Dr. Heather Davidson
Child Psychologist

Perinatal/Infertility

 
 

Perinatal Psychology 

The time before and after birth is incredibly special, and also incredibly difficult. Dr. Davidson has not only been heavily trained in perinatal psychology, but also understands on a personal level after having two daughters. Pregnancy comes with an explosion of different hormones, which can lead to anxiety, confusion, and general overwhelm. Pregnancy after loss adds even more to the process. Although we as a society are getting better with understanding, normalizing and supporting postpartum anxiety and depression, it can still feel exceptionally lonely and isolating. Dr. Davidson is available for supported based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for perinatal distress. Please reach out whether you are 5-weeks gestation, 39-weeks gestation, 2-weeks postpartum or 6-months postpartum.

 
 
 
 

According to the Office of Women’s Health Postpartum depression (PPD) is a common mental health condition that can affect anyone. While it can feel hard or lonely, healing from PPD is possible.    

About 1 in 8 women report symptoms of PPD in the year after giving birth. Everyone experiences PPD differently. Feeling sad, anxious, or overwhelmed are some of the signs. You might not feel connected to your baby, or you might not feel love or care for the baby. If these feelings last longer than two weeks, you may have PPD.  

 
 
 

Symptoms of PPD & Anxiety

 
 

Symptoms of postpartum anxiety 

Physical symptoms

Emotional symptoms

  • Inability to relax or keep calm.

  • Racing thoughts, especially about worse-case scenarios.

  • Obsessing over irrational fears or things that are unlikely to happen.

  • Difficulty focusing or forgetfulness.

  • Irritability.

  • Feeling on edge or fearful.

Behavioral symptoms

  • Avoiding certain activities, people or places.

  • Being overly cautious about situations that aren't dangerous.

  • Checking things over and over again.

  • Being controlling.

Symptoms of postpartum depression

  • Continuous feelings of sadness and uncontrollable crying

  • Severe sleep problems – inability to sleep or sleeping too much

  • Changes in appetite – eating too little or too much

  • Excessive irritability, anger, worry, or agitation

  • Extreme lack of energy and motivation

  • Inability to get pleasure from previously enjoyed activities

  • Lack of interest in the baby, friends, and family

  • Extreme feelings of guilt, worthlessness, despair, or hopelessness

  • Inability to concentrate or make decisions

  • Thoughts of harming the baby or yourself

 
 
 
 

Infertility 

Fertility treatments like Intrauterine Insemination (IUI) or In Vitro Fertilization (IVF) can be overwhelming and downright traumatic. Dr. Davidson understands the process and knows any and all fertility treatments so that you can spend your time in session truly processing instead of explaining. There are hundreds of doctors appointments, needles, blood draws, and the constant wait and hope mentality. Adding in any type of loss is devastating and getting back up again can feel like torture. She specializes in both pregnancy loss, secondary infertility and IVF. Wherever you are in your journey, Dr. Davidson is here to support you.