Post-Partum/Perinatal Support

Perinatal & Postpartum Counseling in Kirkland, WA & Online

Supporting New and Expectant Mothers Through Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, and OCD

Pregnancy and the first year after childbirth can be an exciting yet challenging time. For up to 1 in 5 new or expectant mothers, anxiety or depression—also known as perinatal mood and anxiety disorders (PMADs)—can affect both the mother and the family. PMADs are the most common complication of pregnancy and postpartum, but they are treatable.

At Thrive Counseling Kirkland, we provide specialized perinatal and postpartum counseling to support mothers navigating depression, anxiety, PTSD, and OCD during pregnancy and after childbirth. Our trauma-informed approach is compassionate, evidence-based, and tailored to your unique experience.

Depression During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Depression affects approximately:

• 10% of pregnant women, making it the most common pregnancy complication

• 15% of women postpartum, with symptoms often interfering with daily life

Signs of perinatal depression include:

• Loss of interest in the baby or usual activities

• Crying spells, sadness, or hopelessness

• Appetite and sleep disturbances

• Feelings of guilt or shame

• Possible thoughts of self-harm or harming the baby

Depression is treatable. Our counselors provide a safe, nonjudgmental space to help you regain joy, hope, and connection.

Anxiety During Pregnancy and Postpartum

Approximately 10% of women experience significant anxiety during pregnancy or postpartum.

Symptoms may include:

• Constant worry or racing thoughts

• Feeling restless or unable to sit still

• Sleep or appetite disturbances

• Physical symptoms like dizziness, hot flashes, or nausea

• Feeling that something bad is going to happen

Postpartum anxiety is treatable. You are not alone, and your experiences are not your fault. Therapy provides tools to manage worry, stress, and panic.

Postpartum OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

Between 3–5% of new mothers experience postpartum OCD, which involves:

• Obsessions: Intrusive, repetitive thoughts or mental images related to the baby

• Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors to reduce anxiety, such as cleaning, checking, or counting

• Hypervigilance: Fear of leaving the infant alone or intense concern for the baby’s safety

Mothers with postpartum OCD often recognize that these thoughts are unusual and are unlikely to act on them. Counseling helps manage intrusive thoughts and compulsions, reduce guilt, and restore confidence in parenting.

Postpartum PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)

1–6% of women experience PTSD after childbirth due to real or perceived birth trauma. Traumatic events may include:

• Unplanned C-sections or emergency interventions

• Lack of support during labor

• Complications affecting mother or baby (e.g., NICU admission)

• Feelings of powerlessness or loss of control

PTSD symptoms may include:

• Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive memories

• Avoidance of reminders of the trauma

• Hyperarousal (irritability, difficulty sleeping, hypervigilance)

• Anxiety, panic attacks, or emotional detachment

Postpartum PTSD is treatable. Therapy provides a safe space to process trauma and regain emotional safety.

You do not have to navigate this season alone.

Schedule a session today and take the first step toward healing, hope, and reclaiming joy in motherhood.