 With seventeen years' experience as an early motherhood Psychologist, Dr Renée Miller shares her insights into what new mums really want on Mothers' Day. "No gift compares to words of appreciation, acknowledgement and love" says Renée. "There’s nothing quite like a beautiful card with heartfelt words". So Dads and partners, looking for ideas for Mothers' Day, this is what mums want to hear: Thank you for carrying our child, enduring the changes and discomforts of pregnancy, and for your tenacity and strength in giving birth to our baby. You were amazing. Thank you for thinking of our child’s well being 24/7, and for constantly anticipating what he/she might need ahead of time. I can only imagine how tiring this must be. Thank you for nourishing our child with food, love and tenderness. Thank you for the countless hours you’ve been barely awake tending to our baby alone at night. Thank you for playing games and entertaining our child even though there are so many other things you’d like to be doing (like sleeping). Thank you for pushing through your exhaustion and for being there when things aren’t easy. Thank you for diligently inquiring or reading about parenting practices to be the best mum you can be. Thank you for guiding me in my parenting (even if it comes out a little impatiently sometimes). I know you have our child's interests at heart. Thank you for the mammoth adjustment you’ve made to becoming a mother, for letting go of so much of the old you, and for going through re-defining yourself as a woman and a mother. Thank you for all that you do to make our house a home. [Words of love…..] [Pledge to give Mum time-out to rejuvenate, time to catch up on sleep, and time together to nurture your relationship.] [A gift won't go astray. Just not one that's related to housework, cooking, caring for others... you get the idea] Dr Renée Miller is the Principal Clinical Psychologist and Founder of the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network   Sometimes, research confirms what we already suspect. Time out is good for mothers’ mental health. Perinatal Psychologist and researcher, Dr Hannah Woolhouse, has worked on the Maternal Health Study for nearly 15 years. This study was conducted in Melbourne Australia, by the Healthy Mothers Healthy Families research group at Murdoch Childrens Research Institute. Over 1500 women joined the study in early pregnancy, and were followed up with questionnaires after the birth. Hannah describes for us what the study found about time out in the early postnatal period. What did the study find? At 6 months postpartum, around 1 in 6 women reported that they NEVER had time for themselves, when someone else looked after their baby. There was a strong connection between time for self, and the prevalence of depression. The rate of depression steadily increasedas the frequency of time for self decreased. The lowest prevalence of depression was 6% for women who had time for themselves once a week or more. Comparatively, the prevalence of depression was 15 % (almost three times higher) in women who neverhad time for themselves. Even after taking into account other associated factors (such as having a supportive partner),women who had time out at least once a week were less likely to report depressive symptoms at 6 months postpartum. In other words, whether women are in a relationship or not, and whether or not they have good emotional and practical support, getting weekly time-out appears to improve mental wellbeing What sorts of things did women do when they had time for them self? In the Maternal Health Study, the most commonly reported activity was doing the supermarket shopping – not something you would necessarily think of as relaxing! Other activities commonly reported were going out with their partner, having a long bath or shower, going to the hairdresser, or putting their feet up and watching TV. We suspect that what women do when they have time for themselves may not matter so much as that someone else looks after the baby for a period of time – meaning that women get a break from that responsibility, and a chance to recharge their batteries. What’s the take-home message? We know that the majority of childcare responsibilities still fall to women. The more equally partners canshare the demands of looking after a new baby, the healthier mothers will be. Ensuring that women get regular and frequent time out from the demands of caring for a new baby is a simple and effective way of promoting good maternal mental health. While this is a simple option, it is not necessarily easy, as it requires the support and input of others. Partners, family and friends play an important role in encouraging women to take time for themselves, giving them permission to take time out from being with their baby, and helping to look after the baby for a period of time. A common block for mums is the belief that they “should do it all” and cope with the demands of caring for a new baby on their own. These beliefs make asking for help difficult. In my clinical work, as part of the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network, I strongly encourage women to challenge these beliefs, as looking after their own emotional health is one of the best things they can do for themselves and their children. Dr Hannah Woolhouse is a Perinatal