Ah, summer. The season of sunshine, long days, and... maternity leave! It's painted as this idyllic time for rest, bonding with your new baby, and enjoying family fun. But if you're a new parent navigating the perinatal period in New York, you know the reality can be a lot messier. What's supposed to be relaxing can quickly turn into a pressure cooker, amplifying family stress during summer and making you feel more overwhelmed than ever.

As a perinatal mental health therapist, I see firsthand how this season, especially with a new baby in the mix, can inadvertently create unexpected tension and stress in families. You're not alone if you're feeling this blend of hope and dread.

The journey through pregnancy and the postpartum period is a profound transformation, often accompanied by a whirlwind of emotions. While joy and anticipation are common, many individuals also experience significant mental health challenges during this time, collectively known as perinatal mental health conditions. From pregnancy anxiety and depression to postpartum depression (PPD) and postpartum anxiety (PPA), and even the emotional aftermath of birth trauma, these struggles are real and deserve dedicated support.