Perinatal Mental Health Matters – How Early Support Can Transform Motherhood
Sep 10, 2025
Becoming a parent is a joyful experience, one that will change your life in innumerable ways. But the many positive aspects of new motherhood do not negate the fact that many new moms experience mental health challenges before and after giving birth.
Perinatal mental health support is essential for new mothers. It’s an approach that recognizes and honors all that it takes to bring a new child into the family, as well as the unique set of needs that arise during this phase of your life.
At Greenwich Avenue Psychiatry, we offer highly personalized perinatal mental health services to help you through this time of transition.
The word “perinatal” refers to the time surrounding childbirth. It includes the pregnancy itself, as well as up to two years following birth.
Some women can navigate the experience of pregnancy and new motherhood with relative ease. For others, these life-altering experiences trigger some disruptive and unpleasant mental health issues.
According to research compiled by the Maternal Mental Health Alliance, perinatal mental health conditions affect as many as one in every five new mothers.
Fathers and other birth partners can also encounter mental health challenges surrounding the birth of a new baby at a rate of one in ten.
Some of the specific mental health issues that fall under the category of perinatal mental health include:
Because mental health is so closely tied to physical health, it’s not surprising that something as significant as pregnancy and childbirth can bring about mental health challenges.
Understanding the known risk factors for perinatal mental health problems can help you gauge your personal risk levels.
That said, anyone can encounter these kinds of challenges as they transition into parenthood. You may also struggle even if you’ve had one or more previous pregnancies that did not cause symptoms.
Here are some of the factors that could increase your risk of perinatal mental health problems:
Many of these risk factors are beyond your control. If you have one or more of these conditions, it doesn’t mean you will have a difficult pregnancy or postpartum transition.
It simply means you should be aware of the risks and seek help right away if you encounter problems during the perinatal phase.
Every new mother can expect some type of struggle during pregnancy or childbirth. When it comes to mental health challenges, getting professional support as soon as possible can make a significant and positive difference in the weeks and months to come.
Parenthood is challenging, but you don’t have to go through the process alone or without the support you need to thrive. Working with a mental health professional is an excellent way to refine your skills in managing turbulent emotions, enhancing your resilience, and developing effective coping mechanisms.
Don’t wait until symptoms become overwhelming to seek help. The team at Greenwich Avenue Psychiatry is always here to provide compassionate and targeted care for the full scope of mental health needs, including the unique changes that so often accompany new motherhood.
To explore resources for yourself or a loved one, contact our office by phone to schedule a visit. Online booking is also available, allowing you to request an appointment at any time of day or night.