Perinatal Support
During our lives we often get to celebrate some pretty big events or milestones such as graduating, leaving home, marriage, pregnancy and birth, these are all very exciting but sometimes we need a little extra support along the way. When big life events occur in close proximity they can seem a little overwhleming. Pregnancy and child birth are two events that can blur into each other.
Having the right emotional support can make a big difference in the way this time is perceived and approached. Having someone to talk to, someone who can provide support and education in common perinatal mental health issues such as depression and anxiety can be fundamental.
1 in 10 women will experience perinatal depression, and 1 in 5 will experience perinatal anxiety. Non birthing partners are also 50% more likely to experience Post Natal Depression if the birthing partner has been diagnosed with PND.
I also have a focus on perinatal grief and loss with lived experience. Supporting parents through miscarriage, ectopic pregnancies, IVF, loss in assisted reproduction, stillbirth, pregnancy and birth after loss, and parenting after loss.
Yuo may need someone to talk to, share thoughts and concerns with, you may need a birth debrief after your baby has arrived to process your birthing experience. You may need to find extra support services to have available to you. You may be needing on session, weekly or fortnightly sessions as you move through this time. I am here for you as you need me.
In addition to my formal studies I have completed training with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), in both Perinatal Mental Health Basic Training, and Perinatal Loss for Therapists.
Expression & Validation
Every Mum to be, and every new Mum feels a certain level of stress during such a momumental stage in their lives. Counselling offers an opportunity to share thoughts, issues and concerns and learn ways to address and manage them. Some women go through a lot of mental pressure and the right support in a safe space can allow opportunity for women to share conflicting emotions and strengthen their mind set and wellbeing.
Managing Expectations
Some women have a birth plan. Some women’s birth plan is simply to have no plan at all. Through ante natal and birthing classes women gain valuable techniques to support them during birth and the weeks after. Challenges can arise though when things don’t go according to plan. This can include birth injuries, unexpected medical interventions, unbeknown newborn diagnosis or the occurrence of other life events. Counselling offers an opportunity of supportive discussion, education and coping strategies.
Stress Relief
Stress levels often build in anticipation of pregnancy, birth and looking after a new family member. Stress can build while moving through infertility support. Other stressors can be introduced such as financial stress, managing family members expectations, or expectations regarding career breaks, compounding existing stressors. Gain understanding and learn strategies and techniques to manage increased stress levels and new challenges as they arise.
Schedule a 15 minute call.
If you still have a few questions about whether we are a right fit, I am more than happy to answer them for you.
Karen Ashcroft. Counsellor Camden.
Karen Ashcroft is a Registered Counsellor based in Camden NSW.
Serving areas of Camden, Cobbitty, Narellan, The Oaks, Silverdale, Picton, Oran Park, Menangle, Spring Farm, and Harrington Park.
Telehealth appointments available to clients located anywhere in Australia.