Unexpected pregnancy and new motherhood
You just found out you might be pregnant…
- Is congratulations the last thing you want to hear?
- Are you wanting someone to be as surprised as you are?
- Are you waiting for someone to ask if this is a good thing?
- Are you feeling guilty for not being thrilled like ‘everyone else’?
- Are you ashamed for considering your ‘options’ when you have a good stable job and all the other pieces that would allow you to care for a child?
- Are you certain you’re the only person in the universe who is unqualified to parent a child?
- Are you feeling depressed instead of joyful?
- Are you wondering if anyone else feels like you do?
A ‘surprise’ pregnancy can be terrifying. And allowing yourself to fully think through all the pieces is crucial to your emotional health. At The LifeWorks Group all judgement is left outside our door. Come to a place where you can feel safe to explore all of your feelings related to your pregnancy.
From “I’m WHAT??” to “OH cr%p I’m going to be a mom,” feelings run the gamut – especially when a pregnancy is unexpected. First there’s that next day moment after ‘popping’ out your little one of looking in the mirror. You’re thinking, “Are they sure they didn’t leave one in there– I still look at least seven months pregnant!” And then there’s the moment your significant other starts hinting about having sex. FAT CHANCE. Literally. And gotta love that feeling that you’ve run a marathon by 8 a.m. and you haven’t even thought about putting your running shoes on, in – oh say- ten months!
This is what you could be in for:
- a battle to get rid of the post-pregnancy pounds
- dealing with the navigation of intimacy post baby (But, honey he’s napping in the same room!)
- fears that even one minute to yourself will cause some major catastrophe to happen to your newborn
- loss of the career woman identity as you transition into your identity as a mom
- maintaining your parent power with the grandparents
- loads of guilt about oh, just about everything!
All of these issues are completely NORMAL. While your hormones may be crazy-making for a while, YOU are not crazy.
A safe place to vent, to breathe, to scream, or to just not be a mom for an hour, can help you through these inevitably difficult times. (Newborns are always welcome to join your session but consider YOUR needs, not just your baby’s.)
If you are struggling with becoming a mom, unplanned pregnancy, or other mommy issues, we recommend the following LifeWorkers:
Cheryl Edinbyrd (teen moms)
Please call or email LifeWorks for more information, or to make an appointment.
Resources:
Postpartum Support, International
The Postpartum Experience
Depression After Delivery
The Postpartum Stress Center
Postpartum Dads
