Seattle Therapist Weighs in: Navigating Overstimulation as a New Parent
Seattle Postpartum Therapist Weighs In: Navigating Overstimulation as a New Parent
As a postpartum and neurodivergence therapist in Washington state (including Seattle, Bellingham, Tacoma, and Spokane), and a person with ADHD myself, I am often encountering individuals and couples who are new parents and are unsure about why they are feeling anxious, angry, or disconnected from themselves “for no reason”. But part of the answer might be very simple, actually: being in the fourth trimester is often the most overstimulating experience people have had throughout their lives.
Connecting to yourself is just as important as connecting to your baby.
In my counselling and therapy practice, I often hear expecting or new parents talk about the fear missing the connection that they have with themselves postpartum. As parents, the joy, wonder, and responsibility that come with a little one can be overwhelming, but it's essential to remember that embracing parenthood doesn't mean bidding farewell to the life you lived before. In fact, the best thing you can do for both yourself and your baby is to keep living the life you lived before parenthood
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.