Why Counselling?

Conception, pregnancy, birth and raising a child are expected to be a normal experience for many families. It is also can be the most emotional periods of your life, for example; trying to conceive, discovering you are pregnant, a difficult pregnancy and birth or even just facing the challenges of feeding your baby. MumMeBaby can offer the support and guidance you may need by helping with the knowledge of the processes and the confidence to handle the issues arising.

It’s all too easy to compare yourself to celebrity mothers who are portrayed as being able to cope easily with the emotional turmoil of pregnancy. Suffice to say, this isn’t the case for most expectant mothers.

You may feel as though now is the time to prove yourself as a ‘multitasking hero’, but in reality this is the time when you need the most support. If this is not managed appropriately these feelings can potentially build up to such a level that they cause stress, anxiety, phobias, depression and other mental health issues.

Getting support and developing coping mechanisms, can help to transform a time of stress and anxiety, into one of excitement and joy.

On this page

• Depression. Causes & symptoms
• Anxiety, how to manage it?
• Anxiety towards the birth
• Coping with a traumatic birth
• The MumMeBaby approach

Antenatal depression

Many of us are well aware of postnatal depression and the associated symptoms but a lot of people are still unaware of the effects antenatal depression can also have. When you fall pregnant your body goes through many hormonal changes. Not only does this lead to a range of physical symptoms it can also lead to the amplification of certain emotions.

Causes of antenatal depression

What causes depression differs for every person and there is rarely one single cause.

• Hormonal
• Physical & Physiological changes
• Dietary
• Pregnancy related insomnia
• Medical issues
• Relationship & Family issues

There are likely to be times during pregnancy when you feel down and unable to cope. For some, these periods pass after a good chat with family and friends, but for others, it can be complex and have long lasting effects. While this may be common, it does not mean you need to suffer in silence, and so MumMeBaby is here to offer you the support and guidance.

Common symptoms of anxiety and depression may include:

• Feeling tearful
• Feeling numb & empty
• Guilt & shame
• Isolation
• Insomnia
• Anxiety & panic attacks
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling on-edge all the time
• Avoiding people & situations

Anxiety, stress and depression often go hand in hand, with one leading to another. Feeling anxious about your fertility, pregnancy, baby’s health, the birth and your ability as a parent are all perfectly natural. Do not allow these feelings to get in the way of your happiness, now is the time to take action.

Anxiety towards the birth

When you are expecting your first child, some level of anxiety about the birth is anticipated. Worrying about things going wrong in the delivery room is not uncommon. This could be due to previous experiences, friends/family stories and the media.

Whatever the reasons are, there is no need for these fears and phobias to take over your life.

MumMeBaby’s unique approach and professional expertise will help you with the issues.

Remember, that every pregnancy and birth is different and just because somebody, somewhere, had a difficult journey, it does not mean you will too.

We can offer classes, audio and video material with relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, visualization, and meditation.

Identifying your fears and concerns together will give us time to develop your own coping mechanism and prepare you for the actual event.

Traumatic birth

Childbirth is an extraordinary event but complications during labor, or unexpected deviations from the birthing plan can leave some mothers traumatised.

Coping with this can be hard and overwhelming at times. Looking back can be difficult but discussing what has happened is the key to dealing with traumatic events. Families may need a professional who can talk through these feelings and help you to move forward.

MumMebaby can provide a safe, non-judgmental environment where you will be able to discuss your feelings and emotions. We will be able to talk you through your feelings so you better understand why they are occurring.

As tempting as it may be to bury your head in the sand and ignore these feelings, dealing with them now will save you a lot of time, energy and heartache later. It also means you will experience a happier, more relaxed pregnancy and birth which can only benefit you, your child and those who care for you.

We can assist you to look at the options open to you and guide you to decide what is best for you.

Any behavior you feel is holding you back from living your Life to the full potential cannot be ignored. But can be managed if not cured.