Navigating Motherhood: The Joys, The Struggles, and Everything In Between

Becoming a mother is life-changing. It’s a time of love, transformation, and new beginnings. But it can also be overwhelming, exhausting, and filled with emotions you didn’t expect.

Maybe you’re feeling more anxious than you thought you would. Maybe the tears won’t stop, or you feel disconnected—from your baby, your partner, or even yourself. If you’ve had a difficult birth experience, those memories may be lingering longer than you expected.

If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Many new mothers struggle with postpartum depression, sex after birth, postpartum anxiety, birth trauma, or the impact of motherhood on their relationships. Support is available.

in-person and virtual counselling for

POSTPARTUM & PERINATAL MENTAL HEALTH | Edmonton

What is Perinatal and Postpartum Mental Health?

Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional and psychological well-being of women during pregnancy and after childbirth. While many expectant and new mothers experience moments of joy, it’s also common to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or emotionally drained.

For some, these feelings go beyond the normal exhaustion of motherhood. Postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, and birth trauma can deeply impact a woman’s well-being, making it difficult to enjoy this new chapter of life.

If you’re struggling with your mental health during pregnancy or after giving birth, help is available, and recovery is possible.

Postpartum Depression & Anxiety: More Than Just the Baby Blues

After giving birth, many women experience the “baby blues”—a short period of mood swings, irritability, and emotional ups and downs due to hormonal shifts. But when these feelings don’t go away—or get worse—it may be postpartum depression or anxiety.

✔ Constant worry about your baby’s health or safety
✔ Feeling on edge, restless, or unable to relax
✔ Racing thoughts that keep you up at night
✔ Panic attacks—racing heart, dizziness, breathlessness
✔ Feeling overwhelmed by daily tasks

✔ Feeling numb, hopeless, or disconnected
✔ Difficulty bonding with your baby
✔ Intense guilt or feeling like you’re failing as a mother
✔ Withdrawing from family and friends
✔ Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
✔ Persistent sadness or crying for no clear reason

Many women feel hesitant to talk about these feelings, fearing judgment or guilt. But postpartum depression & anxiety are common and treatable. You don’t have to suffer in silence—with the right support, you can feel like yourself again.

Sexual Intimacy After Baby: What If It’s Different?

For many new moms, sexual intimacy changes after childbirth. It’s not just about physical recovery—it’s about hormonal shifts, body image, exhaustion, and emotional overwhelm. You may feel:

Discomfort or pain during sex
A loss of sexual desire
Disconnection from your body or partner
Increased anxiety about intimacy

If sex feels different or stressful after having a baby, you’re not alone. It’s okay to take time to reconnect with yourself and your partner in a way that feels safe and comfortable.

Through counselling, we help new mothers navigate these changes, address any concerns, and build confidence in their sexual and emotional well-being.

Birth Trauma: When Childbirth Leaves Emotional Scars

Birth is unpredictable. While some women have positive experiences, others go through traumatic labors that leave lasting emotional wounds. Maybe your birth plan didn’t go as expected. Maybe you felt unheard or unsupported by medical staff. Maybe you or your baby had complications that left you feeling terrified, helpless, or unsafe.

If you experience flashbacks, nightmares, panic attacks, or emotional numbness related to childbirth, you may be struggling with birth trauma.

✔ Fear of future pregnancies
✔ Difficulty bonding with your baby
✔ Feelings of powerlessness or anger about your birth experience
✔ Avoiding conversations or reminders about childbirth

Trauma therapy can help you process your experience, regain a sense of control, and heal from the emotional impact of a difficult birth.

Changes in Your Relationship: Adjusting to Parenthood Together

Motherhood doesn’t just change your life—it changes your relationship with your partner. The demands of caring for a newborn, sleepless nights, and shifting priorities can lead to:

Increased conflict in new parenting roles
Feeling emotionally disconnected from your partner
Resentment over who does more childcare or housework
Less time for quality conversations or intimacy

It’s common for couples to feel frustrated, distant, or misunderstood during this transition. Parenthood is a beautiful but challenging journey, and it’s okay if your relationship needs extra support along the way.

Through relationship counselling, you and your partner can learn how to:

• Communicate openly about your needs and frustrations

• Reconnect emotionally and physically

• Navigate the challenges of parenting as a team

Your relationship doesn’t have to suffer after having a baby. Counselling can help you rebuild connection and understanding during this new phase of life.

Enjoy parenting without stress and overwhelm

What Should You Expect When You Work with a Sex Therapist?

Sex therapy is conducted by Psychologists, Clinical Counsellors & Registered Social Workers with a Clinical specialization. At Life Collective Counselling we specialize in Sex Therapy, so all our therapists have additional training in sexual wellness and trauma. Sessions typically involve:

If you’re searching for postpartum counselling near me or perinatal mental health support in Edmonton, we’re here to help. Motherhood is a journey, not a test. You deserve support, understanding, and a space to be heard.

How Perinatal & Postpartum Counselling Can Help

RELATIONAL CONCERNS MAY INCLUDE:

Understand and manage postpartum depression & anxiety
Conflict in New Parenting Roles
Sexual Intimacy Concerns & Painful Sex
Navigate relationship challenges and parenting conflicts
Low Desire

PARENTING CONCERNS MAY INCLUDE:

Adjusting to Unexpected Birth Outcomes
Parental Identity & Self-Worth
Breastfeeding Challenges & Emotional Struggles
Body Image & Self-Confidence
Coping with Medical Complications

MENTAL HEALTH CONCERNS MAY INCLUDE:

Develop coping strategies to handle stress and overwhelm
Perinatal Depression & Anxiety
Fear of Childbirth (Tokophobia)
Postpartum (OCD) Intrusive thoughts, compulsions
Fear of Childbirth (Tokophobia) & Postpartum PTSD (Birth Trauma)
Perinatal Depression & Anxiety

Find Postpartum & Perinatal Mental Health Support in Edmonton