Becoming a mother is one of the most soul shaking transitions there is. No matter how prepared you are, there really isn’t anything that can truly prepare you for the change. It’s a huge shift in your identity, your relationship with others in your life and the amount of time you have to care for yourself. Many changes are also rapidly occurring in your body. It can take a lot of support to feel grounded and nourished during the post partum period.
The postpartum period lasts much longer than our society suggests and can bring with it anxieties, uncertainties and a longing for the simplicity of life before baby. Whatever feelings or thoughts arise for you, know that you are not alone. It is normal to feel afraid, frustrated and doubtful at times. For some people these feelings can become overwhelming, In either case, seeking out support from professionals trained in post partum care can be invaluable. We are not meant to parent in isolation.
Sometimes parenthood can trigger trauma or wounding from our own childhood. This can happen on both an implicit or explicit level. Perhaps we realize that our sadness or anger is related to what we ourselves never received as an infant, or perhaps we feel an overwhelming sense of grief and we aren’t quite sure why. Counselling is an opportunity to heal from past trauma, receive support in the present and cultivate hope for the future.

Written by Andrea Papin
Registered Professional Counsellor