Perinatal Mental Health
At YEG Psychology, we understand that becoming a parent is one of the most transformative experiences of life—filled with both moments of joy and moments of deep challenge. While the arrival of a new baby is often celebrated, for many individuals, the journey into parenthood can also bring overwhelming emotions, mental health struggles, and significant stress. Our team, specializing in perinatal mental health, is here to provide the specialized care and unwavering support needed during this crucial time—offering guidance, empathy, and proven strategies to help you navigate pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period with strength and resilience.
What is Perinatal Mental Health?
Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional, psychological, and mental well-being of individuals during the perinatal period, which spans from pregnancy through the first year after childbirth. This period is often filled with joy and excitement, but it can also bring emotional challenges and mental health concerns that can significantly affect the parent and family.
Perinatal mental health concerns are more common than many realize. In Canada, approximately 1 in 5 mothers will experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder, such as depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or even postpartum psychosis. Fathers are also affected, with about 1 in 10 experiencing symptoms of depression or anxiety during the perinatal period. Birth trauma, infertility, and miscarriage are additional deeply emotional experiences that impact many parents, yet they are often overlooked in discussions about perinatal well-being. At YEG Psychology, we are here to shine a light on these important issues, providing the support needed to heal and thrive.
Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: In Canada, approximately 20% of mothers experience postpartum depression or anxiety, which can significantly affect their ability to bond with their baby and manage the daily demands of parenthood. Fathers are also impacted, with around 10% experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety, highlighting the need for support for both parents during this critical time. These conditions can challenge the emotional and psychological well-being of the entire family. At YEG Psychology, we offer a range of therapeutic modalities, including cognitive behavioural therapy, internal family systems, and EMDR, to help you understand these feelings and find effective ways to manage them with confidence and compassion.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Perinatal OCD affects about 3-5% of new parents and is characterized by intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviours related to the safety of the baby. If you find yourself caught in distressing thoughts or rituals, our therapists are trained in Exposure and Response Prevention, the leading treatment for OCD that will help you reclaim your peace and manage these challenges effectively.
Postpartum Psychosis: Though rare, postpartum psychosis affects approximately 1 in 1,000 new mothers in Canada and requires immediate professional attention. This serious mental health condition can cause severe disruptions to your thoughts, emotions, and behaviour. Our team is equipped with the expertise to ensure urgent, compassionate care for individuals facing this condition and believe in working with your medical team such as family physician or psychiatrist to support you in the best and most effective ways possible.
Birth Trauma: According to Postpartum Support International, approximately 1 in 3 women report experiencing some form of birth trauma, which can involve physical injury, emotional distress, or feeling powerless during the birthing process. While birth trauma is often discussed in the context of mothers, it is important to acknowledge that fathers can also be affected. Studies suggest that up to 10% of fathers experience symptoms of trauma related to witnessing a difficult or traumatic birth. If you’ve experienced a traumatic birth, we offer trauma-informed care to help you process your feelings and move toward healing. Our therapists are trained in the three gold-standard approaches to the treatment of trauma—EMDR, Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Cognitive Processing Therapy—and will help you gain control of the trauma rather than the trauma controlling you.
Infertility & Miscarriage/Loss: 1 in 6 couples in Canada face infertility, and approximately 1 in 4 pregnancies ends in miscarriage. These experiences can deeply affect your mental health, causing grief, anxiety, and feelings of loss. Our therapists, trained in the Grief Recovery Method, are here to offer compassionate support through the emotional challenges of infertility and pregnancy loss, helping you heal and find hope again.
Postpartum Adjustment: The adjustment to life with a new baby is significant, with over 80% of new parents experiencing some form of emotional shift—whether positive or challenging. Our team provides strategies rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy to help you navigate the exhaustion, stress, and changes that come with parenthood, ensuring you can adjust in a way that supports both your well-being and your family.
Relationship Strain & Couple’s Support: Research by couples experts Drs John & Julie Gottman found that more than 60% of couples report a significant decline in relationship satisfaction after the birth of a child. The demands of parenthood, combined with changes in roles and routines, can put stress on even the strongest relationships. Our Gottman- and emotion-focused trained therapists specialize in supporting couples through these challenges, strengthening communication, intimacy, and teamwork.
