Therapy for New Moms
You're doing everything—but at what cost? Motherhood often means carrying the mental load for everyone else. When you're constantly juggling parenting, work, relationships, and the pressure to be everything to everyone, it's easy to lose sight of your own needs. You might be feeling burned out, touched out, and wondering, "Why does this feel so hard?"
At Bloom Psychology, we help moms move from survival mode to a place of clarity, connection, and confidence. Whether you're feeling emotionally drained, stuck in the same arguments with your partner, or struggling to find balance in your relationships, therapy can help.
§The Reality of Modern Motherhood
Motherhood isn't what you expected. The Instagram version of glowing, grateful moms doesn't match your reality of exhaustion, resentment, and feeling like you're failing at everything. You love your children—but you also miss your old life, your identity, and the sense of competence you once had.
→What No One Tells You About Becoming a Mother
The Identity Crisis: You've become "mom" to everyone—but who are you anymore? The interests, friendships, and parts of yourself that defined you feel distant or disappeared entirely. You might look in the mirror and not recognize the person staring back.
The Mental Load: It's not just about childcare tasks—it's remembering doctors' appointments, tracking developmental milestones, planning meals, managing the household, anticipating everyone's needs before they're voiced. The invisible labor is exhausting and often unacknowledged.
The Loneliness: You're never physically alone, but you feel profoundly isolated. Friends without kids don't understand. Mom groups feel competitive or superficial. Your partner is present but somehow doesn't get it. You're surrounded by people but desperately lonely.
The Guilt: Guilt about working. Guilt about not working. Guilt about feeling frustrated with your kids. Guilt about wanting time alone. Guilt about not being grateful enough. The guilt is constant and crushing.
The Touch Exhaustion: "Touched out" is real. After a day of nursing, toddler climbing, sticky hands, and constant physical demands, you recoil when your partner reaches for you. You crave both connection and space—simultaneously.
You love your children—but you also miss your old life, your identity, and the sense of competence you once had.
§Common Struggles We Address in Therapy for Moms
→Maternal Burnout
Burnout isn't just tiredness—it's a state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress without adequate recovery.
Signs of Maternal Burnout:
Chronic fatigue that sleep doesn't relieve
Emotional numbness or detachment from children
Increased irritability, anger, or impatience
Feeling ineffective or incompetent as a mother
Loss of enjoyment in parenting
Physical symptoms (headaches, muscle pain, digestive issues)
Fantasies of running away or disappearing
Difficulty making decisions
Feeling like a "bad mom" constantly
Why Traditional Self-Care Doesn't Fix Burnout: Bubble baths and mani-pedis don't address systemic issues—unequal division of labor, lack of support, societal pressure to be the perfect mother. Real recovery requires structural changes, not just temporary escapes.
→Relationship Strain with Partner
Becoming parents often creates unexpected conflict:
Common Partner Conflicts:
Resentment about division of labor (especially invisible labor)
Feeling like co-parents instead of romantic partners
Different parenting philosophies causing friction
Lack of appreciation or validation
Loss of intimacy (physical and emotional)
"Maternal gatekeeping" vs "weaponized incompetence"
Managing childcare, household, and relationship feels impossible
What You Might Be Feeling:
"I'm doing everything while my partner gets to maintain their life"
"I can't remember the last time we had a real conversation"
"I feel more like roommates than lovers"
"They don't see everything I'm managing mentally"
"I'm too exhausted for physical intimacy"
→Identity Loss and Role Confusion
The transition to motherhood often involves grief for your pre-baby self:
What You Might Be Grieving:
Your body (changed, scarred, no longer fully yours)
Your freedom and spontaneity
Your career trajectory or professional identity
Childfree friendships that drifted away
Your role as partner (now primarily "mom")
Your sense of competence (used to excel, now fumbling)
The fantasy of perfect, blissful motherhood
This is Normal Grief: You can love your child AND grieve what you've lost. These feelings don't make you a bad mother—they make you human.
→Maternal Anxiety and Depression
Up to 20% of new mothers experience postpartum depression or anxiety. Symptoms may include:
Postpartum Depression:
Persistent sadness, hopelessness, or emptiness
Difficulty bonding with baby
Loss of interest in things you used to enjoy
Changes in appetite or sleep (beyond normal newborn disruption)
Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
Feeling like your family would be better off without you
Postpartum Anxiety:
Excessive worry about baby's health, safety, or development
Intrusive, disturbing thoughts
Panic attacks or physical anxiety symptoms
Hypervigilance and constant checking
Difficulty sleeping even when baby sleeps
Fear of being alone with baby
For mothers experiencing perinatal mood disorders, we offer specialized postpartum depression support and postpartum anxiety treatment. New mothers in the postpartum period may particularly benefit from our structured 8-week new mom program providing focused support through the fourth trimester.
→Perfectionism and Maternal Pressure
You might have been a high achiever before motherhood—but babies don't respond to strategic planning or effort the way work projects do.
