PARENTHOOD

There are physical changes during pregnancy. Hormones, as well as the breasts and belly, grow. After the baby arrives, your body continues to adapt. The intensity of the birth experience, milk production that goes easy or you struggle with, meeting your newborn for the first time, and disrupted nights all play a part. Physiologically, a woman undergoes many shifts during pregnancy and after birth. In present times we are also dealing with the fact that we usually don't have a community around us anymore that can take care and support us, which can leave you feeling overwhelmed and, in some cases, at risk of postpartum depression or anxiety.

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Partners can also feel uncertain. They may seem like bystanders, unsure how to support when they witness emotional changes, morning sickness, and visible physical changes.

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You and your partner knew each other well as partners. Now that you have the role of parents you find yourselves getting more irritated with the way in which the other handles parenthood.

What scenario it is, relationship dynamics can experience extra pressure.

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My focus and approach

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I support parents and expectant parents during this period when stress can take over, using body-oriented therapy and nervous system regulation. The focus of nervous system regulation lies in the relational context. The way we relate to ourselves determines how we relate to everything and everyone around us. When you change the way your physiology relates to the world around you, it changes the relational and behavioural patterns within yourself.

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Expertise:

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• Anxiety after pregnancy

• Postpartum depression

• Stress-related concerns about romantic relationships and parenthood

• Guidance for handling uncertainty with children and/or a partner

• Addressing shame around emotional outbursts in relational contexts