I am SO excited to share with you today one incredible woman. I first learned about Angela after having my second baby and was going to Circle of Life Chiropractic for adjustments. She had a little room inside Circle’s office so I researched her, found her on Instagram and started following along on her journey. I was and am still constantly impressed by her passion, knowledge and ability to help women in our community. I won’t give it all away here in my intro but I am so happy I found her and can now share her magic with you all. Read on to find out what makes her so unique and special.
*The pictures are not my own, she so graciously shared them with me so you can see her doing what she loves.
Tell me who you are and what you are passionate about!
Hi! I’m Angela Mancini. I’m a licensed mental health therapist, registered yoga instructor, accredited supervisor, certified birth doula, certified placenta encapsulator, and certified child birth educator. That’s a mouthful I know. I’m also a mom of three kids and a dog and a wife! My passions are helping empower women to live their best and most fulfilling life, whether that be during their birth or motherhood or just in their everyday life!
What led you to your specialty?
I specialize in perinatal mood disorders, which is essentially any mental health diagnosis during and after pregnancy. After my first child I had significant postpartum rage and anxiety. I thought it was normal to feel that way because I had a colicky and reflux baby. But after my second I had that same feeling but throw in some depression and suicidal thoughts. I thought ok she’s a perfect baby and I’m feeling this way, something isn’t right. This was in the height of COVID so trying to find help was rough and when I found help, I was essentially just a number. I wanted that connection and I didn’t have it so I wanted to be that person I needed in that time.
Who do you serve? What types of clients?
I serve women in transitional moments in their life and women dealing with fertility issues.
Why would someone reach out to you?
Someone would reach out to me if they truly wanted to be heard and seeking change. I left my office in manasquan and now do virtual and walk and talk sessions. The walk and talks can be outside or indoors in coffee shops, restaurants, malls etc. I wanted to take away that stigma and stuffy feeling of being in an office. So someone who wants that comfort of a friendly conversation and realness would be my ideal client!
When should someone in need of your services reach out to you?
Whenever you feel that feeling of “oh something isn’t right” or “I don’t want to feel this way anymore” then it’s time for a change.
For those looking to grow their family and are interested in improving their chances of fertility how can you help?
I can help with fertility improvements by taking away the anxiety piece of fertility. Trying to get pregnant or going through fertility treatments are scary! We feel very much a loss of control and I’m there to help you go back in the drivers seat and feel in control of your emotions because unfortunately that’s the only thing in this situation that you have control over.
How do you help families who are currently expecting?
Families that are currently expecting are obviously excited but with that they are also terrified of what’s to come! Whether that be with the actual delivery or life after baby comes. I could help prepare you for the labor and delivery and actually be there during that process as well! Then we can help regulate your emotions and anxieties surrounding what life is like with a newborn and these hormones that are trying to regulate after baby leaves our body’s.
What is a common complaint you receive that you are able to treat or support?
A common complaint would be intrusive thoughts surrounding babies. “Is baby breathing?” “Is baby too cold?” “What would happen if I dropped baby?” “If my car fell off a bridge would I survive the with baby?” Those type of scary intrusive thoughts that no one talks about, but are very common. I can help challenge those thoughts and normalize those feelings.
What are some things you can recommend to a pregnant mom and/or her family to improve her pregnancy/labor/birth/postpartum?
I would recommend asking for help! Having a doula supporting you through your labor and delivery is crucial and then asking for help postpartum. “It takes a village” is so cliche but so true!
What are some ways you help families who just had a baby?
I help families who just had a baby but taking the attention off of the baby and bringing it back on to mom. You just brought a human into this world! You’re a friggen super hero! A lot of people forget to baby the mother and it’s mainly focused on the infant. The United States is very infant focused. I want to be that sounding board for the mother.
What are some ways you help families throughout the first year?
The first year is considered the postpartum year. I am there as a mental health support.
What are some resources you can recommend to expectant/newly postpartum families?
I would say that newly pregnant and postpartum families should utilize all of the options that are out there such as chiropractic care, lactation support, pelvic floor therapy etc.
What would you like every woman, parent or caregiver to know?
That you are forming this new human into being an amazing person and adult one day but you need to take care of yourself first. You can’t pour from an empty cup.
How can people reach out to you?
Through my website www.lalunacounselingandwellness.com
Instagram @lalunacounseling
Call/text 7329436791