Intro:

Abby is a psychotherapist and licensed clinical social worker in San Diego, CA. She has been providing mental health counseling since 1998, and specializes in perinatal mental health. She integrates her passion for birth with her clinical knowledge. Abby is very active in the postpartum mental health community and has served on the board of the Postpartum Health Alliance. Abby shares tons of helpful information via social media and her blog.

From Abby:

I work with people from all walks of life, but I have a special place in my heart for women who are wanting to conceive, pregnant, postpartum, and parenting. For many parents, it becomes second nature to focus on our children. Unfortunately, this sometimes means letting self-care slide. I believe taking care of ourselves is one of the most important things we can do to take care of others.

Have you ever flown on a plane? Do you remember the instructions the flight attendants give us about oxygen masks? “If you are traveling with someone needing your assistance, be sure to place your own oxygen mask first.” If we pass out, we won’t be any good to those that need us.

After having my own two babies, I was surprised to learn that the most common complication of childbirth is how it affects mental health. 80% of new moms experience “the baby blues”; as many as 1 in 5 develop clinical depression, and even more experience postpartum anxiety. I thought I had prepared for everything during my first pregnancy. Yet, I was still unprepared for the challenges of the postpartum stage.

During my second pregnancy, I continued to read more and learn more. I decided to pursue an unmedicated birth. Taking our hypnobirthing class really resonated with me. All of the information related to the mind-body connection was consistent with my learning. But the results were even more powerful than I anticipated. After the "high" of a pain-free, unmedicated birth, I briefly wanted to have more and more babies. (Then the reality of parenting multiple kids set in, and I decided to not let the kids outnumber us.)

Soon after my second was born, a friend of mine was getting very anxious because she was approaching 42 weeks and worried she wouldn't get to deliver at a birth center. I spoke with her over the phone around lunch time, addressing her anxiety and helping her activate her strengths and coping strategies. She ended up delivering a healthy, beautiful baby without medication or intervention before dinner.

It was amazing! I couldn't believe how powerful a little help from me could be. I realized this was "what I wanted to be when I grew up." I already had the skill set to help with depression and anxiety. This was how I could how I could be a part of the beauty of birth.

This time in our life of becoming a parent is such a vulnerable time. It can be devastatingly hard or incredibly rewarding. I help my clients find and stay on the path they choose. Some mourn the loss of their lives, the loss of the self they used to be before kids. I love to help women come into themselves, finding and embracing their new identities.

Warmly,
Abby

Business Info:

Burd Psychotherapy
Abigail Burd, MSW, LCSW, BCD
Psychotherapist and Licensed Clinical Social Worker
www.burdtherapy.com
619-289-7818
abby@burdtherapy.com

5252 Balboa Ave, Suite 803
San Diego, CA 92117
(Corner of Genesee in Clairemont)

Abby's Free Gift: Mindfulness and Breathing Meditations