Many women know that their menstrual cycle can impact mood, but don’t know the specifics of how each phase of the cycle can affect them. Research shows that changes in estrogen and progesterone can affect emotional regulation, cognitive function, and overall mental well-being (Handy et al., 2022), with each part of the cycle exerting a different…
Perinatal and Reproductive Mental Health
The Many Faces of Postpartum Worry
The postpartum period is often described as a time of joy and bonding, but for many new moms, it’s also a time of worry. Transition to parenthood is a significant life change, bringing emotional, hormonal, relationship, and lifestyle shifts all at once. Caring for a newborn while adjusting to your life being completely different makes…
The Importance of New Moms Support Groups
All Moms Need Support Whether you are a first time mom, or welcoming additional children to your family, a new moms support group can be a lifeline, providing a validating, warm, and supportive space to share your experience and learn from others in this same stage of life. When we share our joys and challenges…
Perimenopause and Mental Health: An Interview with Reproductive Psychiatrist Dr. Vesna Pirec, MD, PhD
Perimenopause is a major life transition that affects both the body and mind. While it’s often recognized for causing irregular periods and hot flashes, its impact on mental health can be just as significant. In this conversation, Wildflower’s co-founder Aga Grabowski, LCSW, PMH-C, CST, interviews Dr. Vesna Pirec, MD, PhD, a board-certified psychiatrist specializing in…
Therapist Certification in Perinatal Mental Health: An Interview with Marco Renzi, MA, LCSW, PMH-C
We recently featured a Q & A with Marco Renzi, MA, LCSW, PMH-C, an experienced psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and manager of intake operations at Wildflower Center for Emotional Health, to discuss his deep commitment to supporting individuals and couples as they transition to parenthood. In the video below, Marco expands on the significance of therapist…
Mental Health in the Perinatal Period: Interview with Marco Renzi, LCSW, PMH-C
In this interview, we sat down with Marco Renzi, MA, LCSW, PMH-C, an experienced psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, and manager of intake operations at Wildflower Center for Emotional Health, to discuss his deep commitment to supporting individuals and couples as they transition to parenthood. Marco brings a compassionate and informed approach to his work with both…
Perimenopause: Debunking Unhelpful Myths
Perimenopause is the period of time leading up to menopause when women begin to undergo hormonal changes, such as fluctuations in estrogen and progesterone levels, which can then cause a variety of physical, emotional, and cognitive symptoms. While this phase most commonly begins in the 40s, it can start as early as the late 20s…
Perinatal Mental Health: A Guide for Therapists
As therapists, we are acutely aware of the complex interplay between mental health and life’s transitions. One of the most significant yet often overlooked transitions occurs during the perinatal period—encompassing pregnancy and the first year postpartum. Understanding perinatal mental health is essential for us to support our clients effectively during this transformative time. The Importance…
Male Infertility: The Emotional Impact and What You Can Do About It
When it comes to conversations about infertility, men often remain in the shadows. The fertility conversation often defaults to women, making it easy to assume infertility is a “women’s issue.” That’s a misconception – male-factor infertility is a significant part of the equation, despite it lacking the attention it deserves. While male infertility isn’t exactly…
Breastfeeding and Postpartum Mental Health
Today, approximately 83% of mothers in the United States are attempting to breastfeed (Bresnahan et al., 2019). The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that breastfeeding should occur within the first hour of life, should be done exclusively for 6 months, and should continue up to 2+ years of age (CDC, 2024). However, the rate of…
