Perinatal psychology: what is it and what functions does it perform?

Being a mother is one of the most incredible and rewarding life experiences that can be experienced. But this culminating moment in life also brings with it many challenges, since the mother figure is extremely important for the growth of a child and decisively influences how he / she develops in different areas of her life: personal well-being, academia, work, interpersonal relationships, etc.

Despite the fact that motherhood is a wonderful moment and the maternal feeling will accompany a mother throughout her life, some mothers may feel lonely, suffer anxiety before or after pregnancy, experience a complicated delivery, suffer stress in the face of these circumstances or suffer from postpartum depression, among many others psychological phenomena.

Fortunately, experts in perinatal psychology help mothers manage these concerns or overcome the problems. emotional problems that can appear during the process of conception, pregnancy and the parenting stage initial.

What is Perinatal Psychology?

Perinatal Psychology can be defined as a specialty of Psychology that encompasses all psychological aspects that are present before and during pregnancy, childbirth, postpartum, breeding and the bond with the baby. Therefore, it provides knowledge and tools to help mothers or future mothers (but also fathers) to overcome the difficulties that can appear in these important stages of life. their life, and its purpose is to offer them the psychological resources necessary to increase their well-being and improve their quality of life, as well as that of their baby and, in general, that of their family.

Being a mother can bring with it new challenges, demanding, unstable periods and can generate stress, so all the resources with Those who count at this specific moment of the life cycle will have a decisive influence on their adaptation and the success of this transition.

Difficulties faced by mothers and fathers

Throughout our lives, people must face different situations of change that require the necessary adaptation to be able to face them and evolve. Motherhood / fatherhood is one of the most important transitional stages, and causes moments of great impact in the life of an individual.

In this context, the application of perinatal psychology is of great importance, which, according to the Spanish Association of Perinatal Psychology, intervenes in the following areas:

• Fears and fear associated with childbirth and pregnancy.
• Complicated and traumatic deliveries.
• Emotional management of pregnancy and recovery after childbirth.
• Babies born prematurely.
• Parenting in early ages and early childhood.
• Breastfeeding difficulties.
• Puerperium with bonding difficulties with the baby.
• Awareness of the experience of childbirth and cesarean section.
• Postpartum depression or other pathologies associated with this vital stage.
• Loss of a baby and the grieving process.
• Problems adjusting to motherhood or fatherhood
• Developing a secure bond with the baby
• Personal growth from conscious motherhood
• Difficulty conceiving a child

How does Perinatal Psychology help families?

One of the main tasks of perinatal psychology is the protection of the mental health of both parents and babies, so it is aimed at prevention, support, diagnosis and treatment throughout the process that precedes the birth of a child. Psychoeducation is key in this regard.

However, experts in this field not only intervene and act before birth, but also after, with the aim of promoting a healthy bond between parents and baby. The effect that the intervention has on the parents is crucial not only for them, but for the family relationship in general and for all the actors that make up the family. Perinatal Psychology fosters the capacities and abilities and self-esteem of the parents, and treats the difficulties that may arise along the way

When to seek help?

Perinatal psychologists offer psychological support in a variety of situations.

1. Support before conception

Some couples may have trouble conceiving. At other times, they simply want to be prepared for this important moment in their life: the birth of a child. Perinatal psychologists, for example, can work with parents to change their beliefs about what it means to have a child. if they are irrational or they can work with them to overcome traumatic experiences from the past, such as the loss of a baby.

2. Prenatal and perinatal support

Perinatal Psychology helps pregnant mothers who are facing emotional or physical challenges during childbirth, but it can also be helpful in preparing for the birthing process. Anxiety in pregnancy or fear of childbirth are psychological phenomena that some mothers experience.

3. Postnatal support

If the delivery was too challenging or traumatic for the mother and / or baby, the mother (and father) can benefit from support provided by the experts in Perinatal Psychology, who also offer assistance to overcome, for example, depression postpartum.

• Related article: "Postpartum Depression: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment"

4. Family support

The arrival of a new child (or when the birth has been traumatic) not only changes the mother's life, but the rest of the family members may also have adaptation problems in this context. Perinatal Psychology is key because it provides necessary tools for parents and the family in these situations.

Where to find a trusted perinatal psychologist?

In order to benefit from this therapeutic practice, it is necessary to put yourself in good hands. In Spain there are good professionals who offer the maximum guarantees of psychological assistance in this specialty, but it is necessary to find a trustworthy clinic, in which you feel comfortable exposing your trouble. If you are going through a situation similar to the one described in the previous lines, do not be discouraged as it is possible to overcome it.

The El Prado Psychology Center Psychologists has some of the best experts in perinatal psychology, all with extensive training and experience. It is located in Madrid, uses short and effective treatments from an integrative orientation, and is authorized as a Health Center by the government of this autonomous community. The professionals at El Prado Psychologists put into practice different techniques so that you can enjoy the beautiful experience of being a mother or father and you are able to regain emotional balance to be able to live a full and satisfactory.

This referral clinic is at the forefront of psychotherapy, applying the latest advances in research and the most effective therapeutic procedures: Clinical hypnosis, Mindfulness, relaxation techniques and other techniques like EFT for emotional release, etc. Its methodology does not exclude any therapeutic model, since its purpose is to better adapt to the needs of each patient.

• You can contact El Prado Psychologists through this link.