The thought of starting a family and having children, or extending your existing family is usually a happy time for most couples, filled with joy and anticipation at the thought of bringing new life into the world. However some couples can have problems conceiving, and this can occur even when they have already had children.
There is often peer pressure on people to start a family whether it’s from parents, family or friends, and this can increase already existing feelings of stress and anxiety and have a negative effect on the couple. If you are struggling to get pregnant then you should consult your doctor so that they can rule out any underlying health conditions that may be the cause.
Getting pregnant naturally is not always possible for some couples and they may need help in the form of IVF. Unless you are able to pay for IVF privately you may find that you have to have tried to conceive naturally for at least a year before it’s available to you. IVF can also be a stressful and emotional time for couples as there is the added factor of cost and the procedure not being immediately successful if only limited attempts are available to them.
Surrogacy can also be an option for some people, but this can vary from country to country depending on the surrogacy laws. If you feel this might be right for you, you should seek legal advice before deciding to go ahead. There is also the option of adoption, this can be a lengthy and often stressful process but inevitably very rewarding. It is important to remember that you may be more successful if you are willing to adopt a child rather than a new born, as there are millions of young children currently in foster care hoping to be adopted.
Many expectant mothers can be happy when they finally conceive but can then develop worries and fears about carrying to term or giving birth. They can also have doubts and insecurities about being a good parent, and whilst parents and medical professionals can reassure them that everything will be fine, it can cause them unnecessary anxiety and stress which can have a negative affect on the pregnancy. Alternative therapies such as acupuncture, relaxation therapy, counselling and clinical hypnotherapy can be helpful for both prospective parents.
Self-Help
If you are struggling with any element of having a family there are lots of helpful websites and organisations available on-line that can help you find advice and information, as well as self-help groups and medical advice.
Professional Help
Therapy can help you through all the stages of having a baby from conception, pregnancy and birth, as well as helping people with anxieties about becoming a parent and caring for their child. Therapies such as counselling, psychotherapy, CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) and clinical hypnotherapy and hypnobirthing have all proven to be effective through the four main stages, conception, achieving the 3 month stage, carrying to full term and having a stress free birth. Written by Jan, Jeana and Wendy at Barnsley Hypnosis and Counselling (UK). For more free Information click above link.