Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health covers the emotional wellbeing of women during pregnancy and the year after birth. Reproductive and perinatal psychiatry is a specialized area, and it is exactly where Natasha Massoudi, MD, MPH, a physician fellowship-trained in women's mental health, focuses her care. The mood and anxiety changes of this stage are common, treatable, and never a reflection of how much you love your baby or your family.
Conditions We Care For
This one page addresses the range of perinatal and reproductive mental health concerns, including:
- Postpartum depression and postpartum anxiety
- Depression and anxiety during pregnancy
- Perinatal OCD, including distressing intrusive thoughts
- Mood changes and overwhelm in the transition to parenthood
- Questions about psychiatric medication, breastfeeding, and pregnancy planning
Mental Health During Pregnancy and Medication Safety
Pregnancy does not protect against depression and anxiety, and for some women, symptoms first appear or worsen during these months. One of the most common and stressful questions is whether it is safe to take or continue medication. Dr. Massoudi provides careful, individualized guidance on the risks and benefits of treatment during pregnancy and breastfeeding, so you can make an informed decision with a physician who understands both your mental health and this life stage.
Family Planning and Medication Counseling
If you are thinking ahead to pregnancy, preconception planning is a thoughtful place to start. Dr. Massoudi offers medication counseling for women who take psychiatric medication and are planning to conceive, helping you weigh options and prepare for a healthy pregnancy with your mental health supported, not sidelined.
How We Care for You
Care is collaborative, evidence-based, and paced to what you can manage right now. As a physician who also provides psychotherapy, Dr. Massoudi may draw on therapy, practical support, and, when appropriate, medication chosen with pregnancy and breastfeeding in mind. Medication is one tool, not the entire plan, and every recommendation is made with you.
What to Expect at Your First Visit
Your first appointment is an unhurried 90 minute evaluation. There is no judgment and no pressure, only space to be honest about how you are really doing. Care is delivered by secure telehealth across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida, so you can meet from home, even with a newborn nearby.
What to Expect in Care
A few things set Lilac Psychiatry apart, and you feel them from the very first visit:
- One physician, through every stage. Every visit is with Dr. Massoudi, before, during, and after pregnancy.
- Fellowship-trained in perinatal care. Trained in women's mental health, with real expertise in pregnancy and the postpartum year.
- Unhurried, judgment-free time. First visits run 90 minutes, space to be honest about how you are really doing.
- Careful choices, not just a prescription. Therapy, support, and, when needed, medication chosen with pregnancy and breastfeeding in mind.
You do not have to navigate this season alone.
Compassionate, physician-led care for pregnancy and postpartum, from wherever you are.
FAQs
Postpartum depression is a mood condition that can develop during pregnancy or in the year after birth. It goes beyond the short-lived baby blues, causing persistent low mood, anxiety, or disconnection that interferes with daily life. It is common and very treatable.
It can begin during pregnancy or any time in the first year after birth, though it often appears in the first several weeks to months postpartum. Because timing varies, it is worth reaching out whenever symptoms feel persistent.
Without support it can last many months, but with treatment most women improve significantly. Therapy, support, and, when appropriate, medication can shorten the course and ease symptoms considerably.
Many treatment options can be used thoughtfully during pregnancy and breastfeeding. The right choice depends on your history and symptoms. Dr. Massoudi provides individualized guidance on the risks and benefits so you can make an informed decision.
Yes. Dr. Massoudi provides pregnancy and postpartum mental health care by secure telehealth for women in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Florida, so you can be seen from wherever you feel most comfortable.