(By Lauren Bathgate, LCSW-C, PMH-C | Founder of Guided in Nature)
Did you know that 1 in 5 mothers experience a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) during pregnancy or postpartum? Feeling anxious, sad, or overwhelmed during this transition is common—and it doesn’t mean something is “wrong” with you. With specialized support, these challenges are treatable, and you can feel more grounded, capable, and connected to yourself and your family.
Becoming a parent—whether for the first or fifth time—changes everything. It can bring joy and love, but also anxiety, self-doubt, and uncertainty. You might find yourself wondering:
“Is this supposed to feel this hard?”
“Why don’t I feel like myself?”
“Who am I now that I’m someone’s parent?”
If this resonates, you don’t need just any therapist. You need someone who truly understands the unique emotional, physical, and relational challenges of pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood.
Why Specialized Perinatal Care Matters
Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders are common, affecting as many as 1 in 5 mothers. Yet many parents struggle silently, believing their feelings are unusual or that they “should be handling it” on their own. The truth is: these challenges are common and treatable, especially with specialized support.
As a Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C), I have advanced training in how mental health challenges present during pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenthood. This certification reflects specialized knowledge that goes beyond general therapy—helping me recognize early signs, provide targeted support, and integrate strategies that address the mind, body, and nervous system together.
Expertise You Can Trust
I’m a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and PMH-C with years of experience supporting parents through pregnancy, postpartum, and early parenting.
I’m also a contributor for Postpartum Support International (PSI), where I wrote Thriving in Parenthood with Nature: 6 Ways to Reconnect and Reduce Overstimulation in a Modern World, exploring how nature can help parents calm their nervous systems and find balance in a world that often feels overstimulating.
I had the honor of presenting at the Postpartum Support International Annual Conference on “Bringing Mothers Back to Nature.” In this talk, I shared how nature-informed practices support emotional regulation, identity integration, and nervous system balance during the transition to parenthood. This work reflects my commitment to combining evidence-based perinatal mental health care with practical, nature-informed strategies that help parents feel grounded and capable.
What Therapy With Me Looks Like
Sessions with me are personalized and compassionate. You might:
- Walk outdoors or connect with natural elements remotely to support calm and presence
- Explore emotions, identity shifts, and self-expectations in parenthood
- Learn tools to navigate stress, anxiety, or intrusive thoughts
- Build confidence in your instincts as a parent while nurturing your own well-being
Parents often describe leaving sessions feeling seen, supported, and empowered—more able to navigate this life stage with clarity, calm, and resilience.
Investing in Your Well-Being
Therapy during pregnancy and postpartum is an investment in your long-term well-being and your family’s health. With the right support, you don’t just get through parenthood—you find ways to thrive.
If you’re ready for care from a therapist with specialized perinatal expertise and nature-informed approaches, I’d love to support you.
👉 Schedule a consultation or learn more about my practice at Guided in Nature.
You don’t have to navigate this transition alone. Specialized care can help you reconnect with yourself, your body, and what matters most.
