Prenatal & Postpartum Support
What is Matrescence?
Pregnancy and postpartum are not just physical experiences — they are profound emotional, psychological, relational, and identity transitions known as matrescence.
Matrescence is the developmental process of becoming a mother, similar to adolescence in its depth and impact. It involves hormonal and nervous system changes, identity reorganization, and evolving relationships — with yourself, your partner, friends, family, and the wider world.This transition can feel empowering and destabilizing, joyful and grief-filled, connective and isolating — often all at once. Whether you are navigating pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, family planning, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, or major relationship shifts, specialized mental health support can help you feel grounded, understood, and supported during this season.
I Support Clients With
Infertility and family planning
Pregnancy loss and infant loss
Prenatal and postpartum mental health
Matrescence and identity shifts
Communicate in ways that get you seen, heard, and understood, not just respected
Prenatal & Postpartum Mental Health Services
Therapy (Individual, Couples, Family) offered in CA, WA, CO, UT and KY. Non-Clinical Coaching and Consulting is offered globally.
4th Trimester Support, Birth Story Circles and Group Facilitation services are also offered globally.
Individual (Prenatal & Postpartum)
Support for individuals navigating pregnancy, postpartum, infertility, loss, trauma, and matrescence. Sessions focus on emotional regulation, identity integration, nervous system support, and compassionate processing of complex experiences.
Couples & Family (Pregnancy & Postpartum)
Support for relationships navigating:
Communication challenges
Emotional labor and resentment
Disconnection: physical, emotional, relational
Fertility challenges and family planning decisions
Parenting stress: Expectations of self, partner and shifting roles
Differences and expectations with extended family members
4th Trimester Support
Gentle, relational support centered on emotional regulation, identity shifts, and early postpartum adjustment. Frequency varies depending on specific needs.
Now accepting clients.
Birth Story Circles & Group Processing
Facilitated group spaces to share, process, and integrate birth experiences — whether empowering, complicated, traumatic, or unresolved — in a supportive, nonjudgmental environment.
No current offerings — please check back for updates.
Prenatal & Postpartum Yoga & Support Circle
Mindful movement and community-based support designed to calm the nervous system, reduce isolation, and foster connection during pregnancy and postpartum.
Currently offering in-person in Lexington, KY – please reach out for more information.
About Me
I’m a Licensed Psychotherapist and Certified Mental Health Specialist specializing in prenatal, postpartum, and reproductive mental health. First and Foremost, I am a mother, and my clinical work is informed by my lived experience – including:
Having a child in the NICU
Experiencing pregnancy loss
Healing from a traumatic birth
Navigating relationship challenges postpartum
As a therapist, coach and facilitator, I specialize in supporting people through complexity – relationship shifts with self, partner, friends, and family members. Many individuals are surprised by how much emotional and relational strain can emerge during this time, and how difficult it can feel to name needs, boundaries, or grief while caring for a new baby.
My approach is compassionate, relational, and evidence-based, with deep respect for each person’s story and nervous system.
- Licensed psychotherapist in CA, WA, CO, UT & KY
- 10+ years working with adults, couples, and families
- Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist (PMH-C)
- Certified Yoga Instructor (200 YTT) and practitioner for 20+ years
- Ongoing advanced training in perinatal mental health and trauma-informed, attachment-based care
- Providing perspective and education about the Perinatal Period for birthing and non-birthing parents
- Complex family and relationship dynamics
- Adult children who often felt as if their emotional needs were not met as children
- Perinatal and postpartum mental health
- Supporting people navigating major life transitions and role changes
- Trauma-informed and attachment-based therapy
- Emotion-focused and family systems approaches
- CBT and DBT-informed skills when structure helps
- Somatic and mindfulness-based practices
- Strengths-based, solution-focused, and narrative work
Evidence-Based Prenatal & Postpartum Resources
Pregnancy & Birth Education
Evidence Based Birth - Research-driven education to support informed pregnancy and birth decisions.
https://evidencebasedbirth.com/
VBAC Facts - Evidence-based information for those considering or navigating Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC).
https://vbacfacts.com/
ICAN — International Cesarean Awareness Network
Education, advocacy, and community support for cesarean birth, VBAC, and birth trauma.
https://www.ican-online.org/
Postpartum Mental Health Support
Postpartum Support International (PSI)
Resources, support groups, and referrals for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders.
https://postpartum.net/
Postpartum Mental Health Support
Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood by Lucy Jones
A research-informed exploration of the psychological, emotional, and identity shifts that occur during the transition into motherhood.
https://www.amazon.com/Matrescence-Childbirth-Motherhood-Lucy-Jones/dp/0593317319
