*Collaborative post.
Having a baby for the first time is an exciting experience. I remember how exciting it was for me over 5 years ago while I was pregnant with the Kiddies. Like most first time mothers to be, it is an experience I can never forget. Having said, the whole pregnancy process is brand new so there is always a bit of anxiety for most new mothers. And for some other mothers to be, the whole period of pregnancy, the thought of child-birth and life after can be pretty scary.
Pregnancy can be so scary for pregnant women, and the fear can even cause problems in your relationship with your spouse/partner, because it may feel hard to describe your feelings. These issues can even cause couples to drift apart, which usually leads to other family issues. Which is why I believe every first time mother should be offered at least one counselling session while pregnant.
First time mothers to be should have counselling sessions
I believe every first time mother to be should be offered some counselling sessions. These counselling sessions should be carried out by a qualified therapist. The sessions can be incorporated with the ante natal classes. I think pregnant women will really benefit from some form of counselling to prepare them for motherhood and the life and body changes that come with it. You can read more about these counselling sessions here.
There are so many side effects of pregnancy and child-birth no one really talks about. The pregnancy books try to explain them but nothing really prepares you. I read so many pregnancy books, but I remember how shocked I was when I looked at my stomach for the first time after delivery. It didn’t look like mine. It was flappy and looked deflated. So having someone to answer your questions and shed light on issues you may be facing would be a life saver for many mothers to be.
Hormones can trigger a mental health issue
Many pregnant women have no idea how the strain of pregnancy will affect their body, mental and physical health. The pregnancy hormones can make women feel more anxious and ‘low’. Some pregnant women develop a mental health problem during pregnancy or within a year of giving birth, which is referred to as the ‘perinatal period’. Here are some examples of perinatal mental health illness –
- Perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Antenatal depression
- Postnatal depression
- Anxiety
- Postpartum psychosis
- Tokophobia (extreme fear of childbirth)
- Postpartum post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
I wish I had the opportunity to speak with to a licensed counsellor about my mental health while pregnant for the first time. Being able to speak with a therapist would have answered many of questions and put my mind at rest. And I know many women feel the exact same way. Having that safe place to pour out your mind and speak about what ever issues or feelings you might be having would make the whole pregnancy process a lot easier for many.
What are your thoughts on this? Do you think first time mothers to be should have counselling sessions? Please share in the comment section below. Thanks for stopping by.
