Maternity Counselling for Motherhood
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Motherhood is a profound and transformative experience but it’s not always a smooth or joyful journey. Many women face challenges such as infertility, IVF treatments, pregnancy loss, birth trauma, and postnatal depression. These struggles can leave them feeling isolated, anxious, or overwhelmed. At times, the emotional toll of these experiences can be as challenging as the physical ones.
As a dedicated maternity counsellor and retired midwife I provide compassionate and professional support for women navigating these deeply personal experiences. Whether you’re dealing with the emotional complexities of trying to conceive, processing the grief of a baby loss, or struggling with anxiety either before or after after giving birth, you don’t have to face it alone. Infertility and IVF Counselling For many women, infertility or the decision to pursue IVF is a rollercoaster of hope and uncertainty. These experiences can bring feelings of guilt, frustration, and loneliness. Counselling provides a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore these emotions and develop coping strategies to support your mental health throughout the process. Talking to someone who understands the challenges of infertility can reduce feelings of isolation and empower you with tools to manage stress and maintain balance. Whether you’re at the start of your fertility journey or navigating the aftermath of failed treatments, we’re here to listen and help. Pregnancy Loss and Baby Loss Support The loss of a pregnancy or baby is a devastating experience that affects every aspect of life. It’s normal to feel waves of grief, anger, and confusion. While family and friends may want to help, their words sometimes fall short, leaving you feeling unsupported. In counselling, you’ll find a space to express your feelings freely, at your own pace. Together, we can work toward healing, honouring your loss, and finding ways to move forward with hope while acknowledging the depth of your experience. Postnatal Depression and Anxiety The postpartum period is a time of immense change, both physically and emotionally. While some women experience joy and fulfilment, others feel sadness, irritability, or an overwhelming sense of inadequacy. Postnatal depression (PND) and anxiety can make bonding with your baby difficult, leaving you feeling disconnected and alone. With the right support, you can overcome these challenges. In counselling, we’ll work together to address the root causes of your emotions, build resilience, and help you rediscover confidence in your role as a mother. Birth Trauma Recovery A difficult or traumatic birth can leave lasting emotional scars. Flashbacks, guilt, and fear about future pregnancies are common in women who have experienced birth trauma. Counselling helps you process these feelings, understand what happened, and work toward reclaiming a sense of control over your story. Why Seek Maternity Counselling? Every woman’s experience of motherhood is unique, and so are her challenges. Whether you’re navigating infertility, coping with loss, or recovering from a difficult birth, you deserve the space to be heard and supported. Maternity counselling from an experienced counsellor with a midwifery background provides a confidential, empathetic environment where you can explore your emotions, develop coping strategies, and find a path toward healing. Motherhood is not just about the milestones – it’s about the moments in between, and the resilience it takes to overcome life’s hurdles. Let’s work together to help you find peace, strength, and hope. If you’re ready to begin your healing journey, reach out today via the enquiry form on the “Contact” page or ping me a message on 07884 321470. You don’t have to face this alone. Carrying Life After Loss: Navigating Pregnancy With Grief in Your Heart Pregnant after loss? You’re not alone. Learn how grief and hope can co-exist and how compassionate counselling can help you Pregnancy is often spoken about in terms of joy, hope, and new beginnings. But for some—especially those who have experienced the loss of a baby—pregnancy can feel far more complicated. The joy of new life can be accompanied, sometimes quietly and sometimes loudly, by the sorrow of what has been lost. If this is you, please know that you are not alone. And more importantly, everything you are feeling is valid. Grief Doesn’t Disappear Just Because You’re Pregnant Again One myth I often hear is that becoming pregnant again will somehow “fix” the grief. But while a new pregnancy can offer hope, it doesn’t erase the pain of loss. In fact, for many, the grief becomes sharper. Scans, milestones, and due dates can trigger memories of the baby who died. Some find themselves detached from the new pregnancy, afraid to bond. Others feel guilty for feeling joy—or for not feeling joyful enough. Pregnancy after loss isn’t a straight line. It’s a winding path. And it often needs gentle, ongoing support. You’re Not “Overreacting”—You’re Responding to Trauma You might find yourself on high alert, needing constant reassurance. You may feel anxious, disconnected, or overwhelmed. These are not signs of weakness. They are normal responses to real trauma. sSmetimes family or friends don’t understand. They may expect you to “just be happy.” But grief doesn’t follow a timeline. And pregnancy after loss is not just about your body—it’s about emotional survival too. Counselling Can Create Space for Both Life and Loss This is where counselling can help. My counselling practice is grounded in both lived experience and professional understanding. As a former midwife, I bring a deep awareness of both the physical and emotional journey of pregnancy and loss. In our work together, there’s space for everything: Grief. Fear. Hope. Confusion. Joy. Anger. Love. You don’t have to choose between life and loss. You are already carrying both. You Deserve Support—No Matter How Long Ago Your Loss Was Some people seek support shortly after loss. Others come years later. There is no expiry date on grief. You don’t need permission to feel what you feel—or to ask for help. If you’re finding it hard to move forward, or simply want a safe space to talk, I am here. Moving Forward Doesn’t Mean Forgetting Perhaps the hardest truth of all: moving forward doesn’t mean leaving your baby behind. Every step you take honours their memory—even as you prepare to welcome a new life. There is room for both. If you’d like someone to talk with and take stock of what is going on for you, please get in touch with me via the contact form on this website or message me on 07884 321470 and we can arrange an initial phone chat. |
Understanding Anxiety in Pregnancy and How Counselling Can Help
Pregnancy is often described as one of the most exciting and transformative times in life. However, it can also bring significant emotional challenges, including anxiety. While some worry during pregnancy is normal—after all, you’re preparing for a monumental change—persistent anxiety can interfere with your well-being, your ability to enjoy this special time, and even your overall health.
