define yours. Of course, every trimester is different. The first trimester is scientifically a surge of hormones, while outwardly some people can’t see the visual difference. The second trimester is usually a good time for some people: The bump is showing and the pregnancy glow is glowing. The third trimes- ter is usually uncomfortable, sleep and rest become rare, and fear for labor ramps up. These are all normal experiences. Feeling fear in any stage of pregnancy is normal. There is now a whole other human to take care of and account for in a way you may have never experienced. While change is the only constant in life, it can still be scary. FEELINGS DURING PREGNANCY DON’T DEFINE YOUR FUTURE IN PARENTING. The second step is knowing that just because you don’t love pregnancy or are feeling unsure, that doesn’t mean that you will not be a good parent or love your child. There are plenty of wonderful mothers who did not love pregnancy. My mother, for instance, had a rough pregnancy with my younger sister and wanted nothing more than to be done with it, and in the last 13 years, I have seen her be the best mother
I could imagine. Sure, parenting is never perfect, but what truly is? On the other hand, there are plenty of mothers who do not immediately fall in love with their baby. Sometimes the love you have for your baby grows over time. Allow yourself to grow
yourself feel your emotions and speak about them freely. Society, as well as healthcare, needs to be more aware of the complexi- ties mothers face before, during, and after pregnancy. That change can start with you as well. LOCAL MATERNAL MENTAL HEALTH RESOURCES Baton Rouge Perinatal Counseling batonrougeperinatalcounseling.com Louisiana Maternal Mental Health Hotline (833) 943-5746 Maternal Love
slowly along with your baby. PREGNANCY DOESN’T HEAL ALL WOUNDS.
The next step is realizing that pregnancy does not heal all wounds. If you are battling with depression or anxiety, that will still be present. So then, of course, the next step is to find help in whatever way possible. For most people, this doesn’t mean counselling. While therapy is recommend- ed and helpful for most, it is not feasible for some people. Find a friend or family member that you are not afraid of saying the hard truth to. Don’t be afraid to voice what is going through your mind. Keeping it bottled up helps nobody and hurts you. Find someone who can understand your perspective, be a listening ear and—if you want—can give you sound advice. There is no right or wrong way to ex- perience pregnancy in all stages of it. The only wrong thing to do would be to not let
maternallovebr.com Postpartum Support International (PSI) Helpline (800) 944-4773
TLC Moms – Louisiana Department of Health ldh.la.gov Woman’s Perinatal Mental Health Unit womans.org
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