Conceiving and Pregnancy
The process of bringing new life into the world is amazing and challenging all at once.
The beginning stages of deciding whether having children or living child free can bring about its own distress, especially if you and your partner are not on the same page, or you are considering having a child solo. Needing to consider values, lifestyle, finances, and expectations can cause anxiety, stress, grief and depression. Making the choice not to continue a pregnancy that is unexpected can bring out fear and grief alongside guilt or shame.
If you have decided to have children and are having challenges intentionally conceiving, these feelings can appear or amplify. Choosing to engage in fertility treatments, surrogacy or adoption, the complicated rollercoaster of emotions can be overwhelming and require a different kind of support.
During pregnancy, there are a variety of physiological, psychological, and social role transitions. Anxiety and depression in pregnant persons are not uncommon, and for those with a history of struggling with their mental health, have little social support, or have certain medical conditions, there can be an increased risk of experiencing them. Working to improve your symptoms during pregnancy can include therapy, medication management (especially if you are already prescribed psychiatric medications, as there are many well-researched options during pregnancy!) and the emotional supports in other areas of your life.
Taking proactive steps to support you during this specific and short transitional period can be critical for both your current and future mental wellness. This can also include focusing on your relationship and the changes that it is going through. Establishing expectations, ways to manage higher emotions, changes in intimacy and comfort, and ways to support the pregnant person can help support your whole family.
Creating a birth direction involves carefully considering your preferences and needs to prepare for the controllable aspects and effectively manage the unpredictable elements that may arise during labor and delivery. This method recognizes and respects the individuality of every birthing experience, recognizing that the requirements of yourself, your baby, and the healthcare team may change rapidly, necessitating flexibility. Equipping yourself with the necessary tools and framework to confront this potentially overwhelming situation can offer a sense of reassurance and readiness, ultimately enriching your entire birthing process.
Additional resources can be found at https://www.postpartum.net/