Early Parenthood | little bay

Early Parenthood

Parenthood is such a powerful and all encompassing experience, in the early days it can feel as though it subsumes every bit of ones life. It's a part of our life which is deeply meaningful, but for which there is no preparation or training and which can be a lonely and isolating time.

The focus of these experiences is often the woman, as generally they have had to undergo an intense and all consuming change to bring this new life into being, but the physical aspect of childbearing is just one element in a complex and multifaceted experience, and men can experience these other stresses and pressures too and have been known to experience the associated distress, even if their experience is less widely discussed. Once a person is a few weeks post partum, the changes in mood and mental state that linger are far more likely to be linked to environment than hormones. They are far more likely to be as a result of the changes in life and behaviour than the physical process that has just taken place. Whilst we think of Post natal depression or anxiety as being a female experience, men can absolutely experience this too.

There are some serious mood disorders related to the post natal experience (such as post partum psychosis) but even when all is 'normal' or 'as it should be', a new child has still entered the family, and the system and its equilibrium is often disrupted. It's common to find this time and all it involves hard to cope with. Whole new aspects of ones personality, psychology and temperament can emerge and take shape, and this can be a frightening and overwhelming process.

Seeking support to help navigate and work through these feelings can be fundamental to them easing and things becoming more manageable. If these issues are ones you would like to work on, get in touch today.

Helpful resources:

My other areas of specialism are: Birth Trauma, Domestic Abuse & Sexual Assault and Rape.