The Perfectionism Trap:
Researching every parenting decision to exhaustion
Comparing yourself to other mothers (especially on social media)
Feeling like you're failing if you're not "the best"
Struggling with "good enough" parenting
Unable to delegate or accept help (fear others won't do it "right")
Judging yourself harshly for mistakes
Cultural Pressures:
"Breast is best" shaming
Judgment about returning to work (or staying home)
Pinterest-perfect birthday parties and milestones
The pressure to "bounce back" physically
Expectations to be grateful, glowing, and fulfilled at all times
New mothers in the postpartum period may particularly benefit from our structured 8-week new mom program providing focused support through the fourth trimester.
§Treatment Approaches for Moms
→Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for Mothers
CBT helps you identify and change thought patterns that contribute to your distress:
Challenging Unhelpful Thoughts:
"I should be able to do this alone" → "Asking for help is strength, not weakness"
"I'm a bad mother" → "I'm doing my best in a challenging situation"
"I should love every moment" → "I can love my child and find motherhood hard"
"I need to be perfect" → "Good enough parenting is actually healthier"
→Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)
IPT focuses on relationships and role transitions—perfect for the maternal adjustment:
What IPT Addresses:
Role transition from woman to mother
Relationship conflicts (with partner, family, friends)
Life changes and loss (career, identity, body, freedom)
Building supportive relationships and communication skills
→Emotionally Focused Therapy (for Couples)
For mothers experiencing significant relationship strain, couples therapy can:
Improve communication about needs and feelings
Address resentment about division of labor
Rebuild emotional and physical intimacy
Create shared parenting philosophies
Distribute invisible labor more equitably
→Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT teaches psychological flexibility—accepting difficult emotions while moving toward your values:
ACT for Mothers:
Accept that motherhood involves difficult feelings
Defuse from harsh self-judgments ("I'm a bad mom")
Connect with your values as both mother and individual
Take committed action toward meaningful life
§Practical Support: Beyond Talk Therapy
→In-Home Therapy
We bring therapy to you, eliminating the barriers that make treatment difficult for new mothers:
Benefits of In-Home Sessions:
No childcare needed
No commute or travel stress
Observe real-life challenges in your environment
Practice strategies in the moment
See baby's sleep/feeding patterns firsthand
No "getting ready" pressure
→Building Your Village
Therapy isn't just about you—it's about building a sustainable support system:
Creating Meaningful Support:
Identify your current support gaps
Practice asking for specific help
Connect with other mothers authentically
Access community resources (support groups, mother's groups)
Address barriers to accepting help (guilt, perfectionism, pride)
→Partner Involvement
With your consent, we can include your partner in sessions to:
Educate them about maternal mental health
Facilitate conversations about division of labor
Teach communication skills
Address resentment before it becomes toxic
Create shared parenting strategies
§What to Expect in Therapy
→First Session
Your current challenges and what brought you to therapy
Your support system (or lack thereof)
Your mental health history
Your birth experience and postpartum period
Immediate coping strategies you can use right away
Safety assessment if needed
→Ongoing Sessions
Processing difficult emotions (grief, anger, resentment, guilt)
Challenging unhelpful thought patterns
Improving communication with partner
Setting boundaries with family
Developing self-compassion
Integrating your mother identity with your whole self
Practical coping strategies for daily challenges
→Duration
Every mother's journey is unique. Some see significant improvement in 8-12 weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support. We'll regularly assess progress and adjust as needed.
Some see significant improvement in 8-12 weeks, while others benefit from longer-term support.
§Why Choose Bloom Psychology for Maternal Mental Health
→Specialized Maternal Mental Health Training
Dr. Jana Rundle is Perinatal Mental Health Certified (PMH-C) with specialized training in:
Postpartum mood and anxiety disorders
Maternal identity development
Infant-maternal attachment
Perinatal loss and grief
The fourth trimester transition
→Judgment-Free, Realistic Approach
We won't tell you to "just enjoy every moment" or "practice more self-care." We understand:
Motherhood is hard—even when you wanted this
You can love your child and miss your old life
Asking for help isn't weakness
"Good enough" parenting is actually optimal
Self-care requires systemic support, not just bubble baths
→Flexible Care Options
In-Home Sessions: Therapy comes to you—no childcare, no commute, no pressure to leave your baby.
Telehealth: Secure video sessions from anywhere in Texas, perfect for nap time therapy.
In-Office Care: Our North Austin office offers a peaceful space with nursing privacy and baby-friendly accommodations.
→Austin's Premier Maternal Mental Health Support
Serving North Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Lakeway, and all of Texas via secure telehealth.
Austin's Premier Maternal Mental Health Support Serving North Austin, Round Rock, Cedar Park, Georgetown, Pflugerville, Lakeway, and all of Texas via secure telehealth.
§You Deserve Support
You're not failing at motherhood—you're navigating one of life's most profound transitions without adequate support. Therapy isn't admitting defeat; it's recognizing that you deserve care too.
You can be a good mother AND struggle. You can love your children AND miss your old life. You can want help AND be capable. These aren't contradictions—they're the reality of motherhood.
