Are you becoming a mom?
Are you anxious or worried about the changes ahead?
Do you feel unsure how or where to start preparing for baby?
Was your pregnancy a surprise?
Are you being bombarded with unsolicited advice?
Have you had to discontinue medication for anxiety and depression?
Do you need help quitting smoking?
It’s normal to have mixed feelings about one of life’s biggest changes. It can be exciting and overwhelming at the same time. Sure you can buy all the right baby gear, but there is so much more that goes into preparing for baby.
10-15% of women experience anxiety and depression during pregnancy.
You may be at greater risk for depression during pregnancy if you have:
- A personal or family history of mental illness
- A lack of support from family and friends
- Anxiety or negative feelings about the pregnancy
- Problems with a previous pregnancy or birth
- Marriage or money problems
My unique approach to counseling and home organization can help you prepare for this new chapter.
- Explore your thoughts and feelings about the pregnancy
- Address any unresolved issues in your own family-of-origin
- Mourn the end of the child-free chapter of your life
- Learn techniques to control anxiety
Do you have a newborn baby?
You may feel:
Anxious or worried you’re doing something wrong- Scared to be alone with your baby
- Tired but unable to sleep
- Pressure to breastfeed despite difficulty
- Disappointed that motherhood is not what you expected
- Struggle to connect with your baby
- Disconnected from your partner or strain on your relationship
Does this sound like you?
If so, you may also feel guilty about some of the thought and feelings you are having. You may be hesitant or afraid to share your thoughts with others, leaving you alone and isolated.
You are not the only one.
60-80% of women experience the “baby blues” or mild symptoms in the first week after pregnancy, and 1 out of 8 women experience postpartum depression. Maternal depression can negatively impact your baby. Likewise, a difficult or fussy baby can contribute to anxiety or depressive symptoms in mom.
Are you expecting your second baby?
People will tell you “having a second baby is harder than the first.” You may not believe them. You may think “I know what to expect” and “I’ve done this before.” You may think your life can’t possibly change any more than when you went from having no children to having one.
Actually it IS harder. Here are some reasons why.
- Now you have a newborn AND a toddler. You never get to rest because as soon as you finish feeding the baby, your older child needs you. Any source of help (for example your partner, parents, or friends) is stretched thinner.
- Each baby is different. The swaddling or burping technique that worked for your first baby may not work for your second. Yes, you figured some things out the first time and you learned a lot, but you will have to get to know the new baby too.
Improving your own well-being will lead to more positive outcomes for your baby.
Counseling can help you learn the skills you need for this new chapter of your life.
- Techniques to manage stress and anxiety.
- How to ask for help when you need it and how to say no when you don’t.
- How to set appropriate boundaries with extended family.
- How to balance the priorities and demands of your previous life with those of motherhood.
Treating your symptoms of anxiety and depression will allow you to be more present for your baby’s life. Don’t miss out on his/her first smile, first steps, or any part of the first year!
If you would like to connect with me and hear more about how I can help, send me an email here.