Specialized Support for Pregnancy After Loss
Aren’t I supposed to be happy?
We all know what pregnancy is “supposed to” be: a happy time full of anticipation and preparation for life with a new baby.
But if you have experienced miscarriage, stillbirth, or another type of pregnancy loss, that positive pregnancy test evokes a lot more than simple joy.
People in your life might expect you to be “fixed” by this new pregnancy— you also might have expected to feel a lot better. Aren’t you getting what you wanted?
You may benefit from therapy if:
You feel really scared and anxious about doctor appointments, testing, and ultrasounds, even if every time you go in they say things are going well.
You hyper-focus on every little sensation in your body.
You feel isolated from other pregnant people because of what you have been through, even though you want to connect.
You don’t know how to navigate talking about this new pregnancy with people in your life.
You need support in deciding what kind of prenatal and birth care you need and/or in advocating for yourself with medical care providers.
Here’s what we’ll do.
Therapy with me starts by making space for as honest an expression of your thoughts and feelings as possible, including thoughts that seem impossible to say out loud socially and feelings you might not even know are there unless someone asks.
This will most likely include talking about your loss experiences, but at your own pace and only when you are ready. We will focus on preparing for challenging medical appointments, social events, conversations, and anniversaries, and calming your nervous system to improve your day-to-day experience of this pregnancy. We will make room for both your hopes and fears.
With your permission, I will collaborate with your medical care providers to ensure trauma-informed care. I can help with recommendations for birth workers and doulas who get it.
I also provide single-session loss-informed birth planning consultations. Reach out for more information!
I am a licensed clinical social worker with eight years of post-graduate experience in a variety of settings with parents of children under five, pregnant people, couples, PhD and MBA students, and other adults in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. I am Perinatal Mental Health Certified and use an integrative, trauma-informed and attachment-based approach; I am a climate aware, LGBTQ+ affirming, and abortion-affirming provider.