Brandy Zinn, LPC, PMH-C

10/06/2025

09/10/2025

Women are typically given 6 weeks to recover from pregnancy, but new research has revealed that the brain changes that occur during pregnancy can actually take 2-6 years to recover from, affecting memory, hormones and the woman’s stress response.

Forgetfulness, mental fogginess and difficulty concentrating are common complaints, sometimes referred to as “mom brain”. The massive changes in hormones like estrogen and progesterone during and after pregnancy affect brain chemistry. Progesterone, in particular, can cause drowsiness and contribute to mental fog. Also, the chronic exhaustion that comes with caring for a newborn significantly impacts memory and focus. Additionally, a mother’s priorities shift completely to her new baby, and the mental load of new responsibilities, anxiety, and stress can interfere with concentration and memory.

After childbirth, hormone levels like progesterone and estrogen, which were extremely elevated during pregnancy, drop dramatically and the hormone levels continue to fluctuate for months or even years while the body adjusts. These hormonal shifts, along with other life changes, can contribute to mood swings, anxiety and depression.

Furthermore, the body’s stress response undergoes significant changes during and after pregnancy. Pregnancy alters the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, which regulates the body’s response to stress. Elevated levels of the stress hormone cortisol have been linked to changes in the amygdala, a brain region involved in social and emotional development. While these changes are part of a normal adaptation to motherhood, excessive stress can increase the risk of anxiety and depression for the mother and may even affect the child’s neurodevelopment.

It is VITAL to give yourself grace and understand that these changes are beyond your control. I will put a few tips for coping with these changes in the comments section. Take good care of yourselves sweet friends and always ask for help when you need it.

PMID: 21928875

09/02/2025

08/27/2025

08/12/2025

Many moms face the difficult choice of ending a pregnancy due to a devastating maternal or fetal diagnosis. Our online Termination for Medical Reasons Support Group provides non-judgmental support to moms who have experienced termination for medical reasons. This group is not for partners/dads. Led by PSI-trained facilitators, this group helps bereaved mothers find support as well as provides useful information and resources to help them navigate the pain of their loss. Losing a baby can be a lonely experience, and this group helps provide an avenue for healing and hope. We are here to help.

Visit bit.ly/FindSupportGroup to view the schedule and register 💙

05/23/2025

03/28/2025

📣 Exciting news: The Georgia Fund for Perinatal Mental Health application will open on Tuesday, April 1 at 12pm ET!

Individuals who live in Georgia and are pregnant, postpartum, or have experienced a recent perinatal loss is invited to apply at georgiafund.org. Funding is available ONLY to applicants who are uninsured or are enrolled in Medicaid.

All recipients will receive 10 FULLY FUNDED telehealth therapy sessions with a certified perinatal mental health specialist.

Funding is limited and will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Once slots are full, the application will close. This application will open every month on the 1st at 12pm ET. 🧡

03/10/2025

Taking meds for your mental health is no different than taking meds for your physical health.

You wouldn’t shame someone for taking insulin or heart medication... so why is mental health any different?

Meds save lives. Meds restore balance. Meds are healthcare.

If you need them, take them. No guilt. No stigma. No shame.

Share this to help erase the stigma!

🆘 Need Help?
🔵 In an emergency or crisis situation, call or text 988.
🔵 In a non-emergency situation, call or text the HelpLine at 800-944-4773. You never need a diagnosis to ask for help.
🔵 Call or text the National Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA (1-833-852-6262).

02/28/2025

In 2023, a Georgia mother found herself pregnant, sitting in a hospital room, begging staff to help her, but for hours she received no relief.