Virtual Therapy Transformed My Postpartum Experience

Experiencing a miscarriage and welcoming my fourth child during the pandemic made it evident that I needed therapy. Ironically, the very situation that could have hindered my access to mental health support—the pandemic—actually opened doors for me. Virtual therapy provided a way for busy moms like myself, often with sleeping babies nearby, to prioritize our mental wellbeing. I’ve decided I won’t return to in-person therapy, and I know many other mothers feel the same.

Embracing the Convenience of Telehealth

This wasn’t my first encounter with therapy, but the option of virtual sessions removed the logistical hurdles that would have made in-person visits impossible during the pandemic. I’m not alone in this shift; a 2021 survey indicated that one in four participants had used telehealth services in the previous month. To learn more, I consulted Dr. Sarah Williams, who emphasizes how essential virtual therapy and mental health apps (like Talk Space) have been for new parents during these challenging times. “As new parents, do you really have the time to seek out support for yourself?” she asks, highlighting the ease of attending sessions from home. Instead of spending hours commuting, I could dedicate just 45 minutes to a therapist from the comfort of my own living space.

Regardless of whether they are experiencing depression, many new parents need the respite that a therapy session can provide. “Parents often think they can just give, give, give, and end up feeling depleted,” Dr. Williams explains. Therapy equips them with the tools to navigate relationship challenges and find balance, which can feel overwhelming. She often reminds parents that neurochemical changes after childbirth can lead to feelings of sadness, and therapy can help them reconnect with themselves.

While I didn’t officially have postpartum depression, the loss of a baby, a year-long struggle to conceive, and the chaos of working and learning from home left me feeling overwhelmed. I was far from the self-care ideals I saw on social media, battling anxiety as I tried to balance work, family, and my own mental health. The demands felt insurmountable, especially as I juggled quarantine schedules and household responsibilities while worrying about how to care for four children.

Financial Relief from Virtual Sessions

After beginning therapy via Zoom, I noticed significant improvements in my mental health. With the therapist, I explored affirmations and delved into my late-night anxieties about SIDS, my frustrations with balancing life’s demands, and the guilt I felt regarding my child’s mental health. Furthermore, since I only had to pay my copay, I realized I was saving money that would have gone to a babysitter for in-person sessions. Many moms are opting for teletherapy as therapists have expanded their availability beyond traditional hours. Dr. Williams notes that this flexibility also benefits therapists, allowing them to work later in the evening.

Comfort and Challenges of Virtual Therapy

The comfort of attending therapy from home is appealing, especially for those who may find it difficult to leave the house due to anxiety or depression. “You can be in your comfy clothes, sit on the floor, or even be present with your child while nursing,” she explains, noting that children typically cannot accompany parents to in-person appointments.

However, virtual therapy has its downsides. “There are certain non-verbal cues that can be missed on-screen,” Dr. Williams cautions, urging clients to keep their cameras on during sessions. Observing behaviors that aren’t verbally expressed—like fidgeting or signs of distress—is crucial. Building a connection with a therapist can also feel less personal than face-to-face interactions. Dr. Williams suggests considering a blended approach, as human connection is vital, even if virtual options have proven invaluable. Without the accessibility that virtual therapy has provided during the pandemic, I might not have been able to seek the support I desperately needed during such a challenging time.

Jamie Parker is a freelance writer based in Seattle, focusing on parenting, health, and wellness topics. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with her three kids, who keep her life lively and unpredictable. With years of experience in content creation, Jamie aims to share relatable insights and valuable information with her readers.

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Summary:

Virtual therapy has profoundly changed my postpartum experience, offering me support I desperately needed during the chaos of the pandemic. The convenience of telehealth has allowed me to prioritize my mental health without the barriers of traditional in-person visits. As I continue to navigate motherhood, I embrace the accessibility and comfort that virtual sessions provide, knowing that this modern approach to therapy is here to stay.

Keyphrase: Virtual therapy postpartum experience

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