Pregnancy and the postpartum period bring profound changes – physically, emotionally, and psychologically. If you’re navigating the perinatal period and experiencing challenges with mood, anxiety, adjustment, or simply wanting support as you prepare for or adjust to parenthood, counselling can help.
What Perinatal Support Includes
Perinatal support addresses the psychological and emotional aspects of pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period. This might include managing anxiety or concerns about pregnancy or birth, processing past birth trauma, adjusting to parenthood, managing postpartum mood changes, addressing relationship changes, or exploring identity shifts that come with becoming a parent. The perinatal period – from pregnancy through the early months postpartum – is a time of tremendous change and transition. Many people experience intense emotions, physical changes, and shifting relationships. While many of these changes are normal, sometimes they become overwhelming or distressing. Support during this time can help you navigate the changes more smoothly and feel supported in this major life transition.
How Perinatal Challenges Might Show Up
During pregnancy, you might experience anxiety about pregnancy, birth, or becoming a parent. You might worry about miscarriage, birth complications, or whether you’ll be a “good” parent. These concerns are common, though sometimes they become excessive and distressing. Postpartum, you might experience significant mood changes – sadness, anxiety, irritability, or emotional overwhelm. Sleep disruption adds to these challenges. You might feel disconnected from your baby or struggling with the identity shift from your pre-parent self to parent. Relationships with partners can shift as you both adjust to parenthood. While many postpartum mood changes are normal, when they’re intense or persistent, support becomes important.
Our Approach to Perinatal Support
Working with a psychologist at Growth Psychology, you’ll receive understanding and evidence-based support for the challenges of the perinatal period. We help you manage anxiety or concerns about pregnancy, birth, or parenthood. We support you in adjusting to the profound physical, emotional, and identity changes that come with pregnancy and parenthood. We help you navigate relationship changes that often accompany this transition. We work with you to manage postpartum mood changes and rebuild your sense of wellbeing and capability. Our approach is compassionate and non-judgmental. We understand that the perinatal period can be overwhelming, and we’re here to support you. We work collaboratively with other healthcare providers involved in your care, ensuring you get comprehensive support. Learn more about our
therapeutic approaches.
When to Seek Support
If you’re navigating the perinatal period and experiencing anxiety, mood changes, adjustment difficulties, or simply wanting support as you transition to parenthood – reaching out for counselling can help. The earlier you seek support, the sooner you can feel better and more confident in this major life transition.
