Valentine’s Day and Postpartum: Reconnecting Amidst the Changes

As a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist (PMH-C) and LMFT in Portland, OR who specializes in Pregnancy and Postpartum Counseling, I often hear new parents talk about how “different” they feel—not just from themselves, but from each other. The months following the birth of a child are full of joy, wonder, and excitement, but they can also be overwhelming and exhausting. In Oregon, about 1 in 5 moms—and nationwide, 1 in 10 dads—experience Postpartum Depression or Postpartum Anxiety. Yes, dads can also struggle emotionally after the arrival of a little one. Parenthood changes everything, and those changes deserve compassion and support.

Finding Connection on Valentine’s Day

Valentine's Day, though traditionally a celebration of romantic love, can offer new parents a valuable opportunity to reconnect as a couple, even if it’s just for a brief moment. It’s about honoring the partnership that helped bring your child into the world and acknowledging the new phase of life you’re both navigating.

As a Perinatal Mental Health Therapist in Portland, Oregon, I encourage couples to redefine intimacy—not as grand gestures, but as small, meaningful acts of connection. A simple hand squeeze, a shared cup of coffee, or a few minutes of uninterrupted conversation can be powerful reminders that you’re still in this together.

Reconnecting with Each Other After Baby

The arrival of a baby shifts the entire couple’s dynamic. The bond that once revolved around shared interests, date nights, and spontaneous moments of affection can now feel overshadowed by sleepless nights, diaper changes, and endless feedings. It’s easy for couples to fall into a pattern of functioning as co-parents rather than partners. However, taking even a brief moment to step outside the roles of “mom” and “dad” can help restore a sense of closeness.

Spending a little time together—whether it’s a quiet dinner at home after the baby is asleep, a walk around the block, or a visit your favorite Portland coffee shop you used to frequent before parenthood—can provide the space you need to talk and remember why you fell in love in the first place. It’s a way of saying, “We’re still us, even amidst the chaos of new parenthood.”

Celebrating Your New Identity

Becoming a parent is a life-altering experience, and with it comes the development of a new identity—one that includes the evolving roles of “mom” and “dad.” For many women, the transition can be especially challenging as they navigate changes in their bodies, emotional well-being, and even their careers. Postpartum Therapy in Portland, OR can help you rediscover your identity while supporting your mental and emotional health.

Your body, even though it might look or feel different after childbirth, is still beautiful. The stretch marks, the new curves, the softness in your skin—they're all part of the incredible journey you've been through. Taking time to acknowledge and celebrate these changes with your partner reinforces love, connection, and self-acceptance.

Taking Care of Yourself—The Best Gift You Can Give

While it’s natural to focus on your baby’s needs, you also deserve care and attention. Your mental and emotional well-being matter just as much as anyone else’s. Giving yourself the gift of support this Valentine’s Day might be the most loving thing you can do—for yourself and your family. When we nurture ourselves, we’re better equipped to care for those we love.

Give Yourself the Gift of Healing

As an LMFT and Perinatal Mental Health Therapist (PMH-C) in Portland, OR, I specialize in helping new parents navigate this tender and transformative time. Whether you’re in Beaverton, Hillsboro, Eugene, or along the Oregon Coast, Telehealth Therapy in Oregon allows you to receive compassionate, specialized Postpartum Depression and Anxiety support from the comfort of your home.

If you’re feeling isolated, anxious, or unsure of yourself after baby, you don’t have to go through it alone. Email me at geraldine.kuph@gmail.com to schedule a phone appointment. Together, we’ll help you feel like yourself again and rediscover hope and balance.

Don’t wait. Take the first step toward your healing journey today.