Beyond the Baby Blues

All new parents experience the challenges of a new baby. But sometimes the emotions can become overwhelming. One in five women experiences a postpartum mood disorder that can be detrimental to your baby, your life, and your relationship. This medical condition may begin during pregnancy, immediately after birth, or any time up to one year later.

Postpartum Mood Disorders, most commonly called Postpartum Depression, can include many different symptoms such as depression, anxiety, panic, repetitive and intrusive thoughts, and, in extreme forms, loss of touch with reality.

You're not alone

Pregnancy and postpartum disorders can affect any woman without warning. You may not have a history of depression and this could be your second or third child. Women with careers are affected as often as women who stay at home. Fathers and adoptive parents can also be affected.

How we can help

At our Bellevue office, Family Services offers individual and couple therapy, medication referral, mother-infant therapy, and consultations for those affected by pregnancy depression and postpartum depression. We also offer free consultation and information services for new clients. We have reduced-fee services (based on income) and accept insurance.

Our highly-trained, licensed therapists offer individual, couple, and family counseling sessions. Our consultation offers families an opportunity to receive information and support.

Ask yourself these questions

If you answer yes to any of these questions you may have a postpartum mood disorder that can be treated.

1. Do you have trouble sleeping even when your baby is asleep?
2. Do you get anxious over the littlest things that concern your baby?
3. Are you irritable with everyone?
4. Do you feel like your emotions are on a roller coaster?
5. Do you feel like you are losing your mind?
6. Are you often confused and feel like you can't concentrate?
7. Do you feel like you're not the mother you want to be?
8. Do you feel like your baby would be better off without you?

New Parents Services Staff

• Veronique Burke, LICSW

  With a Master's degree in Social Work from Simmons College in Boston, Veronique specializes in the treatment of pregnancy and postpartum mood disorders as well as mother-infant psychotherapy, and reflective parenting consultation informed by attachment theory. She has dedicated herself to developing services and support for healthy pregnancies and the transition to parenthood. She is a Listening Mothers group leader and a Bringing Baby Home Certified Gottman Educator.

• Louise Harris, MC, LMHC

  Louise has been a Licensed Mental Health Counselor for eleven years and has a Master's in Counseling from Seattle University. Her years of providing therapy to children and families have given her a strong awareness of the importance of healthy infant attachment. Louise helps people with mood and adjustment concerns as they learn their new role as parents. She is a Bringing Baby Home Certified Gottman Educator.

• Elaine J. Webster, MA, LMHC

  Elaine is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor with a Master's degree in Clinical Psychology from Seattle University. She has been a child mental health specialist since 1992 working on a variety of issues including parent-child attachment, anxiety, depression, and psychological trauma.

• Judy Burr-Chellin, MC, LMHC

  Judy has been a mental health counselor since 1983, specializing in providing psychotherapy to children, as well as adults and couples. Her work with children and families has made her appreciate the importance of good attachment early in life. In 2006, Judy completed the 2-year Infant Mental Health Certificate Program at the University of Washington's School of Nursing.