood, whether they are caring for a newborn, hoping for a baby, or grieving a loss, this expectation to be joyful can feel extra heavy. The gap between what this season “should” feel like and what it actually feels like can be incredibly isolating.

In the birth space, it hides behind forced compliance, medical dismissal, and the pressure to stay strong. Black women remember the tone of a provider’s voice, the fear of not being believed, the moment her control was taken. That memory lives in her nervous system, and it changes how she sleeps, eats, bonds, and copes. Now add adjusting to motherhood with a newborn, sometimes other children, a spouse, work, and an entirely new normal. For Black women, perinatal mental health distress often shows up as:

• Isolation

• Irritability

• Disconnect

• Worry

• Somatic symptoms (migraines, stomach aches, etc).

But it’s difficult to seek help in a world that has publicly failed Black women time and time again. So we sit in silence hoping for someone to notice the slightest hint of abnormality

One area that often gets overlooked by birthing people is their personal risk factors for perinatal mental health conditions. Often, people who have had one child and no history of a mood disorder assume they will not be at risk during a later pregnancy or birth. However, birthing people can experience a perinatal mental health condition even if they have no prior history of a mood disorder. Mood disorders do not only impact first-time moms. A birthing person can experience a mood disorder during or after any pregnancy.

The perinatal period is transformational time and for many, it can also reactivate past trauma. This article explores how trauma can shape the experiences of birthing people, the importance of trauma-informed care, and practical steps that providers can take to offer safer, more supportive care. 

Fatherhood in the fourth trimester is raw, real, and often overwhelming. In this honest look at early parenthood, Dave Gray shares how becoming a dad challenged his need for control and forced him to grow in unexpected ways. From sleepless nights to emotional shifts, this post dives into one of the hardest lessons new fathers face: letting go. If you're navigating the fourth trimester or adjusting to life as a new parent, this reflection is for you.

A week after becoming a mom, Maddie found herself in a place she never expected – an inpatient psychiatric unit. She had a healthy pregnancy, a supportive partner, and time off work to heal. But that was not enough to protect her from the mental health crisis that followed, and sadly, she’s not alone.

Supporting moms in the community doesn’t necessarily involve grand gestures. Even small, consistent acts of care can let them know they’re not alone. Whether it’s through emotional support, practical help, or advocating for legislative change, each of us can make a meaningful impact in the lives of moms in our community.

Licensed psychotherapist Francesca Emma shares postpartum experiences on friendship- and how to show up for that first mama in your friend group better!

Childbearing and birth requires a fourth trimester of recovery for both you and your new baby. Education in this area is something that is often overlooked but critical for your physical and mental health.

Licensed psychotherapist Francesca Emma shares postpartum facts you may not know, as well as tips for postpartum recovery.

Supporting mothers and infants includes understanding the relationship is like a third client needing consideration as we move through the phases of our clinical work with dyads.  This article provides an introduction to attachment theory, what mothers and infants bring to the relationship and simple strategies that therapists can incorporate into treatment. 

The fourth trimester is a challenging time for many new mothers, but if you’ve experienced birth trauma, you may find this period particularly difficult. Acknowledging your trauma, using healthy coping skills, and connecting with a support system can help you navigate this time.