Psychologist with the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network. Hannah is located in Mornington and Red Hill on the Mornington Peninsula. Links https://www.antenatalandpostnatalpsychology.com.au/dr-hannah-woolhouse.html https://www.mcri.edu.au/users/dr-hannah-woolhouse https://theconversation.com/new-mothers-making-time-for-themselves-reduces-chance-of-postnatal-depression-51808   You’re a new mum. You hear it said often: “It’s normal to feel anxious” – but is it? Clinical Psychologist, Dr Renée Miller from the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network, talks to Bubba West about postnatal anxiety. All new mothers experience some anxiety. Let’s face it, you're in a new role, arguably the most important one there is. You’ve never cared for an infant full-time before. This vulnerable baby depends on you for his or her physical and emotional safety (which can be particularly challenging if your own childhood was not physically or emotionally safe). And on top of all that, you are on call 24 hours a day in a body that has been through significant hormonal changes. You are sleep deprived and you are adapting to a multitude of changes in your life. So yes, some anxiety is ‘normal’. In fact, we need a certain amount of anxiety – ‘optimal anxiety’ – to be motivated to function well, to solve problems as they arise, and in a primal sense, to keep physically safe from predators (what is known as the ‘fight-flight’ response in our biological wiring). In motherhood, this translates to having a certain amount of anxiety to be vigilant enough to keep our babies safe, to perform the many tasks involved in caring for our babies, and to prepare or plan for future possibilities (eg. an upcoming feed or nappy change). But what happens when this vigilance turns into hyper-vigilance? What happens when a feeling of impending doom creeps in, a feeling of dread, a constant fear that something bad is around the corner? You notice a sick feeling in the stomach, a knot in the chest, heart palpitations, constant worry, exhaustion but you feel too ‘wired’ to sleep, or worse - intense panic. These feelings are not ‘normal’. These feelings suggest that anxiety is no longer optimal, but has become a problem. And anxiety like this can be debilitating. Most people know about postnatal depression – feelings of sadness, negative thinking, tearfulness, loss of pleasure, lack of motivation, hopelessness, and/or dark thoughts. Health practitioners are therefore more likely to ask whether you are feeling sad or blue than to ask if you are feeling unduly anxious or agitated. However, postnatal anxiety is common and can occur alongside postnatal depression or on its own. My research showed that 10% of new mums were anxious or stressed, but were not in fact depressed. This finding means that if we focus on depression as the only mental health problem in the postnatal period, women who experience problematic levels of anxiety may not recognise the problem, and may not be helped appropriately. It is not uncommon for postnatal anxiety to be minimised as a ‘normal’ experience of new mothers – both by health practitioners and by new mums themselves. Recognizing the extent of postnatal anxiety, PANDA recently changed its focus from postnatal depression to postnatal anxiety and depression - now known as Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia. If you are feeling worried, fearful, panicky, uptight, overwhelmed, or having obsessive thoughts, you may be experiencing postnatal anxiety. If you are constantly worrying about things that could go wrong in the future (‘what if’ thoughts), you may be experiencing postnatal anxiety. If you are distressed by your anxious feelings and your symptoms are interfering with your life (eg. avoiding going out, not sleeping, obsessively checking on your baby, seeking constant reassurance from others), you may be experiencing postnatal anxiety. It is important to talk about these feelings. You can begin by calling PANDA for free, confidential telephone counselling (ph. 1300 726 306). You can talk with your Maternal and Child Health Nurse, your GP, or a psychologist who is experienced in treating women in the postnatal period. Everyone’s experience of postnatal anxiety differs. However generally speaking, counselling for postnatal anxiety involves:
In some cases (and in consultation with your GP or a perinatal psychiatrist) medication might be required alongside talking therapy. Remember, not all anxiety is normal for new mums, and help is available. Written by Dr Renée Miller for Bubba West, Edition 4 
