The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for advice from a qualified healthcare professional.
Postpartum is a season of profound change, physically, emotionally, and relationally. Alongside the love and connection you may feel, there can also be anxiety, grief, loneliness, identity shifts, and questions about who you are now. A birth experience that did not go as expected can add another layer of emotions to process. Find a therapist licensed in New York who specializes in supporting people through birth and the postpartum transition.
See the therapistsThe postpartum period can bring much more than tiredness and adjustment. You may experience persistent sadness or anxiety, irritability, feeling overwhelmed, difficulty sleeping even when you have the opportunity, or feeling disconnected from your baby or yourself. These experiences are common and treatable, but they can be difficult to recognize when so much of the focus is on caring for a new baby.
A perinatal therapist can help you understand what you are experiencing, work through what is getting in the way, and find support that fits this stage of life.
Browse TherapistsPostpartum therapy takes into account the realities of new parenthood. A perinatal specialist understands the difference between the expected challenges of this transition and concerns that may need additional support, including postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, or PTSD.
Depending on what you need, therapy may include cognitive behavioral therapy, EMDR for a difficult birth, or attachment-focused approaches. Sessions can also be adapted to the realities of postpartum life, including feeding schedules, sleep deprivation, and bringing your baby to a session.
Look for a clinician who names the perinatal season as a core focus, not a sideline. Working with a dedicated perinatal therapist means partnering with someone who understands the unique emotional, relational, and identity shifts of the perinatal season. Then trust the consult call. The right therapist makes you feel seen, understood, and safe enough to share the parts of your story that are hardest to say out loud.
Mativa is a specialized directory of licensed perinatal therapists in New York, where every therapist specializes in perinatal mental health. Mativa stays intentionally small and focused on this one field, so you are not sorting through a general list hoping to find someone who understands this season of life.
The baby blues are common in the first days and weeks after birth and often improve on their own. Postpartum depression can be more persistent and may affect your mood, thoughts, relationships, and daily life. If you are struggling to feel like yourself or your symptoms are interfering with daily life, a perinatal therapist can help you understand what you are experiencing and determine what kind of support may help. [ACOG]
Yes. Many Mativa therapists offer virtual sessions, which can make therapy easier to fit into postpartum life. Filter by Virtual in the directory to find therapists who offer online sessions.
There is no specific timeline you need to wait for before starting therapy after giving birth. Some people begin therapy during pregnancy to prepare for the transition into parenthood, while others seek support in the weeks, months, or even years after birth.
Intrusive thoughts about something happening to your baby can be common during the postpartum period. Having a thought does not mean you want it to happen or that you will act on it. A therapist who specializes in perinatal OCD and anxiety can help you feel less alone and give you the support you need. [International OCD Foundation]
The transition to parenthood can affect your mood, sense of self, relationships, and connection with your baby. Exhaustion, anxiety, depression, a difficult birth, and the adjustment to caring for a new baby can all play a role. A perinatal therapist can help you make sense of what you are experiencing and provide support during this transition.