Understanding the Perinatal Spectrum

Support for Moms and Families

Pregnancy and early parenthood bring big emotions like joy, excitement, love, and often, fear, exhaustion, and self-doubt. For many new moms and parents, the emotional rollercoaster can be overwhelming and confusing. Everyone tells you to “enjoy every moment,” but you might be struggling to feel like yourself.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. One in five women experience mood or anxiety disorders during or after pregnancy. These feelings are common and treatable. At Milestone Counseling, clinician Holly Brumm works with moms and parents navigating this stage, offering therapy that meets you where you are, most likely, tired, overwhelmed, and doing your best.

“As women, we’re often expected to ‘just get through it,’” Holly says. “But pregnancy and postpartum can bring about significant changes, including physical and emotional shifts, which may cause you to feel unlike yourself. You don’t have to face these challenges alone.”

What “Perinatal” Really Means

When people hear “postpartum,” they often think of dramatic or tragic stories they’ve seen in the news. But most postpartum challenges are far more common and far less extreme. “Perinatal” covers the entire journey from conception through one year after birth, and even includes experiences with fertility challenges or pregnancy loss.
These conditions can look different for each person. Some feel persistently sad or anxious. Others have racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, or guilt that they’re “not doing it right.” Some simply feel disconnected from their baby, their partner, or themselves.

“Most postpartum challenges are about low mood, fatigue, or anxiety, not disconnection or danger,” Holly explains. “It’s about adjustment and finding your footing again.”

Why So Many Parents Miss the Signs

It’s easy to overlook postpartum challenges when something more profound is happening. After all, sleepless nights and emotional ups and downs seem like part of new parenthood.
Holly says many people only realize they need support when their OB or pediatrician screens for depression or anxiety or when a partner or friend notices something’s off.
Some of the most common signs include feeling sad or hopeless most days, struggling to sleep even when the baby sleeps, losing interest in things you used to enjoy, or feeling tense and on edge. Others experience intrusive thoughts like, “What if I drop the baby?”

“These thoughts don’t mean you’re dangerous,” Holly reassures. “They mean you’re overwhelmed, and talking through your thoughts and concerns helps.”

Why It’s Hard to Ask for Help

Even when moms recognize something isn’t right, reaching out can feel impossible. Between feeding schedules, sleep deprivation, and pressure to “do it all,” mental health care often falls to the bottom of the list.
Holly sees three major barriers:

1. Time and access. Finding care that fits into a busy life is tough.
2. Stigma. Many feel shame or guilt for struggling when they’re “supposed to be happy.”
3. Misinformation. Society normalizes burnout and stress as just part of motherhood.

“There’s still this idea that you should handle it yourself,” Holly says. “But no one is meant to do this alone. It takes a village, and therapy can be part of that support.”

How Therapy Helps

At Milestone, perinatal counseling is flexible, comfortable, and family-friendly. Sessions aren’t formal or clinical; they’re built around your real life. Clients are welcome to bring their babies to sessions, which are easily accommodated to allow for nursing, naps, or diaper changes. Partners or other support people are also welcome, as family involvement often strengthens understanding and teamwork.
Therapy is available in person or virtually, making it easier to access even on the hardest days. Holly uses a blend of Interpersonal Therapy (IPT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT); two research-backed approaches proven to help with perinatal depression and anxiety. IPT focuses on adjusting to new roles and shifting identities, while CBT helps reframe negative or fearful thought patterns.
Holly also connects clients to community resources, such as Postpartum Support International (PSI), which offers more than 50 free virtual support groups for parents.

“Support groups help moms feel less alone,” she says. “Therapy offers a deeper level of healing, but both can be life-changing.”

Common Misconceptions About Postpartum and Perinatal Mental Health

Many people picture postpartum depression as sadness or detachment, but it’s often much more subtle. Some new parents become irritable, restless, or emotionally flat. Others are consumed by anxiety or worry.
Untreated perinatal disorders can impact both mother and baby, leading to stress, sleep problems, and in some cases, complications like preterm birth. But with support, recovery is possible and common.
The state of Ohio has been working to improve access to perinatal mental health care. Local organizations like POEM (Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms) through Mental Health America of Ohio, offer free support and community connections.

The Most Common Mistake: Going It Alone

New parents often assume what they’re feeling will pass if they just “push through.” But unaddressed stress and depression can linger and even worsen over time. Holly notes that trying to tough it out can lead to worsening mental health symptoms, relationship strain, increased guilt or burnout, and missed opportunities for joy and bonding.

“Trying to handle it alone can make things harder for the parent and the family,” Holly says. “You don’t have to be in crisis to ask for help.”

Taking the First Step Toward Support

When you’re running on little sleep and emotional overload, even small steps can make a difference. Here’s where to start:

• Reach out for help. PSI’s Helpline (1-800-944-4773) offers free, confidential support.
• Join a support group. PSI and POEM offer free virtual and in-person groups for moms.
• Talk to your doctor. OBs, midwives, or pediatricians can help you find a mental health referral.
• Contact Milestone Counseling. Holly offers in-person and telehealth sessions. Babies are always welcome.

“The first step can feel the hardest,” Holly admits. “But once you talk to someone who understands, it’s like a weight starts to lift.”

A Mindset Shift That Changes Everything

Perinatal mental health isn’t just about symptoms. It’s about self-compassion.
Holly often introduces a concept called “Both-And Parenting.” You can love your baby deeply and feel exhausted. You can be grateful and crave a break. You can want the best for your family and need support for yourself.
Recognizing both truths helps release shame and create space for healing.

Hope and Healing Ahead

If you’re a new parent feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, know that you’re not failing. You’re human. These feelings don’t define you, and they don’t last forever.
“One in five women experiences perinatal mood or anxiety disorders. It’s common and treatable,” Holly reminds us. “You don’t have to do it alone.”
At Milestone Counseling, we believe caring for your mental health is one of the most essential ways you care for your baby. Whether it’s through therapy, support groups, or a simple conversation, help is here, and healing is possible.

Resources

• Postpartum Support International (PSI) Helpline (1-800-944-4773)
• Perinatal Outreach and Encouragement for Moms (POEM)
• POEM Support Groups – Mental Health America of Ohio