Seattle Postpartum Couples Therapist Explains: How to Support You Partner Through Postpartum Depression
Couples deal with so much change during the postpartum period. As a postpartum couples therapist in Seattle and online throughout Washington, I see couples get into conflicts or feel disconnected from each other throughout this life change for a myriad of different reasons. When couples come in for marriage counseling, one of the most common reason couples have a hard time connecting when dealing with a new baby is because of postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMADS). Specifically, it is common to experience postpartum depression (PPD). While often associated with the birthing partner, both members of the couple can experience postpartum depression. PPD can profoundly impact both members of the couple and significantly strain the dynamics of a relationship. A question I get asked a lot as a perinatal psychotherapist is this: how do I support my partner and our relationship through postpartum depression?
Weathering the Storm: Understanding Common Postpartum Conflicts Among Couples
Becoming parents is a monumental milestone that can bring boundless joy, but it also introduces a new set of challenges. The postpartum period, while filled with the sweet moments of baby coos and tiny fingers, is often time of heightened stress for couples. Many conflicts you had before baby can be highlighted after baby, and new types of conflicts often pop up as well. Below are some of the most common postpartum conflicts that many couples face, and our suggestions with how to navigate them.