Therapy for Postpartum & Lactation
Taking care of a baby is hard
Never before did you have to be responsible for something 24/7, let alone when you were so tired you felt like your head was stuffed with cotton balls. In my years as a postpartum doula, I have worked alongside tired dads and frustrated new moms. Who proudly present their adorable child to family and friends. Behind closed doors, life is hard.
Breastfeeding is hard
Not breastfeeding is also hard! Whether you are battling nighttime bottles or are struggling with guilt.......
​​​Feelings around feeding our baby can get confusing, frustrating, and complex. The pressure is real. As a Certified Lactation Counselor, I have helped many new mothers get the hang of breastfeeding. Now, as a therapist, I can support you in your struggles and help you towards true acceptance when breastfeeding is not for you. I can also connect you with excellent resources in Central Oregon.
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PMH-C: Why seeing a Perinatal Mental Health Certified Therapist matters
In short, PMH-C is a credential that signals a therapist has advanced experience and specialized training in supporting the emotional and psychological needs of women during pregnancy, postpartum, and beyond.
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Let’s be honest: the postpartum period is not the time to explain your needs to a therapist who doesn’t “get it.”
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You don’t have to explain your symptoms—I already understand them
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We can talk openly about scary thoughts or shame
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I understand that you love your baby AND you hate how you feel
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You may even second-guess the whole thing
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I’ll never judge your mothering or your mental health
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You’ll get a therapy plan tailored to what feels do-able to you
Matresence
Becoming a mother is more than caring for your baby.
It's the tough process of becoming! It’s a life stage marked by major changes: Shifts in your role, your relationships, your identity, and your mental upheavals.
Hormones, sleep deprivation, and new responsibilities can create emotional ups and downs.
You are becoming a new version of yourself, one you cannot prepare for.
This shift is earth-shakingly profound.
Counseling and Consulting
At Embrace Counseling Bend, I use tailored therapeutic approaches to help clients process their experiences, develop coping strategies, and foster resilience during these transformative life events. Together, we develop a plan that helps restore a sense of stability and makes daily life feel manageable—one that is realistic, achievable, and specific to your needs.
Postpartum Depression (PPD)
Persistent sadness, guilt, numbness, or low energy that doesn’t improve after a few weeks.
Postpartum Anxiety & OCD
Constant worry, intrusive thoughts, checking behaviors, or fear that something bad will happen.
Postpartum Rage
Sudden, intense anger—especially when you're sleep-deprived, touched out, or unsupported.
Birth Trauma
Flashbacks, panic, or emotional numbness following a difficult, scary, or disempowering birth.
Identity & Role Transitions
Grieving your pre-motherhood identity, adjusting to relationship changes, or redefining who you are.
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NICU PTSD
If your baby faced medical complications or a stay in the NICU, it's normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or traumatized. These feelings may persist after your baby comes home, and they can have a significant impact on your functioning.
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Couples Counseling
Relationships shift after baby. Counseling can ease tension, strengthen connections, and support healthier communication through exhaustion and stress.
"Becoming a mother leaves no woman as it found her. It unravels her and rebuilds her. It cracks her open, takes her to her edges.
It's both beautiful and brutal; often at the same time."
Nikki McCahon about Matresence