The one thing you can control is how your treat yourself. And that one thing can change everything.
-Leeana Tankersley
Having a baby is one of the biggest transitions a woman goes through in her lifetime. Parts of this transition will be amazing and fulfilling, and parts will be draining and difficult. Know that this is very normal, and your pregnancy is the start of this life changing transition.
Common Types of Life Transitions
The following is a list of common types of life transitions (which is by no means an exhaustive list as there are many more not listed here):
- Having a baby
- Relationship changes
- Birth trauma/not having the birth you wanted/expected
- Baby needing NICU stay
- Issues with breastfeeding
- Becoming a stay-at-home mom/going back to working outside of the home after your maternity leave
- Miscarriage/pregnancy loss
- Infertility/secondary infertility
- Pregnancy complications
- PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders)
- Loss of a loved one
- Moving
- Job and career changes
- Medical issues
- Injuries/accidents
- Add your own…
Keep in mind that the more transitions you have hitting you at the same time, the higher your stress level and heightened emotions will most likely be in your life.
It can also be helpful to figure out if you’re currently going through something situational/short-term that will clear up once the situation is resolved, or if it’s something ongoing/long-term that means your healing process will probably take longer and there may be grief and loss that surfaces along the way here as well.
Also, keep an eye out for emotional flooding during pregnancy, especially during any other life transitions you’re currently going through. Here are some times you’re more likely to experience emotional flooding during pregnancy:
- After a major life change
- After a loss
- Arguing with loved ones
- When issues from your past are triggered
- When past traumas resurface
- During an ongoing stressful situation
- When many life stressors show up at the same time
- When you receive unexpected news
Finally, here are some self-care ideas of use during life transitions:
- Go outside/go for a walk
- Focus on your five senses
- Focus on your breath
- Tighten and relax your muscles
- Listen to a guided meditation
- Connect with someone who understands
- Schedule alone time
- Show yourself compassion
What else would you add to this this that’s been helpful to you during your own life transitions?