As a maternity counsellor, I work with expectant parents to navigate the complex emotions that come with pregnancy. My goal is to help you feel supported, heard, and empowered as you prepare for the arrival of your baby. Let’s explore why pregnancy anxiety happens, how it can affect you, and how counselling can make a difference.
Why Does Anxiety Happen During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy involves a whirlwind of changes—physical, hormonal, emotional, and social. This period of transition can leave many parents-to-be feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. Some common triggers of anxiety during pregnancy include:
• Fear of the unknown: Questions about labour, birth, and parenting can create uncertainty.
• Health concerns: Worrying about your baby’s health or your own well-being is natural but can escalate.
• Past experiences: A previous miscarriage, traumatic birth, or personal history of anxiety can heighten current feelings.
• External pressures: Advice from others, societal expectations, and even social media can increase stress.
Anxiety can manifest in different ways, such as constant worrying, irritability, physical symptoms like restlessness or fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. While mild anxiety may pass on its own, severe or persistent anxiety might require additional support.
The Importance of Addressing Anxiety During Pregnancy
Unchecked anxiety can have a ripple effect on both your emotional and physical health. It can also make the postpartum period more challenging, potentially contributing to postpartum depression or difficulty bonding with your baby.
However, the good news is that anxiety is treatable. With the right tools and support, you can regain a sense of calm and confidence during your pregnancy journey.
How Counselling Can Help
This is where maternity counselling plays a vital role. My counselling sessions are designed to provide you with a safe, judgment-free space to explore your feelings, worries, and fears. Together, we can:
• Identify triggers: Understand what’s driving your anxiety and learn how to manage these stressors effectively.
• Develop coping strategies: I’ll equip you with tools, such as mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and self-care practices, to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Provide emotional support: Sometimes, all you need is someone who truly listens. My sessions are a space to talk openly about your thoughts, whether they feel small or overwhelming.
• Build confidence: I’ll help you focus on your strengths and prepare emotionally for birth and parenthood.
Anxiety doesn’t have to define your pregnancy experience. With the right support, you can find balance, enjoy this unique chapter of life, and prepare for motherhood with greater confidence and peace of mind.
If you’re feeling anxious during pregnancy, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s work together to ensure you feel supported and empowered every step of the way. Contact me today via the enquiry form on the “Contact” page or ping me a message on 07884 321470. You don’t have to face this alone.
As a maternity counsellor, I work with expectant parents to navigate the complex emotions that come with pregnancy. My goal is to help you feel supported, heard, and empowered as you prepare for the arrival of your baby. Let’s explore why pregnancy anxiety happens, how it can affect you, and how counselling can make a difference.
Why Does Anxiety Happen During Pregnancy?
Pregnancy involves a whirlwind of changes—physical, hormonal, emotional, and social. This period of transition can leave many parents-to-be feeling overwhelmed or uncertain. Some common triggers of anxiety during pregnancy include:
• Fear of the unknown: Questions about labour, birth, and parenting can create uncertainty.
• Health concerns: Worrying about your baby’s health or your own well-being is natural but can escalate.
• Past experiences: A previous miscarriage, traumatic birth, or personal history of anxiety can heighten current feelings.
• External pressures: Advice from others, societal expectations, and even social media can increase stress.
Anxiety can manifest in different ways, such as constant worrying, irritability, physical symptoms like restlessness or fatigue, and difficulty sleeping. While mild anxiety may pass on its own, severe or persistent anxiety might require additional support.
The Importance of Addressing Anxiety During Pregnancy
Unchecked anxiety can have a ripple effect on both your emotional and physical health. It can also make the postpartum period more challenging, potentially contributing to postpartum depression or difficulty bonding with your baby.
However, the good news is that anxiety is treatable. With the right tools and support, you can regain a sense of calm and confidence during your pregnancy journey.
How Counselling Can Help
This is where maternity counselling plays a vital role. My counselling sessions are designed to provide you with a safe, judgment-free space to explore your feelings, worries, and fears. Together, we can:
• Identify triggers: Understand what’s driving your anxiety and learn how to manage these stressors effectively.
• Develop coping strategies: I’ll equip you with tools, such as mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, and self-care practices, to help reduce stress and promote relaxation.
• Provide emotional support: Sometimes, all you need is someone who truly listens. My sessions are a space to talk openly about your thoughts, whether they feel small or overwhelming.
• Build confidence: I’ll help you focus on your strengths and prepare emotionally for birth and parenthood.
Anxiety doesn’t have to define your pregnancy experience. With the right support, you can find balance, enjoy this unique chapter of life, and prepare for motherhood with greater confidence and peace of mind.
If you’re feeling anxious during pregnancy, you don’t have to navigate it alone. Let’s work together to ensure you feel supported and empowered every step of the way. Contact me today via the enquiry form on the “Contact” page or ping me a message on 07884 321470. You don’t have to face this alone.