Empathetic Listening
Expectant mothers sometimes feel that their body is not their own. They find it difficult or feel guilty when expressing those feelings to their friends and loved ones. Working with a counsellor will help challenge any unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that may result from a deeper issue. Identifying the root cause will help one feel like themselves again.
Manage Stress and Expectations
When you’re pregnant, you are constantly bombarded with outside influences telling you what you’re doing wrong, what you should be doing differently and everything that could go wrong. Counselling helps to separate the helpful from the not-so-helpful information and to understand and accept that it is okay to make mistakes or not know the right thing to do.
Anxiety and Depression
It is essential to conduct an Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS) at around 30 weeks of pregnancy. Early detection of anxiety or depression can be vital in managing potential postpartum depression. Teaching clients to implement coping strategies and lifestyle changes can make a significant difference. This action may include pre-emptively scheduling postpartum counselling sessions or discussing how parenting can support mama. The EPDS can also be a catalyst for discussing sleep, mood and emotions.
Parenthood, career and marriage
Often parents are shocked at the changes a baby can bring to their life. Discussing and preparing for these changes allows for the least disruption or disappointment in other facets of your life. Preparing to go back to work opens up many stress-inducing thoughts, from losing control of the baby’s activities to managing the parent-child-helper triangle and feelings of low self-esteem.
Mitigating Insecurity
New Mums and sometimes even 2nd-time mums will feel insecure about being responsible for another human. Counselling support can allow these insecurities to be discussed and mitigated.
: Executive Coach & Leadership Consultant
