Pregnancy and Postpartum

For the last 9 years I have worked at Washington University School of Medicine specializing in work with this population. I have specialized training in Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International. I have helped thousands of women navigate the perinatal period including infertility, fetal and infant loss, diagnosis and treatment for anomalies discovered in pregnancy, pregnancy and postpartum.

With a focus on perinatal mood disorders, I compassionately guide new mothers through the emotional complexities of pregnancy and postpartum. My specialized training enables me to provide a safe, understanding space for women to share their feelings. I empower them with coping strategies and support as they navigate challenges and embrace the transformative journey into motherhood.

I am committed to helping women & their partners that have struggled with prenatal/ postpartum anxiety, depression, and traumatic birth.

I have several certifications and trainings in perinatal and postpartum mood issues, including the certificate training from Postpartum Support International. I have also trained with Karen Kleiman of the Postpartum Stress Center. My practice is also closely connected to Boston OBGYN, a leading group of physicians for women affiliated with Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital in Boston.

I specializes in helping new parents and folks who would like to be parents. Whether you are navigating fertility issues, experiencing pregnancy for the first time, or adjusting to life with a new baby, my services are designed to help you remember that wellbeing is possible - no matter what’s going on in your life.

Pregnancy and postpartum transitions, mood disorders, miscarriage, infertility, queer and trans fertility, body image, birth trauma, infant loss.

Therapy can be a place to figure out how to adjust to parenthood and how to cope with the pressures that come with this new role. It also provides you with a place to get support for what you are going through. I work with men and women who are struggling with this adjustment in a more mild form as well as men and women who are experiencing postpartum mood and anxiety disorders.

When I first saw postpartum depression, I didn’t know it. I had been all about resilience beginning in the womb until I saw her ashamed, sobbing on a pile of 5-steps-to-perfect-mothering books. I hid her books & held her & the baby. It was all I knew to do. I became certified in treating prenatal & postpartum mood disorders because I realized people can't grow resilient babies without support for their own flourishing. I now help people become safe, seen, & supported in birth & beyond.

I have extensive experience supporting parents, expecting parents, and grieving parents during this unique period of life. I have advanced training in the treatment of Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders through Postpartum Support International and completed subspecialty training in Infant/Early Childhood Mental Health at University of Denver. I wrote my dissertation on the body image concerns that often arise during the perinatal period. I have trained in OB/GYN, NICU, and community clinics.

I spent the first part of my career working exclusively with children, which included a large amount of caregiver support, and led me to seek more specialization to support new parents (partners included) during such a vulnerable life chapter. I am certified in Perinatal Mental Health by Postpartum Support International, and have collaborative relationships with various members of the local birthing community (doulas, midwives, lactation consultants).

I have attended trainings on maternal mental health and plan to continue my training in this area. Pregnancy and postpartum are such unique times where parents often realize who their true supports really are. This can sometimes be a disappointing experience where we feel let down by our medical teams, families, friends, and even our partners. Having been through it twice myself, I'm here to help you navigate this unique, exciting, and challenging time.

Becoming a mother brings many challenges both physically and emotionally for women. I am a certified perinatal specialist from Postpartum Support International, and have trained extensively at the Postpartum Stress Center. I am also affiliated with Boston OBGYN for women in the Boston & Metro West area. Don't wait to get help, if you are wondering if you have postpartum mood issues, please reach out.

Given approximately 10-20% of birthing parents and many non-birthing parents are affected by Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs), it's of the utmost importance to support parents during such a major transition in their lives. I've trained with Postpartum Support International, completed a year internship in a perinatal mental health clinic, and attend ongoing trainings in order to best guide parents in preventing and treating PMADs. I enjoy working with nontraditional families.

You're tired, ok exhausted. You're overwhelmed. You're wondering if this is really what you wanted. Maybe you're wondering why you keep crying. You're likely stressing over how much and what your baby is eating. You yourself are so hungry, but don't want to gain more weight. You're feeling guilty for some of your thoughts. You feel alone. Welcome to motherhood. Also, you're OK and you don't have to do it alone.

My experience includes working at a hospital visiting the Mother/Baby unit, following up with new parents who confided in their doctors about struggles, or who were referred directly to us. I also had the pleasure of working as a counselor on the NorthShore MOMS Line for a couple of years, helping mamas and families with new babies who called directly to the hotline 24/7 from all of the country. I was one of the first people to obtain the PMH-C (Perinatal Mental Health Certification) through PSI