Areas of Specialization - Adults

Becoming Mothers...Staying Women

The transition to motherhood is both exciting and challenging. It is a time of changing roles and expectations for yourself and your relationships.

The following experiences are almost universal - yet they catch many women off guard.
1. As a new mother, you are likely to be exhausted and under stress, and to experience emotional highs and lows.
2. Your expectations of motherhood may not match your reality.
3. You may find yourself so enthralled with your little one that your love affair with the baby begins to eclipse your love affair with your husband.
4. You may have to work at staying connected to other aspects of your "personhood."
5. The best gift you can give everyone around you is the gift of caring for yourself.

It is essential that all mothers ask for help and support on a regular basis in order to replenish themselves.

The Becoming Mothers…Staying Women group will help you learn how to care for yourself and your family. Explore your feelings and thoughts while developing skills to integrate your new and old roles.

Specific group topics include:

• Managing your changing emotions— both during pregnancy and after
       - Postpartum "Blues" occurs in 80% of mothers
• How your sex/love life will change
• Feelings around your decision to go back to work or stay home
• Coping with the loss of or change in your work identity
• Childcare alternatives and making a decision
• Finding time to take care of yourself
• Dealing with excessive worries and stress
• Establishing a support system

*Additional individual or couples sessions are available