Healthy Start is dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of parents and infants before and during pregnancy, and up to three years following the birth of a baby.

What is Perinatal Counseling?

Expecting a child is usually a time filled with joy and excitement, but so many new changes can also lead to feelings of isolation and stress. In fact, one in seven women is diagnosed with a mood or anxiety disorder during pregnancy or birth, and one in 10 men experiences symptoms of depression.

Many are aware of the emotional effects that can occur after giving birth. Often termed the “baby blues,” it effects up to 80% of new moms. Symptoms include crying and feeling overwhelmed with motherhood, as well as being uncertain. However, baby blues lasts no more than two weeks after birth. If these symptoms are persistent during pregnancy, or more than two weeks after giving birth, it may be perinatal depression or anxiety. Perinatal refers to the time during pregnancy and the one year that follows birth.

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