Most people have heard of postnatal depression, but many mental health conditions can occur in the perinatal period (pregnancy and postpartum). These are summarised below: Continue reading “Perinatal Mental Health Conditions”
There is so much to write about breastfeeding; in one way or another, it often appears in my therapy room. What I don’t see written about is the hidden mental health toll of breastfeeding.
After having a baby, women are typically more sensitive. Throw in the sleep deprivation on top, and it can seem that your emotions can reach new heights.
The deepest love.
The biggest worries.
The most incredible joy.
The highest irritations.
And grief, for what you’ve lost.
Postnatal anxiety can look many different ways, such as:
Did you know…
Between 70 – 100% of mums with babies will have frightening thoughts about something bad happening to their baby?¹²
This is a really high number, but it’s something that people don’t talk about. These thoughts can involve accidental harm (such as worrying about SIDS, your baby getting sick, or leaving them somewhere) or intentional harm (like seeing yourself shake or hit your baby).
Continue reading “What can you do if you have scary thoughts about your baby?”
Growing your family and having babies. Continue reading “Perinatal mental health matters”
Many women experience intrusive thoughts or images in the weeks after having their baby. Intrusive thoughts involve some type of harm happening to baby, which can be really scary and isolating. Continue reading “Scary Thoughts After Birth”
Pregnancy support counselling is a particular type of nonjudgmental counselling that aims to provide support and objective information for women experiencing difficulties related to recent or current pregnancy, or even whether to consider planning a pregnancy. Reasons why women may access this service include the following:
– Discussing issues related to a recent pregnancy, such as loss (including miscarriage, stillbirth, birth trauma, or loss of your infant), or coming to terms with a termination.
There are several myths about motherhood that are communicated through the media and by other people. If you strongly believe these myths, and then find the reality of motherhood to be quite different, you can be left feeling like you’re failing or not measuring up. No one likes to feel inadequate. Understanding what these myths are, and having a balanced understanding of what motherhood is really like can help relieve unnecessary guilt, shame, anxiety, frustration, or inadequacy. Continue reading “Motherhood Myths”
