Post-Partum Depression in Pasadena, CA

Becoming a parent is often painted as a time of joy, but for many, the postpartum period brings unexpected emotional challenges. Postpartum depression (PPD) affects nearly 1 in 5 women in the first year after birth. If you’re struggling with persistent sadness, anxiety, guilt, or overwhelm after having a baby, you’re not alone — and support is available.

At Rakel Delevi, LMFT, I provide compassionate, evidence-informed therapy for new mothers (and parents) facing postpartum depression, anxiety, or mood shifts. My goal is to help you heal, regain confidence, and connect with your new self. (Office: Pasadena, CA; contact: (310) 993‑3640.)

What is Postpartum Depression?

Postpartum depression is a mood disorder occurring within the first year after childbirth, characterized by persistent depressive symptoms beyond the “baby blues.” While the “baby blues” (tearfulness, irritability, fatigue) are common and usually resolve within 1–2 weeks, PPD is more severe and longer-lasting.

Common Signs & Symptoms

• Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness

• Excessive worry, anxiety, or panic

• Loss of interest or pleasure in previously enjoyed activities

• Changes in appetite or sleep (insomnia or oversleeping)

• Fatigue or lack of energy

• Difficulty concentrating or decision-making

• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, or inadequacy as a parent

• Intrusive thoughts, fears, or excessive worry about harming self or baby

• Irritability, anger, or restlessness

• Withdrawal from partner, family, or friends

• Thoughts of harming yourself or the baby — if you have these, seek help immediately

PPD doesn’t look the same for everyone. Some mothers also experience significant anxiety, obsessive thoughts, or postpartum obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Risk Factors & Triggers

Several factors increase the risk of developing PPD:

• History of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions

• Hormonal changes (rapid drop in estrogen and progesterone after birth)

• Sleep deprivation, fatigue, or exhaustion

• Lack of social support, isolation, or relationship stress

• Difficulty with breastfeeding or health complications in mother or baby

• Traumatic birth experience or complications

• Financial stress, work–life demands, or caring for multiple children

• Significant life stressors (move, loss, relationship conflict)

According to research, the cumulative incidence of PPD within one year postpartum is approximately 18 %.

How Therapy Supports You

Therapy is a cornerstone of recovery, often paired with medical evaluation and, when needed, medication. Here’s how therapeutic work can help:

1. Normalize & validate your experience
   Many new parents feel shame or fear admitting they’re struggling. Therapy invites you to be open, honest, and met with compassion.

2. Process grief, loss, identity shifts
   Becoming a parent involves letting go of parts of your previous life. You may grieve the loss of your prior identity, freedom, or expectations.

3. Manage intrusive thoughts and anxiety
   Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, or mindfulness-based methods help you work with unwanted thoughts and reduce distress.

4. Rebuild self-esteem and confidence
   You’ll work on shifting self-critical thoughts, celebrating small gains, and cultivating self-compassion through the transition to parenthood.

5. Repair or strengthen relationships
   PPD doesn’t only affect the mother — it affects the family system. Couple work, family therapy, or support for co‑parents can help with communication, empathy, and shared load.

6. Develop sustainable self-care & boundaries
   Therapy supports realistic plans for rest, help, self-nurturing, and gradual re-integration of other parts of your life.

7. Plan for relapse and prevention
   Especially if you have a history of depression or anxiety, we’ll build a relapse prevention plan, tools for emotional monitoring, and early warning strategies.

What Therapy Looks Like Here

• First session(s): Gather history (pregnancy, birth, mental health, supports), assess symptoms and risk, identify your goals.

• Treatment process: A blend of talk therapy, skills-based work (CBT, mindfulness, acceptance), relational work, and possibly psychotropic referral (in consultation with your physician).

• Modality flexibility: Sessions may be individual, dyadic (mother/partner), or family-based, depending on needs.

• Support between sessions: I may assign short practices (meditations, grounding exercises, self-compassion prompts) to help you stay stable day to day.

• Crisis planning: If thoughts of harming self or baby arise, we’ll have a clear safety plan including emergency contacts, wraparound support, or urgent services.

Encouragement for the Journey

Recovery from PPD doesn’t always follow a straight line. There will be ups and downs, good days and hard days. But with consistent support, you can reclaim hope, connection, and joy in motherhood (or parenthood).

You don’t have to face this in silence. If you’re ready, please reach out at (310) 993‑3640 to set up a consultation. I’m here to walk this path with you — to listen, support, and help you heal.

Service areas include Venice, Culver City, Pasadena and Marina del Rey, serving in-person and online throughout California