About Heather Toum LMHC
Counselor for Fertility Problems & Postpartum Depression and Anxiety
Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to help others and to be a mom. Unfortunately, it took a lot longer than expected to become a mom…15 years to complete my family. I did not expect to struggle as much as I did, both physically and mentally after having my children. This journey has changed my life.
How my passion developed
I understand what it’s like to have multiple failed cycles, IVF cycles, and miscarriages. To be heartbroken year after year when another Mother’s Day, birthday, and Thanksgiving went by without children. To feel angry with your body for “failing” you. To avoid social gatherings and everyone you’ve imagined had an easy road to having children. And to feel a deep, intense ache that you know cannot be filled any other way.
“I will never give up on something I couldn’t imagine living a day without”
After feeling like I hit rock bottom, something shifted in me. I somehow found the strength to give it everything I had. Not only for my future children (hopefully), but because I couldn’t imagine a life without them. Rather than letting the anger and sadness take over, I decided to accept my circumstances and learn everything I could about how to change them. I read and tried everything I could get my hands on that would improve my odds of becoming pregnant and was safe and reasonable. Most importantly, I focused on shifting my self-talk and practicing self-compassion. And now that I made it to the other side, nothing fires me up more than being alongside other women going through the same challenges.
How I live out my passion as a therapist
Fast forward to today. Over the last decade I have counseled children, adolescents, and adults with a multitude of mental health issues. In the last 5 years, my focus has turned to supporting women with fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum challenges. I am passionate about helping those struggling with fertility issues, specifically helping women find the strength, support, and coping skills that they need to continue their fertility journey. My other passion is helping pregnant women prepare for a healthy and happy postpartum experience and helping moms struggling with mental and physical wellness after childbirth.
In addition to working primarily with pregnant and postpartum women over the last few years at Center for Perinatal Wellness in Easthampton, MA, I have completed extensive training through Postpartum Support International and a post-graduate certificate in using CBT for perinatal emotional complications. I also experienced postpartum anxiety first-hand with the birth of my first child.