Pregnancy & Birth

Pregnancy and the birth of a new baby can stir up different feelings for mothers, fathers and other members of the family.

During pregnancy, parents may be reminded of their own less than ideal experiences of being parented or they may have ideas about how being pregnant and giving birth will be and feel confused about how anxious and overwhelmed they are. Other parents-to be have to deal with unexpected medical challenges eg undergoing IVF and the feelings of helplessness that can arise when facing perinatal loss.

Developing an attachment relationship with the unborn baby may also be confounded by news that there are medical concerns for the baby, or that the couple are expecting more than one baby.

We can offer psychological support for individuals, couples and families affected by a range of issues including

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Recurrence of previous psychological issues during pregnancy or after birth, eg antenatal anxiety, perinatal OCD or PND

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Dealing with the psychological impact of unexpected medical issues during pregnancy eg gestational diabetes, pelvic girdle pain (PGP)
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Dealing with unexpected antenatal results and choices, eg Down syndrome, other genetic issues
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Advocating for women and their partners after previous traumatic birth experiences
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Helping plan and prepare for birth autonomously and with up-to-date information, eg planned c-sections or home births
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Primary or secondary tokophobia, eg fear of giving birth
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Managing psychological issues during pregnancy and birth , eg chronic or enduring mental health issues such as depression, bipolar affective disorder
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Pregnancy following IVF, ICSI and/or other ART, eg donor conception, surrogacy
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Traumatic issues during pregnancy – selective reduction, threatened miscarriages or termination following diagnosis of birth anomaly
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Psychological issues linked to premature birth and stays in NICU for both fathers and mothers
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Being pregnant with multiples and managing health anxiety throughout a ‘high risk’ pregnancy
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Coming to terms with miscarriage, stillbirth or infant death
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Psychological support for pregnant women with a history of sexual trauma or abuse
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Difficulties arising in the attachment relationship with the unborn baby or infant due to gender preference
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PTSD and birth trauma following birth for both fathers and mothers

Work with Parenthood In Mind

You can contact us directly to make an initial appointment or have your GP or health professional refer you also.

You can get in contact by email, phone or by filling in our online enquiry form.

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