Resources & Articles by Matrescence
Can Menopause Affect Intimacy?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CLauren Ratliff is an Illinois-based certified perinatal therapist, mother of three, and the founder & owner of Matrescence Therapy. Menopause can affect intimacy in ways that are physical, emotional, or a little bit of both....
Is It Normal to Feel Unlike Myself Postpartum?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CLauren Ratliff is an Illinois-based certified perinatal therapist, mother of three, and the founder & owner of Matrescence Therapy. Yes, it is normal to feel unlike yourself postpartum. Becoming a parent can change your...
How Do I Cope with Pregnancy Fatigue While Parenting Another Child?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CLauren Ratliff is an Illinois-based certified perinatal therapist, mother of three, and the founder & owner of Matrescence Therapy. Pregnancy fatigue can feel especially overwhelming when you are already parenting another...
How Does IVF Affect Mental Health?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CLauren Ratliff is an Illinois-based certified perinatal therapist, mother of three, and the founder & owner of Matrescence Therapy. IVF can take a real emotional toll. The appointments, medications, waiting, uncertainty, and...
How Do I Know If Baby Blues Are Something More Serious?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CCertified Perinatal Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and founder of Matrescence TherapyLearn more about Lauren Updated 8/18/2026 It is normal to feel emotional, overwhelmed, or tearful after having a baby, but it is...
Can Infertility Cause Anxiety and Depression?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CCertified Perinatal Therapist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and founder of Matrescence TherapyLearn more about Lauren Updated 8/18/2026 Yes, infertility can cause anxiety and depression because the fertility journey often...
How Can I Prepare Emotionally for My Second Child?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CLauren Ratliff is an Illinois-based certified perinatal therapist, mother of three, and the founder & owner of Matrescence Therapy.Learn more about Lauren Updated 8/16/2026 Preparing for a second child is about more than...
Can Menopause Symptoms Make Your Mental Health Worse?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CLauren Ratliff is an Illinois-based certified perinatal therapist, mother of three, and the founder and owner of Matrescence Therapy.Learn more about Lauren Updated 8/16/2026 Yes. If you're already living with anxiety,...
Why Does IVF Make Me Feel Like My Body Is Failing Me?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CLauren Ratliff is an Illinois-based certified perinatal therapist, mother of three, and founder of Matrescence Therapy.Learn more about Lauren updated 7/10/26 If failed IVF has left you feeling like your body is failing you,...
Why Is My Second Pregnancy Harder Than My First?
Written by Lauren Ratliff, LCSW, PMH-CLauren Ratliff is an Illinois-based certified perinatal therapist, mother of three, and founder of Matrescence Therapy.Learn more about Lauren updated 7/10/2026 If your second pregnancy feels harder than your first, you're not...
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