FAQ's
General Perinatal Mental Health
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health refers to your emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. This period can bring significant changes—both joyful and overwhelming. Therapy can offer support through depression, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment challenges during this time.
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health refers to your emotional and psychological well-being during pregnancy and the first year after giving birth. This period can bring significant changes—both joyful and overwhelming. Therapy can offer support through depression, anxiety, trauma, and adjustment challenges during this time.
What’s the difference between perinatal and postpartum depression?
"Perinatal" includes both prenatal (during pregnancy) and postpartum (after birth). Some people experience symptoms while pregnant, others after giving birth—and some experience both. Therapy can support you at any stage of the perinatal period.
How do I know if I have postpartum depression?
One of the criteria for diagnosing postpartum depression is how long you’ve been experiencing things like low mood or mood swings, irritability, or lack of interest in, for example, taking care of yourself or your baby. If you’ve been struggling with things like crying, difficulty sleeping, eating, or taking care of yourself or your baby for more than a few weeks postpartum, know that you are not broken, and it is not your fault, and you could probably benefit from additional support.
How common is postpartum depression or anxiety?
More common than you might think. Around 1 in 5 new parents experience postpartum depression or anxiety. You're not alone, and seeking help is a brave and hopeful step forward.
Can therapy help with postpartum depression or anxiety?
Yes—absolutely. Therapy provides a safe, nonjudgmental space to explore your thoughts and feelings, learn coping tools, and begin healing. Together, we work toward greater self-understanding, compassion, and acceptance.
Is it normal to feel sad, anxious, or angry after having a baby?
Yes. Many people experience emotional ups and downs after birth. However, if those feelings last longer than a couple of weeks or start to interfere with daily life, therapy can help you navigate what you're going through.
What is a traumatic birth? How do I know if I had one?
A traumatic event is one during which you feel out of control and deeply afraid, including for your own or someone else’s life. For a lot of people, this is exactly what having a baby (or babies) feels like: out of control, quite frightening, full of concern for your own or your baby’s life. Even when the “outcome” is good and birther and baby are healthy, the birthing experience can be traumatic and leave you struggling with mood swings, physical distress, and disturbing memories. Therapy can help you process what happened, lower your distress, and help you move forward feeling more positive.
About Therapy with Petra
What kinds of therapy do you offer for perinatal mental health?
I offer psychotherapy for postpartum depression, prenatal anxiety, birth trauma, identity transitions, and more. I integrate several different evidence-based therapeutic approaches, rooted in compassion, curiosity, and collaboration—tailored to support your unique experience.
Do you offer online therapy for new parents?
Yes. I provide virtual therapy to clients across Ontario.. You can attend sessions from the comfort of your home—even in your pajamas, with your baby beside you.
What can I expect during my first therapy session?
Your first session is all about getting to know each other. I’ll ask some questions about your experiences and goals, and we’ll move at a pace that feels comfortable for you. There’s no pressure to share anything you’re not ready to.
How do I know if I need therapy after having a baby?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed, disconnected, anxious, depressed, or simply "not yourself," therapy can help. You don’t need a diagnosis to seek support.
How soon after birth can I start therapy?
There’s no “right time.” Some people begin therapy during pregnancy, others weeks or months postpartum. You’re welcome to reach out whenever you feel ready.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Everything you share in therapy is private and protected by professional confidentiality guidelines, with a few legal exceptions that I’ll go over in our first session.
How long does postpartum therapy usually last?
It depends on your needs and goals. Some people find short-term support helpful, while others prefer longer-term work. We’ll check in regularly to make sure therapy continues to serve you.