Is the path to parenthood bringing unexpected emotional challenges?

You deserve to feel understood and supported - professional support is here whenever you're ready.

The road to becoming a parent affects your mind just as much as your body.

The pre-baby, pregnancy or postpartum phase of life comes with its own emotional challenges, that people don't always talk about.

Whether you're trying to conceive you might face fertility treatments, the heartbreak of losses, or worry about whether you want to be pregnant altogether.

During pregnancy hormones change, you start seeing yourself differently, and you might worry about pregnancy or giving birth and being a good parent.

After the baby arrives you're running on little sleep, maybe feeling the weight of this huge responsibility, and/or trying to figure out who you are now.

If you're experiencing stress, anxiety, depression, identity shifts, relationship changes, grief, intense emotions, overwhelming thoughts, or trauma responses during any of these times, it doesn't mean you're weak it means your maternal mind is dealing with big life changes.

At Maternal Mind Psychology, we specialise in supporting your mental wellbeing through this transformative life experience.

Providing support for you anywhere in the perinatal phase of life; Preconception, pregnancy or postpartum.

  • Feeding and sleep are often fraught with pressure and unpredictability. If you're feeling guilt, anxiety, or failure around how your baby feeds or sleeps, you're not alone. We help mothers manage expectations, reduce distress, and find what works best for their family.

  • A difficult or traumatic birth can leave lasting emotional scars, including fear, sadness, anger, or flashbacks. These responses are valid and real. With the proper support, you can begin to process your experience and move toward healing.

  • Feeling distress or disappointment about your baby’s gender can be confusing and isolating. You may feel guilty for having these thoughts, but they are valid and deserve understanding, not judgment. Support can help you explore these feelings and find peace.

  • Having a baby with special needs or in a neonatal unit can be a highly emotional experience. Parents may feel helpless, anxious, or disconnected. Acknowledging your emotional journey is important.

  • Intrusive thoughts, often distressing or frightening, can occur unexpectedly and may be linked to obsessive-compulsive patterns. You might feel scared or ashamed, but these thoughts don’t reflect who you are. With the proper care, they can be understood and managed safely.

  • Struggling to conceive can take an emotional toll, marked by grief, longing, and a deep sense of loss or failure. It’s a journey often filled with silence and misunderstanding. We offer a space to process the pain and find clarity amid uncertainty.

  • Facing the return to work after having a baby can stir anxiety, guilt, or self-doubt. Whether you're worried about separation, workload, or identity, these emotions are common and valid. Support can help ease this transition and clarify your priorities.

  • For neurodivergent mothers, the perinatal period may bring unique challenges, from sensory overload to struggles with routines and expectations. You may feel misunderstood or overwhelmed. With tailored support, your experience can be validated and empowered.

  • Caring for multiples brings immense joy, but can also bring additional pressures. You may feel stretched thin, sleep-deprived, or emotionally drained. We support you in managing these complex demands with strategies that prioritise your mental wellbeing.

  • Perinatal depression and anxiety can cause overwhelming feelings of sadness, worry, or dread during pregnancy or after birth. Many women feel emotionally disconnected, tearful, restless, or constantly on edge. These feelings can interfere with daily life and bonding with the baby, and may feel isolating, but with the proper support, recovery is possible.

  • Struggling to bond with your baby can lead to feelings of guilt, confusion, or shame. You may feel emotionally distant or unsure of how to connect. This is more common than many realise and does not reflect your love or capability as a parent. Support can help strengthen this important relationship.

  • The lead-up to birth and parenthood often brings a mix of excitement and uncertainty. Some parents feel overwhelmed by fears, expectations, or doubts about their readiness. Talking through these concerns can ease anxiety and help you feel more confident and equipped.

  • Maternal rage can appear as sudden, intense anger or irritability that feels out of character. It can be distressing and may come with feelings of guilt or shame. These emotions are often a response to exhaustion, hormonal shifts, or unmet needs, and they deserve compassionate attention.

  • Pregnancy and early parenthood can intensify symptoms of existing mental health conditions. You may notice a return or worsening of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or other diagnoses. This is not a personal failure. It’s a sign that extra support may be needed during this transition.

  • Becoming a parent is a major life shift that can stir a mix of emotions, joy, exhaustion, self-doubt, and more. Feeling overwhelmed or struggling to find a new rhythm is completely normal. With the proper support, you can adjust with greater confidence and clarity.

  • When you or your baby experiences medical complications, it can cause intense fear, sadness, or helplessness. The focus often turns to physical health, but the emotional toll is just as important. Support during these times can help you process and cope more effectively.

  • The transition to parenthood can put pressure on relationships, leading to feelings of disconnection, resentment, or miscommunication. While we don’t offer couples counselling, we help individuals navigate these emotional challenges and rebuild clarity and resilience within their partnerships.

  • Experiencing pregnancy or infant loss can bring profound grief, shock, and isolation. These moments can deeply affect your sense of self and future hopes. You don’t have to navigate this pain alone. Support is available to help you make sense of your loss and honour your experience.

Tuning into the Maternal Mind: Providing expert care and support for the unique spectrum of perinatal mental health experiences.

Nurture your maternal mind.

Build a stronger start, for you and your little one.

Support is here.

About Lorena

Lorena is a mental health expert helping people through all stages of becoming a parent.

Using evidence-based ways to support you through these emotional ups and downs, from the moment you start thinking about having kids through those tough early months with your baby and their big milestones.

Hoping to help you navigate the complexities of the perinatal period she created Maternal Mind Psychology.

She is an experienced Clinical Psychologist dedicated to providing evidence-based resources and insights to improve the mental well-being of those in the Perinatal period.

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