Perinatal therapy is one of the areas of psychology that has been gaining more popularity in recent years.
Little by little, it is being recognized that pregnancy and motherhood is a process that goes beyond the biological and medical; This is a phenomenon with important psychological implications, both good and bad.
And although many people go through this stage completely autonomously and with hardly any significant discomfort, in some cases it is important to be able to count on psychotherapeutic support. That is why today, many professionals train and specialize in perinatal psychology.
Throughout this article We will see what perinatal therapy is and what problems it addresses in order to have a global and summarized vision of this area of work with patients.
Related article: “What are the changes in the brain during motherhood?”
Perinatal psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the process of motherhood and maternity from the pre-conception phase to childbirth and the puerperium that is, the weeks immediately after giving birth.
Perinatal therapy is the applied facet of this professional field, the one that occurs directly in supporting patients, who can be both men and women. The latter should not be surprising, given that the conception and gestation and raising of a baby in the first weeks is a stage that psychologically and even physiologically and hormonally affects both sexes, and that is why psychologists specialized in perinatal matters provide support to both mothers and fathers, if they need it
These are the main aspects of the experience of motherhood and fatherhood that are intervened in through perinatal therapy.
These are aspects of this process that can be managed in the best possible way if you have the professionals who address the emotional, cognitive and behavioral aspects that have to do with this, whether helping to get rid of harmful beliefs, supporting in coping with fears and sources of anxiety, providing learning programs for appropriate lifestyle habits so that everything goes well, etc.
1. Fertility problems
Problems conceiving are part of the phenomena in which perinatal therapy intervenes due to its psychological impact at various levels, both in men and women.
It has been proven that, statistically, this type of difficulties go hand in hand with wear and tear on self-esteem, confusion about how to make future plans, anxiety at the prospect of losing opportunities to have a baby depressive-type symptoms linked to feelings of hopelessness, and often even feelings of guilt.
Of course, none of this means that the existence of obstacles and setbacks when having a baby has to cause significant psychological problems: each person is different.
2. Abortion experience
If problems with getting pregnant turn into an abortion, the emotional consequences of this are usually even more pronounced. Grief caused by the death of a baby (born or unborn) may require therapy.
3. Experience of the changes of pregnancy
Some people may experience emotional discomfort due to the changes that take place in their body during pregnancy. These problems They can range from non-acceptance of one’s own body to the feeling of not recognizing the body one has as one’s own given that it presents a series of significant transformations in a short time.
It is relatively common to develop a series of fears related to the moment of childbirth when this has not yet occurred; After all, it is still a delicate situation from a medical point of view, and it is also associated with a certain level of discomfort and pain. This can affect both the person who is going to give birth and her partner.
5. Breastfeeding experience
The way to manage the baby’s feeding through breast milk can give rise to doubts, fears and insecurities about what is best, all with the pressure of deciding on something that affects the baby’s development. Having psychological support, as well as expert information on the subject, is very helpful.
6. Relationship with the baby in the postpartum phase
The relationship between parents and the baby begins even before birth occurs, through touch and sounds, but it takes on a new dimension once birth has occurred. In these first weeks It is important to develop an adequate bond with the baby, promoting healthy attachment dynamics something that is easier with the advice and support of psychologists in perinatal therapy.
Are you interested in having support during motherhood or fatherhood?
If you are interested in having professional assistance through perinatal therapy services, contact us. In Psychology For We are backed by two decades of experience in patient care, and we serve both in our center located in Madrid and through online therapy by video call. On this page you will find more information about us.
Batool Hasanpoor-Azghdy, S.; Simbar, M. & Vedadhir, A. (2014). The emotional-psychological consequences of infertility among infertile women seeking treatment: Results of a qualitative study. 12(2): pp. 131 – 138.
Cantón, J. & Cortés, MR (2003). Children’s attachment to their caregivers: Assessment, antecedents, and developmental consequences. Publisher: Madrid: Alianza.
deMause, L. (1982). Foundations of Psychohistory.Creative Roots, New York.
Janus, L. (1997). The Enduring Effects of Prenatal Experience. Northvale: Jason Aronson, Inc.
Maret, S. (2009), Introduction to Prenatal Psychology. Bury St Edmunds: Church Gate Books.
