Planning how many children you want, as well as the age difference between them, is an important way to help create a more harmonious family life. This is often a joyous experience for a couple wanting to start a family, however you may need individual assistance if it has instead started to brought strain upon your family. Examples of when this can occur can include when you are struggling or unable to conceive, or having disagreements with your partner about having children or other family challenges.
Furthermore, unexpected turns of events can sometimes be difficult to navigate as a family alone. For example, suddenly experiencing an unexpected pregnancy or having concerns during your pregnancy can cause a great deal of distress. Having long term or constant stress during pregnancy results in an ongoing release of the stress hormone ‘cortisol’, which can have dangerous and lasting effects on both yourself, the baby and your family.
If any of these concerns have been ongoing and you can no longer cope as a family, a psychologist can help you to take better control of the situation and manage your emotions during this difficult period.
Some of the particular areas in which a psychologist can provide assistance includes: