Anticipating childbirth can be daunting, especially given the ‘horror stories’ that we are often told.  For some women, this fear can be so daunting that they delay having a child because of an intense fear of the labour. This is known as tokophobia, or a fear of childbirth, and is more common then you might think, affecting an estimated one in ten women. We work with women to help them to deal with fear surrounding childbirth, and to prepare for childbirth in a more positive way

A further range of emotions is often present when IVF and other forms of assisted reproduction is undertaken. It can be a time of renewed hope and anticipation, but also a time of confusion and despair if cycles don’t result in the desired pregnancy.  Everyone’s experience of treatment is unique and for some, the physical and emotional side-effects of treatment can be daunting and unexpected.  Therapy at this time can help to cope with the psychological demands of treatment and to understand their own reactions and those of others around them.

Coming to terms with infertility results in a range of conflicting emotions. It is understandable that one might struggle to cope with readjusting dreams and future plans.  Therapy can help to work through this difficult process allowing for the time and space to grieve and explore the emotions involved.  For some this may mean adjusting to a future without children, for others it may involve exploring alternative ways of creating a family.

Secondary infertility, or trying unsuccessfully for a second or subsequent children can also bring about anxiety and sadness around struggling to build the family you had envisioned.

For some the idea of becoming a parent brings up a range of issues such as worries about being a good parent or anxieties about how having children will impact on their mental health. Many parents wish to parent differently to how they were raised.  There may be things about your upbringing that you want to bring forward into your own parenting, and others that you want to leave firmly in the past and not repeat. Therapy can help to address these themes so that you feel empowered to take the steps towards the life you want for you and your family.