By Maggie Cavanaugh Motherhood is often described as something we should feel endlessly grateful for. And while gratitude can be meaningful, it can also become a quiet source of guilt — especially when it’s used to silence very real feelings of exhaustion, frustration, or sadness. At Rising Sun Therapy, we often remind mothers: Two things can be true at the same time.  You can love your children deeply and  feel overwhelmed by motherhood. What Is “Mom Guilt”? Mom guilt is the persistent...

If you’ve ever thought, “Why do I feel so different since becoming a mom?”  — you’re not imagining it. Pregnancy and motherhood don’t just change your schedule or priorities. They literally change your brain and nervous system . At Rising Sun Therapy, we often remind mothers of this truth: Your nervous system isn’t broken — it’s adapting. Your Brain Is Rewired for Caregiving Neuroscience shows that pregnancy triggers structural changes in the brain , particularly in areas related to empathy,...

At Rising Sun Therapy, we recognize that the journey into parenthood can be one of the most transformative experiences in a person's life. However, it can also bring significant emotional and psychological challenges. Perinatal mental health encompasses the emotional and mental well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Understanding these challenges is crucial for providing support and care to new parents and their families. The Scope of Perinatal Mental Health...