Perinatal psychology: what is it and what are its functions?

This branch of psychology studies and intervenes in pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

Being a mother is one of the most incredible and rewarding life experiences one can have.. But this culminating moment in life also brings with it many challenges, since the mother figure is extremely important for the growth of a child and has a decisive influence on how he/she develops in different areas of his/her life: personal wellbeing, academics, work, interpersonal relationships, etc.

Although motherhood is a wonderful time and the maternal feeling will accompany a mother throughout her life, some mothers may feel lonely, suffer anxiety before or after pregnancy, experience a complicated delivery, suffer stress in the face of these circumstances or suffer from postpartum depression, among many other psychological phenomena.

Fortunately, experts in perinatal psychology help mothers manage these concerns or overcome emotional issues that may arise during the process of conception, pregnancy and early parenting.

What is Perinatal Psychology?

Perinatal psychology can be defined as a specialty of psychology that covers all the psychological aspects that are present before and during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, parenting and bonding with the baby. and the bond with the baby. Therefore, it provides knowledge and tools to help mothers or mothers-to-be (but also fathers) to overcome the difficulties that may appear in these important stages of their lives, and aims to provide them with the necessary psychological resources to increase their well-being and improve their quality of life, as well as that of their baby and, in general, of their family.

Becoming a mother can bring with it new challenges, demanding and unstable periods and can generate stress, so all the resources you have at this specific moment in the life cycle will have a decisive influence on your adaptation and the success of this transition.

Difficulties faced by mothers and fathers

Throughout our lives, people must face different situations of change that require the necessary adaptation to be able to face them and evolve.. Motherhood/parenthood is one of the most important transitional stages, and provokes moments of great impact in the life of an individual.

In this context, the application of Perinatal Psychology is of great importance, which, according to the Spanish Association of Perinatal Psychology, intervenes in the following areas:

• Fears and fear associated with childbirth and pregnancy.
• Complicated and traumatic births.
• Emotional management of pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
• Babies born prematurely.
• Early parenting and early childhood.
• Breastfeeding difficulties.
• Puerperium with bonding difficulties with the baby.
• Awareness of the experience of childbirth and cesarean section.
• Postpartum depression or other pathologies associated with this vital stage.
• Loss of a baby and grieving process.
• Problems adapting to parenthood.
• Development of a secure bond with the baby
• Personal growth from a conscious maternity
• Difficulties in conceiving a child.

How does perinatal psychology help families?

One of the main tasks of perinatal psychology is to protect the mental health of both parents and babies.It is therefore oriented towards prevention, support, diagnosis and treatment during the whole process preceding the birth of a child. Psychoeducation is key in this regard.

However, experts in this field not only intervene and act before the birth, but also after, with the aim of promoting a healthy bond between the parents and the baby. The effect that the intervention has on the parents is crucial not only for them, but also for the family relationship in general and for all the actors that make up the family. Perinatal psychology fosters the abilities, skills and self-esteem of the parents, and addresses any difficulties that may arise along the way.

When to seek help?

Perinatal psychologists offer psychological support in a variety of situations.

1. Preconception support

Some couples may have problems conceiving. At other times, they simply want to be prepared for this important moment in their lives: the birth of a child. Perinatal psychologists, for example, can work with parents to modify their beliefs about what it means to have a child if they are irrational or can work with parents to overcome past traumatic experiences, such as the loss of a baby.

2. Prenatal and perinatal support

Perinatal psychology helps expectant mothers facing emotional or physical challenges during labor and delivery, but can also be helpful in preparing for the birth process. Pregnancy anxiety or fear of childbirth are psychological phenomena experienced by some mothers.

3. Postnatal support

If childbirth was too challenging or traumatizing for the mother and/or baby, the mother (and father) may benefit from the psychological support provided by experts in perinatal psychology, who also offer assistance in overcoming, for example, postpartum depression.

4. Family support

The arrival of a new child (or when the birth has been traumatic) not only changes the mother's life, but the rest of the family members can also have adaptation problems in this context. Perinatal psychology is key because it provides the necessary tools for parents and family in these situations.

Where to find a reliable perinatal psychologist?

In order to benefit from this therapeutic practice it is necessary to put yourself in good hands. In Spain there are good professionals who offer the maximum guarantees of psychological assistance in this specialty, but it is necessary to find a clinic you can trust, where you feel comfortable presenting your problem. If you are going through a situation similar to the one described above, do not be discouraged because it is possible to overcome it.

The El Prado Psychology Center Psychologists has some of the best experts in Perinatal Psychology, all with extensive training and experience. It is located in Madrid, uses brief and effective treatments from an integrative orientation, and is authorized as a Health Center by the government of this autonomous community. The professionals of El Prado Psicólogos put into practice different techniques so that you can enjoy the beautiful experience of being a mother or father and recover the emotional balance to be able to live a full and satisfactory life.

This reference clinic is at the forefront of psychotherapy, and applies the latest advances in research and the most effective therapeutic procedures: Clinical hypnosis, Mindfulness, relaxation techniques and other techniques such as EFT for emotional release, etc. Its methodology does not exclude any therapeutic model, since its purpose is to better adapt to the needs of each patient.

• You can contact El Prado Psicólogos through this link.