The Truth About Perinatal Mental Health: What Every Mom Deserves to Know
An interview with Laura Frasier, PsyD, PMH-C
Becoming a mother is often described as magical, transformative, and full of joy—and while those things can absolutely be true, they’re sometimes not the whole truth.
For many women, pregnancy and postpartum bring a wave of emotions they never expected. That’s why I recently sat down with Clinical Psychologist and Certified Perinatal Mental Health Specialist, Dr. Laura Frasier, to talk about what perinatal mental health really looks like—and how moms can feel more prepared, supported, and seen.
Meet Dr. Laura Frasier, PsyD, PMH-C
Dr. Frasier is a licensed clinical psychologist serving clients across MA, DC, NY, and NJ. After receiving her doctorate from The George Washington University in 2015, she began her practice and now sees clients both virtually and in person in Cohasset, MA. Her specialty? Supporting women through the vulnerable and powerful seasons of pregnancy, postpartum, and early motherhood.
And like many of us, her journey into this work became personal.
"Nobody told me..."
Laura became a mom at the start of the pandemic—pregnant during lockdown, and giving birth in May 2020, right when NYC hospitals were restricting birthing partners. “It was really awful,” she shared. “Lots of feeling out of control and so many unknowns.”
Her experience, like so many mothers’, didn’t match the joyful picture she had imagined. Recovery from a C-section was harder than expected. Breastfeeding hurt. The isolation felt crushing. And emotionally, she felt unprepared and overwhelmed.
“What shocked me was that nobody told me,” she said. “Nobody told me how challenging and painful some of this would be.” That experience—deeply personal and profoundly eye-opening—led her to pursue her certification in Perinatal Mental Health and dedicate her practice to supporting mothers in this incredibly tender chapter.
What New Moms Should Know
When I asked her what advice she’d give to new or expecting moms, her answer was simple but powerful: “Stay connected.”
She emphasized the importance of joining postpartum support groups, playgroups, or even just having regular check-ins with other moms. “Collaboration is key,” she says. “Having a support system is a primary factor in staying resilient.”
The other essential piece? Education. Learning about PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) can help new moms spot red flags early and get support. “So many people think, ‘That won’t happen to me,’” she says. “But it can catch us off guard.”
You’re not weak if you’re struggling. You’re human. And help is available.
Motherhood Is a Major Identity Shift
“Going from me as ‘just me’ to ‘me attached to this little being who is part of me’ rocked my world,” Laura shared. “Becoming a mother is a wild and beautiful experience—and it’s something you can’t imagine until you get there.”
As a motherhood photographer, I see that transition play out in so many ways—through the quiet moments, the chaos, the deep love, and yes, the vulnerability. Your mental health matters just as much as any milestone photo. It’s part of your story, and it deserves space and support.
Work With Dr. Frasier
If you’re preparing for motherhood—or already in the thick of it—you can connect with Dr. Laura Frasier through her website. She offers telehealth and in-person sessions in Cohasset, MA.
Because while motherhood might shake you, you don’t have to go through it alone.
