Pregnancy, Postpartum and Infertility

Perinatal Mood Disorders

Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring major physical, emotional, and social changes. It’s common to feel overwhelmed, anxious, sad, or disconnected at times — but when those feelings become intense, persistent, or interfere with daily life, they may indicate a perinatal mood disorder. There’s no shame in asking for help. At Dr. Laura Fraint and Associates, we provide compassionate personalized care for adults in Northbrook, IL or the Lincoln Square neighborhood who are navigating pregnancy, postpartum adjustment, and related mood concerns. We also provide teletherapy if you are located (almost) anywhere in the United States.

Who we help

  • Pregnant women and new parents experiencing anxiety, depression, panic, intrusive thoughts, or overwhelming worry

  • Parents coping with obsessive or intrusive thoughts, severe mood swings, insomnia, or difficulty bonding with the baby

  • Women struggling with relationship changes, sexual concerns, or communication difficulties after pregnancy

  • Individuals with a history of mood or anxiety disorders who are worried about relapse during pregnancy or postpartum

Common perinatal mood disorders

  • Perinatal depression: Persistent sadness, loss of interest, low energy, appetite or sleep changes, difficulty concentrating, and feelings of worthlessness or guilt.

  • Postpartum anxiety and panic: Excessive worry about the baby’s safety, uncontrollable worrying, panic attacks, irritability, and physical symptoms like racing heart.

  • Obsessive-compulsive symptoms: Intrusive, unwanted thoughts (often about harm coming to the baby) with repetitive mental or behavioral rituals to reduce distress.

  • Postpartum PTSD: Distressing memories, hypervigilance, avoidance, or emotional numbness following a traumatic birth or medical event.

  • Postpartum psychosis (rare and urgent): Delusions, hallucinations, severe confusion, or disorganized thinking—requires immediate medical attention.

Contact Dr. Laura Fraint and Associates to schedule an assessment or to discuss how we can support you and your family, We provide compassionate personalized care for adults in Northbrook, IL or the Lincoln Square. We also provide teletherapy if you are located (almost) anywhere in the United States.

Coping with Infertility

Infertility can be one of the most isolating, painful experiences a person or couple faces. Alongside medical evaluations and treatment decisions, emotional well-being matters. Below are practical strategies and supports to help you cope while navigating fertility challenges.

Therapy can help you understand common emotional reactions

  • Grief and loss: It’s normal to grieve the loss of expected plans, timelines, or imagined futures.

  • Anger and resentment: You may feel anger toward your body, medical providers, others with children, or each other.

  • Guilt and shame: People often internalize infertility as a personal failure. This is common but not accurate.

  • Anxiety and hypervigilance: Worry about appointments, test results, finances, or future possibilities is common.

  • Isolation and loneliness: Social activities and relationships can feel uncomfortable, leading people to withdraw.

If infertility is affecting your daily life, relationships, or mental health, consider scheduling an initial consultation. You do not have to manage this alone — support can reduce suffering and help you make the choices that are right for you. Contact Dr. Laura Fraint and Associates to schedule an assessment or to discuss how we can support you. We provide compassionate personalized care for adults in Northbrook, IL or the Lincoln Square. We also provide teletherapy if you are located (almost) anywhere in the United States