Perinatal and Reproductive Psychiatry
Comprehensive, Compassionate Care for Women from Conception through Postpartum or Loss
Perinatal and reproductive psychiatry focuses on the emotional and mental well-being of women and their partners from pre-conception through one year postpartum. It addresses challenges like depression and anxiety for those planning to conceive, currently pregnant, or who have experienced a loss. This crucial time, known as the peripartum or perinatal period, supports individuals through conception, pregnancy, postpartum adjustments, and loss, ensuring comprehensive care and understanding during these transformative phases. Mental health symptoms during this period are collectively called Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders We Treat
Depression
This commonly affects emotional stability and well-being before and after childbirth, manifesting as a variety of symptoms that may include persistent sadness, insomnia, etc
Anxiety
This often causes excessive worry, fear, and physical symptoms in both patients and partners, creating a challenging cycle that requires adequate support and interventions.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
This may manifest as ruminating (or repetitive) thoughts and distressing behaviors, causing significant distress and interference with daily functioning during pregnancy and postpartum.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
This may include re-experiencing trauma, heightened anxiety, and nightmares, which significantly impact functioning during pregnancy and after childbirth.
Bipolar Disorder
During pregnancy or postpartum, this may involve episodes of mood swings ranging from depressive lows to manic highs, affecting emotional stability and daily functioning.
Panic Disorder
This may manifest as sudden, intense episodes of fear or discomfort often accompanied by physical symptoms like heart palpitations, shortness of breath, or dizziness.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Involves persistent, excessive worry about various aspects of daily life during preconception or pregnancy, extending beyond concerns for the baby’s health and wellbeing.
Adjustment Disorders
This occurs when the stress of transitioning to motherhood or changes in family dynamics disrupt mood, functioning and relationships.
Psychosis
Rare but severe, it can include delusions, hallucinations, and disorganized thinking, often associated with bipolar disorder.
Symptoms & Triggers associated with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders
Recognizing symptoms and understanding triggers is crucial as support and treatment can profoundly impact outcomes.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Part 1
Some women exhibit excessive "checking behaviors," like constantly verifying if their child is breathing, and obsess over potential sickness or injury to themselves or their child.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Part 2
These intrusive thoughts and behaviors disrupt sleep, hinder daily concentration, and cause significant distress, even though these women know they don't intend to act on such thoughts.
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder
Many women envision an ideal pregnancy and birth, but complications like gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, or emergency c-sections can lead to trauma, anxiety, and nightmares.
Bipolar Disorder
Women with bipolar disorder face severe risks like postpartum psychosis and self-harm. Crucially, some medications for postpartum depression can worsen bipolar symptoms, making specialist evaluation essential.
Knowing the Diffference between Baby Blues and Postpartum Depression
Baby Blues
Up to 70% of women experience baby blues, lasting 1-2 weeks, with mild mood disturbances and no severe impairment. Education, reassurance, and social support help.
Postpartum Depression
May last 2 weeks to 1 year postpartum or start during pregnancy, impairing daily functioning and relationships. Professional treatment needed.
KNOW the CRUCIAL DIFFERENCE
If you're unsure whether you have baby blues or postpartum depression, a psychiatrist is an expert who can provide an accurate diagnosis.
Elite Psychiatry Has Experts Who Provide Care
We are uniquely qualified in Peripartum & Postpartum Care Services
Not all psychiatrists and therapists are adequately trained to address the unique challenges of the perinatal period. Additionally, the term "expert" can be used without proper credentials. During this pivotal time in your life, you deserve certified experts who possess the knowledge, competence, and compassion to support your mental health and help you become the best parent possible
Why We are The Experts
Our Providers are Uniquely Qualified
Our health professionals have nearly 20 years of cumulative experience in perinatal mental health, with additional training and certification as perinatal mental health specialists by the renowned Postpartum Support International (PSI).
We are Certified
The Perinatal Mental Health Certification is awarded to professionals who complete specialized training in perinatal mental health. It ensures comprehensive understanding and qualification to provide effective support and treatment during pregnancy and postpartum.
Our Founder Was First
Dr. Finch, founder of Elite Psychiatry, was the first doctor in New Jersey to achieve the PMH-C certification. As of 2022, only three doctors in the state (two psychiatrists and one OB/GYN) hold this certification.
What Peripartum & Postpartum care services are offered by Elite Psychiatry?
A Holistic Approach to Perinatal Wellness
Our PMH-C certified talk therapists offer individualized, multi-modality approaches to help you tackle the challenges of all phases of conception and pregnancy, including the tragedy of a loss. For some women, talk therapy needs to be supplemented with medication management. Our PMH-C certified perinatal psychiatrists have extensive training and experience to guide you through the difficult decision of whether medications are right for you while pregnant or postpartum. Additionally, they provide ongoing support and monitoring to ensure your safety and well-being throughout the treatment process.
Elite Psychiatry treatment plans are customized to your needs.
We give you time
We take as much time as needed to educate you about all the benefits, risks, and alternatives of medication during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
We give you guidance
We understand how daunting this can be for women. With our guidance, you'll feel fully informed and prepared to make the decision that is right for you.
We give you support
We will support you in your decision, whether it includes medications or not. We don’t push medications on anyone!
Patient Testimonials and Success Stories:
Discover how our services have positively impacted patients' lives. Read their stories to see how we've helped them improve their well-being.
Combining Therapy and Psychiatry for an Integrative Medicine Approach
When your therapist and psychiatrist can work together on your behalf, you received a combined benefit.
Psychiatry
Psychiatry is performed by a medical doctor who can diagnose and prescribe medication to treat mental health disorders.
Therapy
A therapist is a licensed clinician who can use cognitive behavioral techniques to help you treat mental health symptoms and improve how you manage stress and relationships.
Frequently asked questions about Pregnancy / Postpartum services
What if I am not sure if I need professional help?
Call us for a free 15-minute consultation to discuss your needs, answer questions, and help you decide if Elite Psychiatry or another resource is right for you.
How soon can I start treatment if I need help?
After our free 15-minute consultation, we can plan to address your needs as soon as possible.
What does it mean for my care if my provider is PMH-C certified?
This certification ensures you receive care from professionals with specialized training in perinatal mental health. It requires ongoing continued education credits to be submitted to PSI every two years, ensuring that our experts are up to date with cutting edge knowledge and treatments.