What’s So Important About Therapy for New Moms?
Whether trying for a baby, being pregnant, or negotiating the fourth trimester, the pre- and postnatal time of life can be overwhelming for many people. Therapy can help. I remember the first time I heard the term “fourth trimester.” It was not prior to my pregnancy or while I was pregnant, but rather while I was already in the midst of it. The fourth trimester is the 3 months following birth, a period that is marked by intense emotions: love, joy, exhaustion, bliss, feeling overwhelmed or a lack of control, guilt, shame, anger, and sometimes sadness or even grief. It is possible, and even likely, that a new mom will feel some of these emotions simultaneously. It is a beautiful time, but also a trying time.
Many mothers may also experience challenges with breastfeeding as well as with bottle feeding. I think these difficulties can be exacerbated by some of the images and narratives of motherhood found on social media: What if I don’t feel the same way as other moms? What if my family doesn’t feel as happy as those online families look? Women can experience each of these emotions and thoughts all while recovering from childbirth and managing incredible hormonal changes.
The fourth trimester also includes the challenges associated with adjusting to a newborn’s life: When will the laundry get done? Who will make dinner? Will I ever sleep again? How or when can I go back to work? When will I have time to myself? While all of these questions are completely normal, it can feel overwhelming, endless, and isolating. Complications, including a feeling of loneliness can easily arise from this isolation – not only from the larger world, but also from family, friends, and/or partners.
Is therapy important for new moms? Yes. Therapy provides a non-judgmental safe space for moms to explore all of their feelings connected not only with new motherhood, but also the various ways in which their family unit has changed and is continuing to change. Therapy provides the opportunity to share needs and challenges in a supportive environment. A therapist can help to provide support, validation, resources, and to assist in identifying needs and brainstorming coping strategies and strategies for self-care. It is critically important for new moms to attend to their own wellness, even in the face of the tremendous need to take care of the newborn, other children, partners, careers, and other responsibilities.
While the thought of adding yet one more thing to your day might seem overwhelming, virtual therapy sessions can be a great option. Meeting and talking virtually is an excellent way to engage in therapy while not having to worry about childcare, or parking, or even if the pants you’re wearing have spit up on them!
While being prepared for the challenges that may arise during the fourth trimester does not mean that they won’t occur, a therapist can help you to negotiate these very real challenges if they do. Learn more about working with me here and schedule a free consultation here to start therapy today!
About the Author
Rosalie Marchitell0-Clauss is a licensed therapist and mom in Buffalo, NY specializing in perinatal mental health, chronic illness, and mind-body work. She is certified in Perinatal Mental Health through Postpartum Support International and is a RYT 200 yoga instructor. Schedule a free consultation with Rosalie today!
