Perinatal
Perinatal therapy in Calgary offering compassionate support during pregnancy and postpartum for anxiety, mood changes, identity shifts, and emotional wellbeing.
Understanding the Perinatal Period
The perinatal period—covering pregnancy and the months following birth—is a time of profound physical, emotional, and identity change. While it is often portrayed as joyful and instinctual, many people experience anxiety, overwhelm, grief, or emotional disconnection alongside excitement and love.
At Lodestone Psychology, we understand that the perinatal experience is not one-dimensional. Therapy during pregnancy and postpartum offers a space where the full range of emotions is welcome—without judgment, pressure, or expectations about how you should feel.
Perinatal therapy supports individuals and couples as they navigate emotional wellbeing, identity changes, and the mental load that often accompanies bringing a child into the world.
Common Mental Health Challenges During Pregnancy & Postpartum
Emotional challenges during the perinatal period are common and often under-discussed. Many clients seek therapy for:
Anxiety during pregnancy or after birth
Mood changes, sadness, or emotional numbness
Postpartum depression or low mood
Intrusive or distressing thoughts
Difficulty bonding or feeling “connected”
Identity shifts and loss of autonomy
Birth-related trauma or medical stress
Relationship strain or changes in partnership
Guilt, shame, or fear of “getting it wrong”
These experiences are not signs of failure or inadequacy. They are understandable responses to major biological, psychological, and life transitions.
Anxiety, Mood Changes, and Emotional Overload
Hormonal changes, sleep disruption, physical recovery, and increased responsibility can significantly impact mental health during the perinatal period. Anxiety may show up as constant worry about the baby’s safety, health, or development. Others notice racing thoughts, difficulty resting, or feeling constantly “on alert.”
Mood changes can range from tearfulness and irritability to persistent sadness or emotional numbness. Many people feel confused or ashamed when their internal experience doesn’t match cultural narratives of joy and fulfillment.
Therapy helps normalize these experiences and provides practical, compassionate support.
Identity Shifts and Grief
Becoming a parent—or preparing to become one—often involves a redefinition of identity. Roles, priorities, relationships, and self-perception can all shift, sometimes abruptly.
It is common to grieve aspects of your former life while also caring deeply for your child. This grief is rarely acknowledged, yet it is a valid and important part of the transition. Perinatal therapy offers space to process identity changes without guilt or pressure to “just be grateful.”
Birth Experiences and Trauma
For some, pregnancy or birth includes unexpected medical complications, loss of control, or frightening experiences. Even when outcomes are physically safe, the emotional impact can linger.
Birth-related trauma may show up as intrusive memories, anxiety, avoidance, or emotional shutdown. Therapy provides a gentle, trauma-informed space to process these experiences and restore a sense of safety and trust in your body and mind.
Our Therapeutic Approach to Perinatal Care
At Lodestone Psychology, perinatal therapy is compassionate, trauma-informed, and paced with care. We recognize that energy, capacity, and time may be limited during this stage of life.
Depending on your needs, therapy may focus on:
Anxiety and emotional regulation
Mood support and postpartum depression
Processing birth or medical trauma
Identity and role transitions
Relationship communication and boundaries
Self-compassion and realistic expectations
Adjusting to parenting while protecting mental health
We integrate evidence-based approaches such as CBT, ACT, attachment-informed therapy, and nervous-system-aware strategies, always adapting therapy to your lived experience.
Perinatal Mental Health in Calgary
In Calgary and across Alberta, many individuals face additional stressors during the perinatal period—limited parental leave, work pressures, cost of living concerns, and reduced community support.
We offer both in-person and virtual therapy options to make care more accessible during pregnancy and postpartum, recognizing the logistical and emotional challenges of this time.
When to Seek Perinatal Therapy
You do not need to wait until things feel unmanageable. Perinatal therapy can be helpful at any point during pregnancy or after birth.
You may benefit from therapy if you are:
Feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected
Struggling with mood changes or intrusive thoughts
Processing a difficult pregnancy or birth experience
Adjusting to identity or relationship changes
Wanting support that feels non-judgmental and realistic
Early support can make a meaningful difference.
You deserve care and support during this transition—not just for your baby, but for you. Perinatal therapy can offer steadiness, understanding, and space to navigate this chapter with greater ease.
