458: Behind The Sessions: Perinatal Mental Health During the Holidays Pt. 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. 

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:

• Make mindset shifts as your priorities shift and change.

• Prioritize intentional rest and protect your downtime.

• Ask for help, delegate tasks, and learn to say NO. 

• Plan to ensure emotional safety.

• “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 visitcdph.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 be more supportive in offering services.

You can also follow PSI on social media: Instagram, Facebook, and most other platforms.

Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/for information on the grief course. 

Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today! 

If you are a California resident seeking a therapist in perinatal mental health, please email me about openings for private pay clients. 

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