“Baby Blues”, the phrase that describes feeling brief sadness soon after a baby is born and possibly linked to hormonal changes, can create a feeling of sadness in what would seem to be a joyous time.

Not everyone in our family system may be supportive, respectful of our differences, or good at maintaining health boundaries. We understand how challenging this can make spending time with you, especially with the pressure of the holidays. Here are several tips to help you navigate these unhealthy or even toxic family dynamics and still enjoy yourself this holiday season.

We all have to eat. From birth, our bodies are designed to turn the food we consume into energy to fuel our bodies in every way. Unfortunately, many women have unhealthy relationships with food.

Once babies are born, the body goes through an incredible transformation again, as it adapts to no longer carrying your baby. For many of us women, the body changes after birth can be unexpected and difficult to love at times. Accepting our postpartum bodies does not come easy for most.

Parenting is HARD. From the moment your child is born, they rely on you for everything they want and need. While this role can be very rewarding and fulfilling, it does come with increased worry and responsibility, which can lead to increased stress.

You may have heard the term “self-care” before, but if you’re already busy and have a high stress, fast paced lifestyle, it may not seem like something you have time for.

You may find yourself wanting to be pregnant or happy that you’re pregnant right now, that doesn’t mean the anxious feelings and thoughts of worry are going to just “go away”. If this resonates with you, you’re not alone.

Maternity leave is an essential period after birth designed for rest, healing, and bonding with your new infant. For many women, it is a chance to adjust to life with a newborn, get acclimated to sleep changes and recover from pregnancy and delivery. This can be much needed and a slower-paced life after the rush of trying to get ready for the baby to be here. For many though, it is also a very isolating time.

Self-confidence can be influenced by many factors, from your own internal thoughts and beliefs about yourself, to anxiety symptoms, your social support, and your environment to name a few.

While everyone’s pregnancy journey looks a bit different, a common challenge in pregnancy is body image.

Are you struggling with the feeling that your partner is not helping you with the parenting of your child(ren) the way you would like them to? Do you feel like you’re often doing the work alone?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is an evidence-based approach and framework some counselors use to guide interventions in practice. Here at Psychotherapy for Women, our providers are trained in the successful delivery of CBT.