For most people, pregnancy is a time of mixed emotions. From the beginning, even the most wanted and planned pregnancy can bring about feelings of fear and even regret.
Pregnancy can be a time of good health, good feelings, heightened sexual pleasure, pride, and fulfillment.
It can also be a time of physical discomforts, emotional swings, worries about finances and added responsibilities, and perhaps a reluctance to leave behind a “carefree” lifestyle. Add to this an ever-changing mixture of hormones, and you can see the very normal ups and downs of pregnancy. If the person leaves a job, they may experience boredom and loneliness. A partner may feel left out of all the attention being focused on the “birther-to-be". Either or both may have negative feelings about the pregnant person’s “new body". There are both increases and decreases in sexual desires during the course of pregnancy.
The most important thing is to realize all of these are normal and happen to most people in varying degrees. If, however, at any time you feel “out of control,” if these emotions keep you from performing your daily routine, or if you experience feelings of a desire to hurt yourself or others, please contact us. We are great listeners if that is what you need, and if you need more, we can direct you to appropriate sources for help.
As part of our vision to provide all clients with individualized, person-centered, and holistic care, The Midwife Center offers optional, short-term, in-house counseling and wellness services.
We recognize that the experiences of pregnancy and birth can be emotionally complicated and clients often benefit from extra support during this time. We also recognize that clients who come to us for reproductive health care outside of pregnancy may find it helpful to sort out feelings related to one’s own body and reproductive health in a safe and compassionate way. We offer clients the opportunity to do so with services that are relationally-oriented, empathic, and confidential.
Clients who may especially benefit from these services include those who have experienced perinatal loss, infertility, past birth trauma or other past trauma including sexual abuse, problems with body image, past history of dependency on substances, or previous difficulties including depression, OCD, or anxiety.
We also welcome any client who simply may wish to have some extra time and space to reflect on their concerns and hopes as they journey through their childbearing years. Our focus is on welcoming and 'being with' all of our clients, wherever each person is.
Our Behavioral Health & Wellness Specialist can meet with you to discuss your concerns and focus on your needs during the course of 8 sessions. She can also help to refer to our trusted partner therapists in the community if you are looking for longer term care.
For more information about the behavioral health and wellness services at The Midwife Center, please call 412.321.6880.