Watch on YouTube:
Behind The Sessions: Perinatal Mental Health During the Holidays, Part 2- Pregnancy
Our first episode in this series was about infertility; today’s focus is on pregnancy. Our final two installments will cover pregnancy loss and postpartum. I’m discussing how holiday expectations might not align with what’s happening. The holidays can feel like a mixed bag of joy and anticipation, while a lot of stress and pressure get thrown into the mix. We can’t deny our emotional truth, because that complicates everything.
The bottom line is that it’s no small thing to be pregnant during the holidays, and figuring out how to manage everything may be extra challenging while growing a baby.
Behind The Sessions: Perinatal Mental Health During the Holidays, Part 2-Pregnancy Show Highlights
- Mixed feelings: joy, excitement, and maybe a struggle to overcome nausea
- Amplified pressure
- Regulating your emotional and physical self
- Expectations, boundaries, and relational stress
- Typical examples and reasons you need self-compassion
- Perinatal mental health issues may leave you with sensory fatigue, irritability, and the pressure to be perfect.
- Feelings of loneliness and disconnection
- Financial strain and holiday spending pressure
- It’s okay to slow down and set boundaries.
- Tips for navigating the holidays while pregnant:
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Make mindset shifts as your priorities shift and change.
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Prioritize intentional rest and protect your downtime.
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Ask for help, delegate tasks, and learn to say NO.
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Plan to ensure emotional safety.
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- “You don’t have to prove that you’re doing enough.”
Resources:
Call the National Maternal Mental Health Hotline at 1-833-TLC-MAMA or visit cdph.ca.gov
Please find resources in English and Spanish at Postpartum Support International, or by phone/text at 1-800-944-4773. There are many free resources, like online support groups, peer mentors, a specialist provider directory, and perinatal mental health training for therapists, physicians, nurses, doulas, and anyone who wants to better support people for whom they provide services.
Visit www.postpartum.net for resources and support!
Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.
Tools, Skills and Hacks for New Moms
Manage thoughts & feelings of overwhelm
Learn how breathing & grounding help reach calmness
Exercises to find peace