Modalities Used at YEG Psychology
At YEG Psychology, we employ a diverse range of therapeutic techniques to address perinatal mental health disorders. Discover the array of psychological modalities we offer, each tailored to meet your needs and delivered by our exceptional team of psychologists who specialize in these treatment options:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Learn more
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Learn more
Prolonged Exposure Therapy
Learn more
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
Learn more
Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT)
Narrative Therapy
Grief Counselling
Learn more
Gottman Method Couples Counselling
Learn more
Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT)
Learn more
Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP)
Learn more
Internal Family Systems
Learn more
These modalities are carefully tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals experiencing perinatal mental health disorders, often integrated with medical treatment and support from healthcare providers.
Why Choose YEG Psychology for Perinatal Mental Health?
Understanding the Journey into Parenthood: At YEG Psychology, we understand that the journey into parenthood is both profoundly rewarding and deeply challenging. As mothers ourselves, we’ve experienced firsthand the emotional rollercoaster of pregnancy, the postpartum period, and the relentless mental load of motherhood. We know what it’s like to juggle sick days from daycare, sleepless nights, the pressure to “do it all,” and the nagging feeling of never being enough. These experiences drive our passion for supporting parents through one of the most transformative stages of life.
Specialized Expertise in Perinatal Mental Health: Our therapists are Certified Perinatal Mental Health Professionals through Postpartum Support International, which means we are specially trained to help you manage the emotional and psychological challenges that arise during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond. Grounded in evidence-based practices and the latest research, our approach is compassionate, effective, and tailored to your unique needs. We are here to help you navigate the complexities of parenthood, offering both practical strategies and emotional support to guide you through this journey with confidence and peace.
Blending Professional Care with a Personal Touch: As both experienced professionals and fellow moms, we blend compassion with expertise to offer therapy that is both informed by science and delivered with warmth. We also believe in the power of a healthy dose of humour—because sometimes, laughing through the chaos is what gets us through. Whether it’s the endless diaper changes, the never-ending laundry, or the toddler tantrums, we know that a good laugh can make all the difference in helping you navigate the messiness of life with a newborn. We’re here to help you find balance, reclaim your confidence, and embrace your journey with strength and resilience—while sharing a smile along the way.
Strengthening Bonds Through Parenthood: We also understand the profound impact that parenthood can have on your relationship. The demands of caring for a newborn, combined with the exhaustion and stress of adjusting to a new life, can strain even the strongest partnerships. That’s why we offer specialized couples therapy, including the Gottman Bringing Home Baby program. This evidence-based program helps couples improve communication, strengthen their emotional connection, and navigate the challenges of becoming parents together.
Empowering Your Path to Well-Being: At YEG Psychology, we believe you deserve support from therapists who truly get it. We are here to help you find balance, process your emotions, and nurture both your mental health and your family. Our goal is to offer more than just therapy; we want to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and empowered to thrive.
You don’t have to face this journey alone. Reach out to YEG Psychology today, and let’s begin the path toward healing and strength. Together, we can navigate the ups and downs of pregnancy, birth, and beyond. You deserve to feel like you again, and we’re here to help you get there.
YEG Psychology Recommended Resources
At YEG Psychology, we recognize the critical importance of providing high-quality resources to support parents during the perinatal period. To assist you in navigating this transformative time, we have curated a comprehensive list of perinatal mental health resources for both moms and dads. This collection includes books, podcasts, websites, apps, and Instagram pages, offering a variety of tools to meet diverse needs. We hope these resources empower you with the knowledge and support you need to thrive during this significant phase of your life.
Books:
Websites:
Postpartum Support International (PSI):
Provides resources, support groups, and a helpline for parents experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
The Motherhood Center
Offers information and support for mothers experiencing perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
Podcasts:
Covers a wide range of topics related to pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, featuring experts and parents sharing their experiences.
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Hosted by Dr. Kat, this podcast focuses on perinatal mental health, offering insights and interviews with experts and parents.
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
A storytelling podcast about the surprises and struggles of parenthood, featuring diverse perspectives and experiences.
Available on: Apple Podcasts, Spotify
Apps:
Headspace
Offers meditation and mindfulness exercises tailored for stress management, available to first responders through some workplace programs.
Mind the Bump
Provides mental health support for new and expecting parents through mindfulness and meditation.