Why New Moms Might Not Want to Engage in Therapy

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Pregnancy and parenting is a happy time in your life. But what if it is not? Along with the joy that accompanies pregnancy and the birth of a new baby, there are also stressful experiences that generate anxiety and pervasive feelings of sadness, incompetence and loneliness. One in seven women suffer from Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, a group of symptoms that occur during pregnant and in the postpartum period, interfering with a mother’s emotional wellness and overall functioning. Therapy can be very effective at reducing these symptoms, but most new mothers are not interested in therapy. Here are some reasons why mothers are ambivalent about starting therapy.

She needs to be perfect

Many women have illusions about what it is going to be like when their babies are born. They imagine a picture perfect family with a perfect baby. But the reality is much different. The demands of a new baby compiled with the rapid hormonal changes quickly change this picture. Mothers who can be flexible and say, “Hmm, this is harder than I imagined, but I guess it is what it is” are able to adapt. However, mothers who have a rigid view of perfection struggle with this change and can sometimes become depressed or anxious.

Admitting to feelings of depression and anxiety with the birth of a new baby, and then having those feelings validated by a therapist can feel very overwhelming to an already guilt-ridden mother. T