Pregnancy & Postpartum Therapy - Compassionate Support for New and Expecting Parents

Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring big emotions: joy, excitement, exhaustion, anxiety, happy and everything in between. While everyone talks about the excitement of having a baby, fewer people talk about how hard this transition can be. You may be juggling hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, shifting identities, and the pressure to enjoy every moment.

If you are struggling with anxiety, sadness, irritability, or simply feel unlike yourself, you are not alone. Many new and expecting parents experience emotional ups and downs that benefit from therapy. My goal is to help you feel more grounded, connected, and validated as you move through this season of change.

Who I Support

I provide compassionate support for all new and expecting parents, including first-time parents, parents of multiples, older or younger parents, single parents, partnered parents, and those navigating adoption or surrogacy. I also work with individuals experiencing fertility challenges, pregnancy loss, or perinatal mood and anxiety concerns. I specialize in helping people who are:

  • All new and expecting parents – whether you are a first-time mom, a parent of multiples, older or younger, single, partnered, or navigating adoption or surrogacy

  • Adjusting to life with a newborn and navigating changing relationships

  • Experiencing mood changes, sleep challenges, or identity shifts

  • Coping with fertility challenges or loss

  • Expecting and feeling anxious, worried, or emotionally overwhelmed

  • Struggling with bonding, guilt, or intrusive thoughts



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Common Challenges I Help With

Every parent’s experience is unique, but some common struggles include:

  • Guilt about not feeling the emotions you expected

  • Difficulty sleeping even when you have the chance

  • Feeling overwhelmed and wonder if will get better

  • Irritability or anger that feels hard to control

  • Feeling anxious, on edge, or constantly alert

  • Feeling disconnected from your partner

  • Wondering who you are now beyond being a parent

  • Intrusive thoughts or fears about your baby’s safety

Baby Blues vs Postpartum Depression and Anxiety

It is common to experience what people call the baby blues after birth. Mood swings, tearfulness, and irritability often start a few days after delivery and usually fade within a few weeks. If your symptoms last longer, feel intense, or begin during pregnancy, it may be postpartum depression or anxiety.

Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders can begin anytime during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. They are not your fault and they are treatable with the right care and support.

My Approach

I bring both professional training and personal understanding to this work. My approach is:

  • Compassionate and collaborative: Therapy is a space where you can slow down, reflect, and be honest about how you are really feeling.

  • Evidence-based: I integrate Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and mindfulness to help manage anxious thoughts and mood changes.

  • Practical and realistic: We focus on strategies that fit your current life, not on adding more tasks to your list.

  • Flexible and supportive: Sessions are offered virtually and we move at your pace.

Together, we will make sense of your emotions, strengthen your coping tools, and help you reconnect with yourself in this new chapter.

What You Can Expect in Therapy with me

This work is not about striving to be the perfect parent. It is about helping you feel more like yourself again: supported, capable, and connected. Clients may begin to notice:

  • Feeling heard, supported, and validated without judgment

  • Feel more emotionally balanced and less overwhelmed

  • Experience fewer anxious thoughts and mood swings

  • Develop confidence in your parenting decisions

  • Rebuild trust in yourself and your instincts

  • Feel more present and able to enjoy moments that matter

  • Learning practical coping strategies for stress, overwhelm, and sleep disruption

  • Guidance in recognizing early signs of postpartum depression or anxiety

Frequently Asked Questions

  • They can begin anytime during pregnancy or within the first year after birth. Some people notice changes right away, while others experience them months later.

  • No. Anyone navigating pregnancy, postpartum changes, or early parenthood can benefit, including partners, adoptive parents, and non-birthing parents.

  • Yes. While we cannot magically create more hours in the day (or make your baby sleep), therapy can provide strategies to cope with sleep deprivation, manage mood swings, and help you feel more present despite exhaustion.

  • Absolutely. Many parents feel guilt, shame, or pressure to “handle it all.” Asking for support is a sign of strength and a positive step for both you and your baby.

Why I Do This Work

As both a therapist and a parent, I understand how layered this experience can be. The mix of joy, exhaustion, and identity changes can catch even the most prepared parents off guard. Supporting people through this transition is some of the most meaningful work I do. I want you to have a space that feels gentle, validating, and real.

Ready to Get Support?

You do not have to navigate this season on your own. If you are ready to feel more supported and steady, I would love to connect.

Schedule a Consultation

Ashley Allis Therapy offers pregnancy and postpartum counseling for individuals in Brooklyn, Manhattan, New York City, Chicago and Evanston. We provide compassionate, specialized support for new and expecting parents facing anxiety, identity changes, and emotional transitions.