Perinatal Wellbeing

What is the Perinatal Period?

The term ‘perinatal’ refers to the period of time from trying to become pregnant, coping with pregnancy loss, and the experience of pregnancy and birth through to the first year with your baby. This period is a time of significant change for new parents and existing parents which can significantly impact their sense of wellbeing.

The challenges and mental health issues which frequently accompany this period are often not spoken about and are far more common than people realise. Due to the latter many parents can feel isolated and alone with their struggles. Plans and expectations can quickly give way to the reality of difficulties with conception, complications with pregnancy, traumatic birth and parenting demands, and relationships can become strained.

While there is no 'road map' for managing the challenges which can arise, support is available.

I have extensive training and experience to be able help you manage such issues, having worked at an early parenting counselling service for 6 years.

Taking care of yourself is part of taking care of your baby
‍— Author Unknown

Adjusting to Parenthood

Parenting comes packaged with inherent demands regardless of how pre-informed a person might be about the same. If you and/or your partner are struggling with any of the following issues counselling may be beneficial:

dealing with stress
grief and loss around your 'pre-baby' lifestyle
sense of identity
career on hold
sleep deprivation
difficulties with breast feeding and associated feelings of guilt or a sense of inadequacy
bonding, attachment and positive parenting practices
relationship challenges with partner
feeling isolated from family, friends, or the community
manging boundaries with friends and extended family

Anxiety and PND

(Post Natal Depression)

It is estimated that 1 in every 5 new and expecting mums, and 1 in every ten partners experience perinatal depression and/or anxiety. Parents often experience both PND and anxiety at the same time this can be frightening and isolating while caring for a new baby and possibly having to attend to the needs of older children.

If you and/or your partner are struggling with any of the following counselling may be beneficial:

little or no interest in things which normally bring you joy
abrupt mood swings
panic attacks
development of obsessive thoughts and/or compulsive behaviours
emotional withdrawal
persistent, generalised worry with a focus on your baby’s health, wellbeing or safety
thoughts of harming your baby

Birth Trauma

The delivery of a baby is a positive experience for many women, and for many it can be a mixed experience or even very negative, resulting in physical and/or psychological injuries/trauma. Birth trauma can be exacerbated by inadequate provision of information by medical staff and/or attitudes which are uncaring.

If your baby was premature or born with critical health issues and had to be transferred to a neonatal intensive care unit, the separation from your baby at such an important time will likely require processing.

If there were complications with your pregnancy, labor or birth which resulted in unexpected medical procedures, diverging significantly from your birth plan and associated expectations, you may find it useful to address the same in counselling.

Re-triggering of Complex Trauma

Becoming a parent is a time when most people reflect on their own experience of being parented and identify what they may want to do similarly, but also what they want to do differently.

Where a parent has a history of childhood trauma, any stage along the way of the perinatal period can potentially re-trigger associated memories, feelings and distress. It may be helpful to know that if you are experiencing any related concerns or symptoms they present an opportunity for further recovery and resolution of your trauma history.

Throughout my career as a counsellor and psychotherapist I have worked extensively with people, at different life stages, who have experienced Complex Trauma and attachment trauma. Most importantly, if you and/or your partner are struggling with the same, you don’t have to manage alone. Reaching out for support can only benefit the ongoing relationship with yourself, your partner and your baby.

What is the Perinatal Period?

Adjusting to Parenthood

Anxiety and PND

(Post Natal Depression)

Birth Trauma

Re-triggering of Complex Trauma

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