Whether it’s your first or fifth child, having a baby is one of the most exciting and challenging times of an adult’s life. Most parents-to-be struggle with some form of worry or anxiety in the run up to their child’s birth. So it’s important to understand what antenatal counselling services are available and how to access support to manage your mental health during pregnancy.
About antenatal counselling
Antenatal counselling is part of our Family Welfare perinatal counselling service, which new and expectant parents can access from the moment you discover you’re expecting. Our qualified and experienced counsellors provide free and confidential talking therapy to parents across the borough of Wigan. We are here to support you throughout your pregnancy and for the first year after your child is born.
When might expectant parents ask for antenatal counselling?
Parents-to-be seek counselling support for a host of different reasons. Every person’s situation is totally unique to them. Even if your thoughts, feelings or worries don’t match the list below, it doesn’t mean you cannot ask for help. Talking always helps.
– You’re going through a challenging or high risk pregnancy
Counselling can help you work through what’s happening to your body, from mood swings and insomnia to the more visible changes in your body. Of course, if you have medical concerns about your pregnancy you should always seek advice from your GP, health visitor or midwife first.
– You feel anxious about any aspect of your pregnancy
Parents who have experienced a miscarriage or stillbirth in an previous pregnancy often live in fear it might happen again. A lot of mums are frightened about giving birth or potential medical complications for you and your baby, especially if you’ve experienced complications in the past. Depending on your medical situation, your GP, midwife or health visitor may refer you for antenatal counselling to help you process your emotions and work through past experiences.
– You’re worried you won’t bond with your child
Fear of bonding with your newborn is very common, especially if you already have children you’re very close to or you had a strained relationship with your own parents.
– Your pregnancy is unplanned
Facing up to becoming a parent when you never expected it is hard, but you don’t have to face it alone. Counselling helps process the shock of discovering you are pregnant and prepare for what happens next.
– Pregnancy is putting a strain on your relationship
Antenatal counselling may help if you or your partner are struggling with the realities of becoming a parent. Perhaps you’re worried about how you might cope financially, physically or emotionally after the baby is born. You can use sessions to talk about any of the changes happening in your life and the impact they’re having on your relationship.
– You’re a single parent
Life as a single parent is tough but rewarding. If you’re starting out as a lone parent, it’s important to have a support network in place made up of people you can trust. Counselling could form a valuable part of this network by giving you space to work through the issues single parenthood raises for you and your newborn child.
– Friends and family keep offering conflicting advice
Family and friends who already have children mean well when they offer their worldly advice. But when the advice leaves you even more confused than ever you might not know where to turn or what to do. Counselling provides a neutral perspective and space to help you process and gain clarity over your thoughts and feelings.
How antenatal counselling works
Antenatal counselling is a place to share your fears, anxieties and challenges about pregnancy and becoming a parent. It’s an outlet to explore your emotions in a safe, non-judgemental space. At Family Welfare we offer expectant parents in Wigan up to twelve 50-minute counselling sessions completely free of charge.
Sessions are usually based on one-to-one talking therapy, although mums can choose to bring their partner to sessions if they feel it would benefit them both. Counselling can build your confidence as parents and could actually make your relationship stronger.
How to access antenatal and perinatal counselling
There are two ways to access our counselling services. You can talk to your GP, midwife or health visitor and ask them to make a referral to Family Welfare. Alternatively, you can make a self-referral through our website or by calling us on 01942 867888.