What problems does perinatal therapy address?

These are the aspects of psychological well-being that perinatal therapy addresses.

Perinatal therapy is one of the areas of psychology that has been gaining popularity in recent years.

Pregnancy and motherhood is gradually being recognized as a process that goes beyond the Biological and medical; it is a phenomenon with important psychological implications, both good and bad.

And although many people go through this stage completely independently and with hardly any significant discomfort, in some cases it is important to be able to count on psychotherapeutic support. That is why nowadays, many professionals are trained and specialize in perinatal psychology.

Throughout this article we will see what perinatal therapy is and what problems it addresses.The aim is to have a global and summarized vision of this field of work with patients.

What do we mean by perinatal therapy?

Perinatal psychology is the branch of psychology that focuses on the process of motherhood and childbearing from the preconception phrase through delivery and puerperiumi.e., the weeks immediately following the time of birth.

Perinatal therapy is the applied facet of this professional field, that which is directly involved in the support of patients, who can be both men and women. The latter should come as no surprise, given that conception and the gestation and rearing of a baby in the first few weeks is a stage that affects both sexes psychologically and even physiologically and hormonally, and that is why perinatal psychologists provide support to both mothers and fathers, should they need it..

Psychological problems and needs addressed

These are the main aspects of the experience of parenthood that are addressed through perinatal therapy.

These are aspects of this process that can be managed in the best possible way if there are professionals who attend to the emotional, cognitive and behavioral aspects involved in this process, since that have to do with it, either by helping to get rid of harmful beliefs, helping to face fears and sources of anxiety, providing programs to learn appropriate life habits so that everything goes well, etc.

1. Fertility problems

Problems in conceiving are one of the phenomena in which perinatal therapy intervenes due to their psychological impact at various levels, both in men and women.

It has been proven that, statistically, these types of difficulties go hand in hand with a decline in self-esteem levels, confusion about how to plan for the future, anxiety at the prospect of missing out on opportunities to have a baby, depressive-type symptoms linked to feelings of hopelessness, and often even feelings of guilt.The symptoms of depression linked to feelings of hopelessness, and often even feelings of guilt.

Of course, none of this means that the existence of obstacles and setbacks to having a baby need necessarily produce significant psychological problems: each person is different.

2. Abortion experience

If the problems in having a pregnancy turn into an abortion, the emotional consequences of this are likely to be even more pronounced. The grief produced by the death of a baby (born or unborn) may require therapy.

3. Experiencing the changes of pregnancy

Some people may experience emotional discomfort due to the changes that take place in one's body during pregnancy. These problems can range can range from not accepting one's own body, to the feeling of not recognizing one's own body as one's own, since it undergoes a series of significant transformations in a short period of time.The body undergoes a series of significant transformations in a short period of time.

4. Expectations in relation to childbirth

It is relatively common to develop a series of fears related to the moment of childbirth when it 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

How to manage the feeding of the baby through breast milk. can give way to doubts, fears and insecurities about what is best, all with the pressure of deciding on something that affects the baby's development.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 a great help.

6. Relationship with the baby in the postpartum period

The relationship between mother and father and baby begins even before birth, through touch and sounds, but takes on a new dimension once delivery has occurred. In these early weeks it is important to develop a proper bond with the baby by encouraging healthy attachment dynamics, something that is easier to do with the baby.This is made easier with the advice and support of psychologists in perinatal therapy.

Are you interested in support for motherhood or fatherhood?

If you are interested in professional assistance through perinatal therapy services, please contact us. At Avance Psychologists we are backed by two decades of experience in patient care, and we attend both in our center located in Madrid and through online therapy by video call. In this page you will find more information about us.

Bibliographic references:

• 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.
• Cantero, M.J. & Lafuente, M.J. (2010). Vinculaciones afectivas: apego, amistad y amor. Madrid: Ediciones Pirámide.
• Cantón, J. & Cortés, M.R. (2003). El apego del niño a sus cuidadores: evaluación, antecedentes y consecuencias para el desarrollo. Editorial: 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.