If you’re in a season of having kids or considering having kids, chances are you know someone who has experienced Postpartum Depression (PPD). Studies show as many as 21% of new moms experience PPD (Wisner et al., 2013), but what does that actually mean? We are going to break down the symptoms associated with PPD…
perinatal and reproductive mental health
Mental Health in the Perinatal Period: Interview with Marco Renzi, LCSW, PMH-C
In this interview, we sat down with Marco Renzi, MA, LCSW, PMH-C, an experienced psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and manager of intake operations at Wildflower Center for Emotional Health, to discuss his deep commitment to supporting individuals and couples as they transition to parenthood. Marco brings a compassionate and informed approach to his work with both…
Understanding Infertility: A Guide for Psychotherapists
Infertility has become one of the most common reasons that women between the ages of 20 and 45 seek medical treatment in the United States. According to the CDC, 19% of women experience physiological (medical) infertility. Additionally, many more people experience social infertility (infertility caused by social relationships and circumstances). Given this significant portion of…
Understanding Social Infertility: An Evolving Term in Reproductive Health
Engaging in allyship with the LGBTQIA+ community entails, among other things, educating ourselves about the unique challenges they face. One significant issue is the often complicated journey to parenthood for those who choose that path. Social infertility is a new and evolving term describing this process. In recent years, infertility has gained awareness, resulting in…
There Is No Health Without Mental Health: Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
The transition to parenthood is often described as a journey, yet this word does not sufficiently capture the dramatic and profound nature of change and transformation that takes place during this time. A more appropriate term might be “odyssey.” There are very few, if any, other life experiences that match the physical, emotional, mental, relational,…
Beyond Cramps and Cravings: Understanding the Difference Between Premenstrual Syndrome and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Throughout history, the medical field has had a complicated and often contradictory relationship with reproductive mental health. While accounts of symptoms related to the menstrual cycle date back to ancient times, their existence was often met with irrational skepticism. Mood fluctuations were frequently attributed to a wandering uterus or the toxic and healing properties of…
10 Things You Need To Know About Infertility During Infertility Awareness Week
1. Infertility is defined as not being able to get pregnant after one year of unprotected sex for heterosexual couples. With this said, many physicians recommend that women over the age of 35 seek specialized fertility care after six months of unprotected sex in heterosexual partnerships. 2. Infertility is not uncommon. In the U.S., one…
Navigating the Transition to Parenthood as a Team and How The Bringing Baby Home Workshop Can Help
The transition to parenthood is one that comes with profound shifts in identity, roles, and relationships. These shifts inevitably impact parents as individuals and as partners. Renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert, Esther Perel, states that “having a baby is a psychological revelation that changes our relation to almost everything and everyone” (Perel, 2006). These words…
Self-Care During the Postpartum Period: Strategies to Minimize the Risk of Postpartum Mood and Anxiety Disorders
The postpartum period is filled with many physical, psychological, and emotional changes. Matrescence is a term that aptly captures this experience. It is defined as the physical, social, hormonal, and identity shifts associated with becoming a mother and is a distinct stage of life (Sacks, 2017). In reflecting on matrescence, Ignacz (2018) states, “Life will…
Cycle Syncing: Increasing Emotional Well Being During Your Menstrual Cycle
In school, we are taught what a period is. For many people, the education on the menstrual cycle stopped there. This education gap has caused not only an information deficiency for those who menstruate, it has also perpetuated a stigma that women are “just overly emotional” during certain points in their cycle. This has left…
