For many individuals, the perinatal period—encompassing pregnancy and the first year postpartum—can be a time of immense emotional upheaval. While the focus is often on maternal mental health during this time, the need for support doesn't magically disappear once the baby reaches their first birthday. In fact, it's perfectly okay, and often necessary, to seek support for mental health challenges beyond the perinatal period.

Parenthood reshapes your identity in ways you never imagined, leading you to navigate through uncharted territories of your own being. Let's delve into this transformative journey and explore how to navigate your new self when becoming a parent.

Amidst the joy of welcoming your little one into the world, it's crucial to recognise that the transition into motherhood can also be overwhelming and exhausting. While being a mum and caring for your baby / children it is essential to know that seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a demonstration of strength and prioritising your well-being. It can be hard to know when the right time is, consider the below factors may help with this decision

Parenthood is often depicted as a euphoric journey filled with immediate love, overwhelming joy, and an unbreakable bond with your newborn. However, the reality for many new parents can be quite different. Contrary to popular belief, not everyone experiences an instant connection with their baby, and that's perfectly okay.

Pregnancy is often filled with anticipation, wonder, hopes and sometimes a bit of worry. As you nurture your baby-to-be, you may or may not feel an instant connection to them. If you don’t that is OK, relationships take time. You may not even feel connected when you first meet them. If you would like to connect with your baby whilst pregnant you can try some of these things:

At its core, EMDR therapy operates on the principle that traumatic memories, negative beliefs, and distressing emotions are stored in the brain in a fragmented manner. These fragmented memories can continue to exert a powerful influence on thoughts, feelings, and behaviors long after the traumatic event has passed.

Embarking on the journey of therapy is a significant step towards personal growth, healing, and self-discovery. No matter what the reason for seeking therapy is finding the right therapist is essential for a positive therapeutic experience. With so many out there choosing a therapist who aligns with your needs, preferences, and goals can feel overwhelming. To help you navigate this process, here are some essential tips for selecting the perfect therapist:

To describe motherhood is complex, the emotions associated with raising a child can range from pure joy and love to loneliness and anxiety. Whilst it is rewarding it is also one of the most demanding roles a woman can undertake. From the moment a child is born, mothers find themselves juggling an array of responsibilities, from nurturing their little ones to managing households, careers, and personal relationships. In the midst of this whirlwind, it's all too easy for mothers to experience burnout – a state of physical, mental, and emotional exhaustion that can have profound effects on their well-being.

One of the most significant challenges new parents face is navigating the impact of stress on their relationship following the birth of their baby. Relationship experts Dr John and Julie Gottman have extensively researched the effects having a baby can have on the couple. The research highlighted that 67% of couples a decline in relationship satisfaction during the first three years of their baby’s life. The arrival of a baby can strain even the strongest of partnerships. Some of the factors that can influence relationships include but not exclusive to…

Perinatal anxiety refers to anxiety experienced any time during the antenatal period or in the 12 months post the birth of the baby. Whilst common it often goes missed or other factors such as hormone fluctuations and sleep deprivation are considered the cause of the mother’s symptoms. Symptoms of perinatal anxiety include: anxiety or fear that interrupts thoughts and interferes with daily tasks ,panic attacks , outbursts of extreme fear and panic that are overwhelming and feel difficult to bring under control , anxiety and worries that keep coming into the woman’s mind and are difficult to stop or control..

Birth trauma can manifest in various forms, ranging from physical injuries to emotional distress. For some individuals, traumatic childbirth experiences may include emergency cesarean sections, prolonged labor, medical complications, or feelings of powerlessness and lack of control during the birth process. These experiences can leave a lasting impact, leading to symptoms such as anxiety, depression, flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulties bonding with the baby.

Therapy can be an invaluable resource for individuals struggling with perinatal mental health challenges. Whether it’s individual therapy, couples therapy, or support groups, therapy offers a safe and supportive space for individuals to explore their feelings, learn coping strategies, and develop a deeper understanding of themselves and their experiences.

Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional well-being of individuals during pregnancy and the postpartum period. While it’s natural to experience a range of emotions during this time, some individuals may struggle with more severe mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, or postpartum psychosis. Factors such as hormonal changes, sleep deprivation, physical discomfort, and the stress of caregiving responsibilities can contribute to the development or exacerbation of mental health conditions during pregnancy and after childbirth.

Mental load refers to the invisible and often unacknowledged cognitive and emotional labor involved in managing various aspects of life, such as household chores, childcare, finances, and emotional support. It encompasses not only the physical tasks themselves but also the mental energy required to plan, organize, and remember them. While both men and women experience mental load, studies show that women tend to bear a disproportionate share of it, often juggling multiple responsibilities simultaneously.

Bringing a new life into the world is often portrayed as a joyous occasion, filled with love and anticipation. However, for some individuals, the birth experience can be marked by distress, fear, and even trauma. Birth trauma is a significant issue that affects many individuals, yet it is often misunderstood and overlooked.

At times the postpartum period can be accompanied by overwhelming feelings of sadness, anxiety, and despair. Postnatal depression, also known as postpartum depression, is a serious mental health condition that affects millions of women worldwide. In this blog post, we will explore the complexities of postnatal depression, its causes, symptoms, and strategies for coping and healing.