top of page

VIRTUAL THERAPY ACROSS NEW YORK STATE | NEW & EXPECTING MOTHERS

Therapy for New Moms & Adjustment to Motherhood

Becoming a mother brings a massive shift in identity, routine, and relationship dynamics, whether this is your first baby or your third. You do not have to carry the pressure, guilt, or exhaustion by yourself.

Finding Motherhood Hard Does Not Mean You Are Failing At It

Becoming a mother changes your body, your identity, your relationships, and your routine. That is an enormous amount of change to absorb.

Many women I see feel capable and successful in every other area of their lives. They excel in their careers, achieve the goals they set for themselves, and are incredibly effective. Then motherhood arrives, and for the first time, they do not feel in control. The gap between how capable you usually feel and how you feel right now can be deeply disorienting. But it is not a sign of failure.

Then there are the feelings people rarely admit out loud: the resentment, the mental exhaustion, and the fear that you are not showing up fully anywhere. While therapy cannot lessen the daily demands of a newborn, it helps you release unrealistic expectations and rebuild a strong sense of self.

NAVIGATING MOTHERHOOD & WHAT CAN SHIFT IN THERAPY

You feel incompetent in this new role despite being highly capable everywhere else

You embrace a realistic, sustainable standard for yourself as a mother

You feel frequent irritation or anger toward your partner

You start having clear and direct communication that helps minimize resentment

You feel like your former identity has disappeared under the demands of motherhood

You rebuild a strong sense of self that integrates motherhood with who you are

You feel like you are not showing up fully at work, at home, or for yourself

You learn to let go of perfectionism and that being good enough is truly enough

You carry most of the household planning, mental load, and constant scheduling

You learn to ask for what you need and delegate effectively

You feel torn between work and home, experiencing guilt in both directions

You gain clarity on your priorities and release constant self criticism

You feel guilty for having moments where you do not enjoy daily parenting

You give yourself permission to name feelings without shame or judgment

Adjusting to motherhood takes time, but therapy helps shorten the stretch where you are managing everything without support. Here is what shifts when you have dedicated guidance:

WHAT I HELP WITH

Identity after becoming a mother

Exploring who you are now. I help you sort out what you want to carry forward from your former life and what a balanced version of you looks like today.

Balancing career and motherhood

Navigating the return to work, feeling torn between obligations, and managing expectations. I help you get clear on what you want rather than what you feel you should do.

Overwhelm and feeling out of control

When the days run you instead of the other way around. I help you identify what can be delegated, set aside, or simplified without the world falling apart.

Guilt and the pressure to feel happy all the time

You wanted this child and it is still hard. Both statements are true. You do not have to keep proving your gratitude to anyone.

Resentment and the mental load

Being the person who remembers every detail wears on you and your relationship. Expressing this strain out loud is where meaningful change begins.

Your relationship after a baby

New parents frequently struggle over sleep, division of labor, and fairness. I work with individuals and couples to help build intentional and healthy communication leading to connection and mutual support.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THERAPY FOR NEW MOMS

Is what I am feeling postpartum depression, or am I just adjusting to motherhood?

Both experiences are common and the symptoms can overlap, so sorting them out in therapy is very helpful. Adjustment challenges usually focus on identity, overwhelm, and relationship strain while your general mood remains fairly stable. Postpartum depression tends to feel heavier and more persistent, bringing constant crying, hopelessness, and detachment. We can explore this in our work together.

Is it normal to resent my partner after having a baby?

Yes, it is extremely common. Resentment usually stems from an uneven division of labor, sleep deprivation, or carrying the household mental load alone. Naming the issue clearly in therapy is the first step toward fixing it.

Why do I feel like I lost myself after having a baby?

A tremendous amount changes at once, including your body, your relationships, your daily schedule, and your career rhythm. Feeling like you do not recognize yourself for a period after birth is normal. Therapy helps you integrate motherhood into your life while reclaiming your personal identity.

How do I handle going back to work?

Returning to work often brings guilt in both directions along with logistical stress. Therapy helps you set realistic boundaries, decide what matters most in your daily schedule, and prepare for the initial transition weeks.

Is it normal to not love every part of being a mother?

Yes. Loving your child and disliking the repetitive, exhausting parts of daily care can happen at the same time. You can process these feelings in a safe, non judgmental environment.

Do you see couples during this transition?

Yes. Many couples find the first year of parenthood places unexpected strain on their relationship. I offer individual therapy as well as couples counseling to help you connect, align, and work together.

FINDING SUPPORT BEGINS WITH A CONVERSATION

Schedule a free 15 minute phone consultation. We will talk about what has been going on, what you want to change, and whether my practice is the right fit for your needs. Many women tell me they were unsure if their stress counted as a reason to call. It does.

Sessions

Session Format: Virtual video therapy across New York State

​

Location: Practice is fully virtual with no in-person office

​

Who I Work With: Women and couples navigating fertility, pregnancy loss, and early parenthood

Insurance & Consultation

Insurance: In-network with Cigna. Superbills provided for out-of-network reimbursement

​

Consultation: Free 15 minute phone call

​

Response Time: Same or next business day

Get in Touch

Phone: (917) 584-5916

​

Email: mlaveslcsw@gmail.com

bottom of page