Even if you don’t have a diagnosis of postpartum depression or anxiety, motherhood is hard. According to a 2016 study, mothers report less happiness, more stress, and greater fatigue in time with children than do fathers (read the study here). Certainly we shouldn’t jump to conclude all moms are unhappy or motherhood is not “worth it”, but we should be talking more about the complexities of motherhood, maternal psychological well-being, and life satisfaction. “Matrescence” (read more here) is a term used to describe the significant change that entering motherhood entails, though it is not a one-time adjustment. Motherhood is an ever-evolving and ongoing process, and full of both big and small adjustments over time.

How might you know you need more help or support? Ask yourself if you are struggling with any of the below:

• “Mom guilt”-frequent feelings of guilt and/or shame about yourself, focusing on your “failures” as a mom

• Finding it impossible to juggle work and home without significant stress

• Feeling isolated as a stay-at-home parent (check out these resources!), or finding yourself often “short-fused” and irritable with your child/children

• Strain in your relationship with your partner-conflict over the division of responsibilities, or you struggle with letting go of control over “everything” related to caring for your child/children

• Single-parenting and want more support

  There are many myths related to motherhood, and therapy can help identify these and create more realistic and reasonable expectations of ourselves and the journey of motherhood. We find YOUR way to “do” motherhood and feel confident about it.