by Dr Bronwyn Leigh
Is there a right time to seek support or signs that it might be helpful to talk to someone sooner rather than later?
One of the challenges many mothers face is working out what is “normal” in such a big life transition. It can be hard to know how much of what you are feeling is due to biology, changing circumstances, or sleep deprivation and whether there might be something more going on that would benefit from professional support. For first-time parents especially, there isn’t really a benchmark to measure against.
A helpful rule of thumb is to notice how distressed you feel and for how long. If you are feeling distressed a good portion of the time and those feelings are not easing after a couple of weeks, that is usually a good sign to seek support. It is also completely okay to reach out earlier if your distress feels intense.
A perinatal psychologist can help if you are feeling overwhelmed, if you feel you are not coping as you had hoped, if you would like more support during this time, or if things simply do not seem to be improving on their own.
It is very common to feel wobbly at times during this phase of life. What matters more is the intensity of the distress and whether it persists. And if you are unsure, it can help to talk things through with someone you trust, whether that is a partner, friend, GP or maternal health nurse.
Motherhood and Fatherhood should not equal suffering.
About the Author
Dr Bronwyn Leigh is a clinical psychologist, perinatal and infant clinician and early parenting consultant. She is the Director of the Centre for Perinatal Psychology. Bronwyn is an expert in the psychological aspects of becoming a parent, the emotional development of infants, and parent-infant relationships.