You can be a good mother AND struggle.
Motherhood Support System
Compassionate Assessment
Begin with a thorough evaluation of your current challenges, whether you're expecting, newly postpartum, or navigating ongoing parenting stress. New mothers in the postpartum period may benefit from our <a href="/new-mom-program" class="text-[#f8b5c4] underline hover:text-[#1e3a5f] transition-colors">specialized new mom program</a> providing 8 weeks of structured support designed specifically for the fourth trimester challenges—depression, anxiety, identity shifts, and overwhelming adjustment.
Flexible Care Plan
Develop a personalized treatment approach with options for in-home, telehealth, or office sessions to accommodate your family's needs.
Integrated Support
Access a network of resources including support groups, parenting skills, and when needed, coordination with your healthcare providers.
Key Benefits
Reduced Overwhelm
Practical strategies to manage the daily demands of motherhood.
Emotional Regulation
Tools to navigate the intense emotions that accompany motherhood.
Identity Integration
Reconcile your pre-mom identity with your evolving role as a mother.
Relationship Nurturing
Maintain connection with your partner while meeting your children's needs.
Maternal Confidence
Build trust in your parenting decisions amid conflicting advice.
Community Connection
Reduce isolation through thoughtful introduction to supportive parent networks.
Frequently Asked Questions
We're here to answer your questions about this service.
How does in-home therapy work?
We bring professional therapeutic support directly to your home, eliminating childcare concerns and allowing us to observe and address real-life challenges in your everyday environment. Sessions typically last 50-60 minutes, and you don't need to worry about cleaning your house or "having it together" before we arrive. The goal is to meet you where you are—literally and figuratively.
What if I think I have postpartum depression?
If you're experiencing persistent sadness, anxiety, fatigue beyond normal newborn exhaustion, or thoughts of harming yourself or your baby, we provide prompt assessment and treatment. We offer dedicated <a href="/services/postpartum-depression-support" class="text-[#f8b5c4] underline hover:text-[#1e3a5f] transition-colors">postpartum depression and anxiety services</a> for mothers experiencing mood disorders after childbirth. For severe symptoms, we coordinate with medical providers to ensure comprehensive care.
Can my baby be present during sessions?
Absolutely. We design our mom-focused sessions with the understanding that your baby may be present and may need attention during our time together. You can nurse, soothe, change diapers, or tend to your baby's needs during the session. In fact, this can be valuable—we see firsthand your challenges and strengths, and can coach you in real time.
Do you work with moms of older children too?
Yes! The challenges of motherhood evolve but don't disappear as children grow. We support mothers through all stages from pregnancy through the empty nest transition. Whether you're dealing with toddler tantrums, tween emotions, teenage rebellion, or adjusting to adult children leaving home, maternal mental health matters at every stage.
I feel like a bad mom for needing therapy. Is something wrong with me?
Absolutely not. Seeking therapy doesn't mean you're failing—it means you're taking your mental health seriously. Motherhood is one of life's biggest transitions, and professional support is often necessary. The strongest mothers are those who recognize when they need help. You wouldn't judge a friend for going to therapy—extend yourself the same compassion.
How is therapy different from venting to friends?
While friends provide valuable emotional support, therapy offers structured, evidence-based treatment from someone trained in maternal mental health. We help you identify underlying patterns, challenge unhelpful thoughts, develop coping strategies, process complex emotions, and create sustainable change. Plus, therapy is a judgment-free space where you can say things you might feel guilty sharing with friends or family.
What if my partner doesn't think I need therapy?
Your mental health is your decision, not your partner's. If you're struggling, you deserve support regardless of whether your partner understands. That said, we offer partner education sessions to help them understand what you're experiencing and how they can better support you. Often, partners become strong advocates for therapy once they see the positive changes.
Can you help with relationship issues with my partner?
Yes. Many mothers come to individual therapy initially to address their own struggles but discover that relationship dynamics are contributing to their distress. We can work on communication skills, setting boundaries, expressing needs, and addressing resentment in individual sessions. If both partners are willing, we can also provide couples therapy focused on the transition to parenthood.
How do I find time for therapy with a baby?
This is exactly why we offer in-home sessions and flexible telehealth—you don't have to leave home or arrange childcare. Many mothers schedule sessions during nap time, early morning before their partner leaves for work, or evening after their partner gets home. We work with your schedule, not against it. Self-care isn't selfish—it's necessary for you to show up for your family.
What if I can't afford therapy right now?
Dr. Rundle is considered an out-of-network provider on all insurance panels. We provide detailed Super Bills for you to submit to your insurance for reimbursement if you have out-of-network mental health benefits. Many plans cover 50-80% of session costs. We also offer a free 15-minute consultation, sliding scale options when available, and can provide referrals to low-cost community resources if our services aren't accessible. Your mental health is worth the investment.
Ready to Begin Your Journey?
Take the first step toward healing and growth with a free 15-minute consultation. Join our supportive community and access ongoing therapeutic care.