Understanding pregnancy, birth, motherhood and beyond…
Pregnancy, childbirth and new parenthood is a special period in one’s life. For some, the months of transition are filled with hopes, dreams, anticipation and excitement. For others this transition may not be as smooth as you may undergo unexpected feelings of anxiety, fear, sadness and grief.
It is not uncommon for new parents to experience the changes and challenges of having a newborn baby as overwhelming. Issues around infertility, a previous miscarriage, traumatic birth and/or other significant losses may resurface at this time. This is often compounded by the physical strain of exhaustion and other stressors such as, financial pressure.
Individuals in their new parenting role and/or the couple may require support to navigate the many emotions and issues of being a new parent.
New fathers often feel undervalued, ignored or unsupported as they adjust to parenthood. They have their own stresses to deal with too. One of the most significant changes for new fathers is that they often have to shoulder responsibilities on their own that were previously shared with their partner like concerns about money, work and time pressures. New fathers are often just as stressed and sleep deprived as their partner.
Almost 1 in 10 woman experience antenatal depression, and 1 in 7 in the postnatal period. Anxiety is likely to be as common or higher, the baby blues (irritability, overly sensitive in interactions with others and moods) usually clear up after a few days. However, if you find that the baby blues aren’t lifting and you have been feeling like this for a while and it’s starting to affect your life, it may be time to seek some professional help.
Life as you know it changes from what you buy at the supermarket, to the conversations you find yourself having and the way you relate to your partner/husband or wife. In addition, there is physical toll on your body through loss of sleep and time that is no longer yours. These physical, emotional and mental demands require adjustment and management. This may also be compounded by other factors including financial pressures, family challenges and the impact of the family of origin on the new family unit.
Parenting is an ongoing process of change and adjustment. Counselling and support can help empower new fathers and new mothers during these times.
