Postpartum Support Resources for New Parents
Becoming a parent often comes with an overwhelming amount of advice. Friends, family, social media, books, and podcasts all seem to have opinions about what you should be doing and how you should be feeling. What many parents discover, however, is that finding emotional support can be much harder than finding parenting advice.
If you're navigating pregnancy, adjusting to life with a new baby, or simply looking for reliable postpartum support resources, one organization I frequently recommend is Postpartum Support International (PSI).
PSI is a nonprofit organization focused on supporting the mental health of parents during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Whether you're looking for information, connection with other parents, or help finding a therapist with specialized training, their website offers a wide range of resources that are available throughout the United States.
Free Online Support Groups
One of PSI's most valuable offerings is its free virtual support groups.
These groups are designed for many different experiences, including pregnancy, postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, NICU parents, fathers and partners, pregnancy and infant loss, military families, LGBTQIA+ parents, parents of multiples, and Spanish-speaking families.
Many parents tell me that one of the hardest parts of early parenthood is feeling isolated. Joining a support group can be a reminder that other people are asking similar questions, facing similar challenges, and finding ways through them. While these groups aren't therapy, they can provide encouragement, education, and a sense of community during a season that often feels lonely.
Finding a Perinatal Mental Health Professional
Searching for the right therapist can feel overwhelming, especially when you're already exhausted or struggling emotionally.
PSI's online provider directory allows you to search for clinicians who have completed additional training in perinatal mental health. This can make it easier to find someone who understands the emotional, physical, and relational changes that can accompany pregnancy, birth, and becoming a parent. If you're looking for support in Colorado, I am Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) through Postpartum Support International. This certification reflects advanced education in pregnancy and postpartum mental health and a commitment to providing evidence-informed care for this unique stage of life.
Educational Information for Parents and Families
Sometimes understanding what you're experiencing can make it feel a little less overwhelming. PSI's website includes educational articles on topics such as postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, intrusive thoughts, birth trauma, bipolar disorder, and adjustment to parenthood. There are also resources for partners and family members who want to better understand how to support someone they love.
Whether you're wondering if what you're experiencing is common or simply looking for trustworthy information, PSI is an excellent place to begin.
The PSI HelpLine
If you're not sure what kind of support you're looking for, the PSI HelpLine can be a helpful starting point.
Trained volunteers provide information about available resources and can help connect you with services in your area. While the HelpLine isn't a crisis service or a substitute for therapy, it can be reassuring to speak with someone who understands the landscape of perinatal mental health and can point you toward appropriate next steps.
When Individual Therapy May Be Helpful
Support groups and educational resources can be incredibly meaningful, but there are times when it helps to have space that's dedicated entirely to your own experience. Therapy offers an opportunity to slow down and explore what's been feeling difficult, whether that's anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, relationship changes, perfectionism, identity shifts, or simply the emotional adjustment that often comes with becoming a parent. Rather than trying to fit your experience into someone else's story, therapy allows us to understand your unique circumstances and work toward the changes that matter most to you.
I offer pregnancy and postpartum therapy at my office in Arvada, Colorado, as well as online therapy throughout the state. You can bring your baby, or do a virtual session if that’s easier. My approach is compassionate, collaborative, and grounded in understanding the many ways parenthood can affect emotional well-being, relationships, and a person's sense of self.
No single resource is right for everyone, and you don't have to choose just one form of support. Whether you begin with a PSI support group, spend time exploring their educational materials, or decide that individual postpartum therapy feels like the next right step, reaching out for support is a meaningful investment in both yourself and your family.