Welcome

Are you not feeling like yourself during pregnancy or after having your baby? Do you find yourself feeling anxious, sad, irritable, having difficulty sleeping and concentrating? Are you having difficulty adjusting to life as a new mom? If this sounds like you, you are not alone. Approximately 70-80% of new mothers experience normal “baby blues” in the first days and weeks after the baby arrives. These feelings can subside with time, but sometimes the feelings can persist and a pregnant or new mother may develop Postpartum Depression (PPD), Anxiety or other Perinatal Mood Disorder.

What you are experiencing and feeling is not your fault. You are not to blame. With help, you will be well. Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders (PMAD’s) are treatable! Even if you don’t think you are suffering from PPD, you may need support as you adjust to being a new mom. Having a baby is one of the biggest transitions in life, and having support from a mental health professional can be a wonderful (and necessary) gift in taking care of you!

According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, Postpartum Depression is the most common, yet most underdiagnosed, obstetrical complication in the country. Research suggests up to 20 percent of the approximately 4 million U.S. women who give birth each year will be affected by a maternal mental health condition. This may include depression and anxiety which can occur during pregnancy and up to one year postpartum. If left untreated, these mental health conditions can have negative impacts on the mother, unborn child, the infant and the family.

It is important to not ignore what you are experiencing. You may be confused about what to do, or even if you need help. But if you are reading this website, you are already on the right track. Talking about the struggles and joys of adding a new baby to the family is critical to your health and the health of your baby. One of the best ways to cope with how you are feeling is to talk with a mental health professional, so that a plan can be made for your wellness.

You deserve to be healthy so you can feel like yourself again. Let’s work together to figure out what you need and how to get you feeling well.

Pregnant and Postpartum moms can feel busy, overwhelmed and exhausted. As a Licensed Clinician and Perinatal Specialist, I provide counseling in the comfort of your own home or in my Bethesda office. In some instances it may be helpful for an appointment to take place at the hospital where you have your baby.

Please call me for a free 15 minute phone consultation to see if my services may be a good fit for you.

Nicole Grocki, MS, LMFT, LCMFT 
T: (301) 233-1330
nicole@maternalwellnessservices.com