About Us

why choose mindful momma therapy services?

From seeing that first positive pregnancy test to hearing your baby cry for the first time, motherhood is full of joy, love, and excitement. It is also full of questions, worries, and "how am I going to do this?" moments. Often times, many women are left to research their questions on their own, or feel too ashamed to ask for help. Sometimes, women are left to navigate motherhood with minimal support from their medical team or community.

Why is maternal mental health important to focus on during pregnancy? Even when you have no history of mood disorders?

According to Postpartum Support International:

Approximately 15% of women experience significant depression following childbirth.
Approximately 6% of pregnant women and 10% of postpartum women develop anxiety, many in addition to symptoms of depression.
As many as 3-5% of new mothers and some new fathers will experience postpartum obsessive-compulsive (OCD) symptoms.
Approximately 9% of women experience postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following childbirth.
Postpartum psychosis occurs in approximately 1 to 2 out of every 1,000 deliveries, or approximately .1 -.2% of births.

Receiving proper education before baby arrives has been shown to decrease risk of / lessen severity of perinatal mood disorders.

With Mindful Momma Therapy Services, you will feel supported throughout the entire perinatal period so you can focus on yourself and your family.

How We Can Help

Mindful Momma Therapy Services is dedicated to providing a comprehensive program to expecting mothers and families. Research continuously shows that with the proper perinatal education, moms can enter the newborn phase feeling more confident in their new role, and can reduce the risk of postpartum mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and OCD.

My mission is to fill the gaps that are seen within the medical community, who often do not focus on mental health, but rather the physical health of mom and baby. Although this is an extremely important piece of perinatal care, it leaves much to be desired.

As an Occupational Therapist, my role is dedicated to educating, coaching, and training families in order to improve the overall health and well-being of the entire family unit once the new bundle of joy arrives. Topics covered within the program have been chosen specifically by moms in the community.

From self-care to postpartum fitness, I have you covered!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE

As a mom of two littles, I know how it feels.

I know what it feels like to feel just a little lost, a bit overwhelmed, really emotional, and extremely exhausted. I know what it feels like to wonder why other moms seem to have it together more than I do. To worry about what milestones my kid may or may not meet and if I was doing enough to help them reach those milestones. To question myself endlessly about if I was doing everything I possibly could to keep my baby safe and healthy.

I know how hard it is to ask for help or to even accept help that was offered. I know what "mom guilt" feels like. I know that breastfeeding is hard, and that weaning is also hard. I know how it feels to bottle feed and wonder if I am being judged for it. I know what frustration at 3am feels like when all I want to do is get some restful sleep.

Luckily, I also know what the other side feels like... and my goal is to get you there as quickly as possible so you can enjoy this new chapter.

Meet the Momma

Heather L. Nickelson, MS, OTR/L

Heather graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with her B.S. in Healthcare Sciences and went on to receive her master's in occupational therapy from Washington University School of Medicine. Her research focus was pediatric developmental disabilities and the efficacy of parent training and education.

Heather is married with three daughters, ages 5, 3, and 18 months. Although she has always loved helping others and supporting moms, her passion for perinatal mental health blossomed after having firsthand experience with postpartum depression. She quickly realized that she was not receiving the education and support she needed to thrive as a new mother. After extensive research and continuing education, she decided to bring her knowledge to the St. Louis area to be the support she needed when she was in the trenches. With a commitment to improve overall outcomes in the community, Heather offers free resources to local clinics, offices, and community-based organizations.

Research has repeatedly shown the direct connection between movement, nutrition, stress management, and social support to maternal mental health outcomes. To treat the whole person, she became a NASM Certified Personal Trainer, an AFPA Pre/Postnatal Exercise Specialist, and a Precision Nutrition Certified Nutrition Coach. She also understands how delicate the breastfeeding journey is and moved on to become a breastfeeding counselor to further support her clients.