Course for pregnant women tackles the emotional side of becoming a mother

(22/03/2008)

A new course for pregnant women tackles the overlooked but critically important emotional side of becoming a mother. The two-day courses, to be held in different venues around the country, will explore how mums-to-be really feel when they have their baby. It will prepare them for issues such as their new role and identity, guilt, perfectionism, body image and career decisions.

Course tutor Patricia Carswell, a life coach and former lawyer who works exclusively with mothers and mothers-to-be, explains: “Traditional ante-natal and parentcraft classes tend to focus solely on the birth and the practicalities of looking after a baby, but say little about the emotional aspects of motherhood. Many women feel emotionally lost once they become a mum, which can lead to depression. By preparing mentally in advance, mothers will feel more in control during this life-changing period. It’s something that many mothers tell me they wish they’d known before they gave birth.”

Another benefit of tackling these issues in advance is a potentially easier birth. Many health professionals believe that when women address the emotional aspects of their transition to motherhood, the potential for complications in labour is reduced. “It makes perfect sense,” says Patricia. “The more relaxed you are about what lies ahead after the birth, the more relaxed you’re likely to be during labour.”

Related categories:  Pregnancy 

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