Category: New Parents
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Why Every New Mother Should Consider Counselling
As counsellors who work in large part with expectant and new mothers, of course we are going to advocate for counselling support during this phase of life. It’s what we do! We have written this article for a couple of reasons: the first, is to help reach those women who are on the fence about…
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Am I a People-pleaser or a Perfectionist?
How perfectionism and people-pleasing traits develop As with many personality traits, these may develop as adaptive coping mechanisms which allow us to better react to the conditions of our childhood, such as the values, beliefs, rules, or general tone in our family of origin. Specifically, we are told directly or indirectly by our parents/caregivers that…
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Depression in new dads
Damaging Assumptions about New Dads “Dads don’t know what they are doing with babies.” “Dads need to check decisions with the ‘lead’ parent.” “Dads don’t have good instincts.” Do these assumptions about new dads sound familiar to you? Unfortunately, these societal beliefs are common but can reinforce new fathers’ negative feelings, which then further contribute…
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Supporting a partner suffering from Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
Perinatal or postpartum mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD) is defined as distress that arises during pregnancy (perinatal) and throughout the first year after pregnancy (postpartum). The intensity of PMAD can range from mild to severe. It can be overwhelmed or confused when your partner is given a diagnosis of PMAD. You may not know where…
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Understanding Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders (PMADs)
The transition to becoming a new mother is HARD – one which is certainly not talked about enough! If you have recently had a child and are experiencing a huge emotional rollercoaster, know that this is completely expected and common. Many mothers experience the baby blues, especially within the first few weeks postpartum. This is…
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Relationship conflict in new parents: what’s really going on?
FACT: A new baby is HARD on relationships Even really happy, long-standing relationships typically go through a rough patch when their baby comes along. Why is that? The simple answer is that this period can create a prime opportunity for relationship issues to intensify: there is more stress in a multitude of areas, and you…
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Breaking the Silence: Postpartum Support
“As Long As You Have A Happy, Healthy Baby” This saying has crossed the lips of so many women and their loved ones. They’re words that we offer for support to new mothers, and they’re words new mothers say to themselves. These words however, can be silencing. They silence the mothers and couples who have…
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Surviving the first few months as a new mother
If you are in the first few weeks or months after the arrival of your first baby, please read on! Many new mothers (and fathers) are SO hard on themselves, feel completely overwhelmed, and don’t know where to start. Here are a few thoughts to get you started. Remember (for the birth mother), you are…