Striving for perfection can seriously limit our capacity to enjoy life. Perfection-striving is often associated with all or nothing or black and whitethinking. For example, the mum who won’t go to mother’s group if she is going to be late, misses out on the building of relationships with other mums (who are often late themselves). The mum who won’t exercise if she can’t exercise three times per week, misses out on the benefits of some exercise and a little time-out. The mum who won’t invite people over unless she gets the time to make the house look immaculate, misses out on the fun and spontaneity of having other new mums and babies around for her own and her baby’s social well-being. The mum who won’t let her partner settle the baby because he/she won’t do it like she does, misses out on her partner’s support and her partner's growing bond with the baby. The bottom line is that there is no one way, and there is no right way. When your hard and fast rules about how things should be, get in the way of the things that give your life meaning (i.e. the things that you really value) ask yourself if there is a middle ground? The middle ground is a place where we strive for being ‘good-enough’ mothers. Perfectionists usually see this term “good enough” as meaning mediocre. However, ‘good-enough’ means good enough. For example, getting to mothers group late is better than not going at all. It can be a good laugh and a supportive environment. Exercising whenever possible (despite wishing to achieve three exercise sessions per week) is better than nothing, and is likely to become easier to achieve over time. Inviting friends over, even if the house is untidy, shows them that you are human after all (very comforting for most people), and demonstrates that you value friendships more than your domestic high standards. Letting your partner settle the baby even if he/she does it differently to you, knowing that this is their chance to discover what works, and to establish a good bond. The middle ground is a much kinder place – a place of acceptance, and openness to experience. Try it. You’ll see. You might even find that not only can you be a 'good-enough' mum, you can be a great mum! If these tips are not enough, and your need for perfection is causing you distress, it may be worthwhile to seek help. 
I want you to be happy, but this doesn’t mean being happy all the time. No one is happy all the time. Having the expectation that you should be happy all the time, will make you feel more unhappy. I want you to ask for help when you need it. Being able to be vulnerable, and to express your vulnerability, is a great strength. Asking for help does not mean you’ve failed. It means that you are willing to learn, grow and be the best you can be. I want you to know that all feelings pass – the bad and the good. That everything evolves and changes and that we don’t need to fear nor strive for particular feelings because they are transient. When you feel like everything is too hard, remember that things will look different tomorrow. I want you to know who you are, and to define yourself by your values, not by how you look, or by how you perceive others see you. You can never know or control what others think. But you can know, that the way other people think is an indication of who they are, not who you are. I want you to respect yourself by doing things that are self-nourishing (including having uproarious amounts of fun). But only do things you feel comfortable with. You hold the barometer of your own comfort. Check in on your level of comfort in situations you might feel swayed. I want you to find meaning in your life. This will be an evolving process. Only you hold the measurement of what is meaningful to you. Look inwards, not around you for your own definition of meaning. I want you to know that giving to others brings great joy. Be sensitive to the needs of others and give of yourself. This doesn’t mean losing yourself to the needs of others. It means stepping outside of your striving for happiness through material things or achievements, and give love to others. I want you to know that you were born with self-worth. Anything that has diminished your self-worth over time, is changeable. Your thoughts are not truths unless you believe them. Other people’s words are not truths unless you believe them. You have the choice to see yourself in a positive, self-compassionate light. Appreciate the unique person you are. There is no one else on earth like you. Just by being you, you are worthy. Treasure your uniqueness, open your mind to experiencing the fullness of life, and know that you are loved. Mum xx Written by Dr Renée Miller (Perinatal Clinical Psychologist) Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network Dedicated to my beautiful girls. 
Among these women are those who doggedly juggle the demands of work, home and children. Women who commit much of their time and energy to their children's special needs. And women who are parenting alone. Despite the depths of exhaustion and depletion, these women face their difficulties and work at being the best versions of themselves. The second group of women is a group that constantly touches our hearts. Women who have risen from the trenches of despair after losing their much wanted babies. The heartbreak of miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal loss. The stress and helplessness of babies behind the plastic crib in special care nurseries. The women who face the agonising emotional rise and fall of fertility treatment and infertility. We are in awe of how these women go on to find meaning in their lives, honour their lost babies, and help others who have experienced similar heartbreak. The third group of women is made up of our colleagues. Women who in their respective professions, dedicate their working lives to the betterment of women. In the field of perinatal health, obstetricians, gps, midwives, maternal and child health nurses, psychologists, psychiatrists, and social workers, all work to care for women during the profound and vulnerable stages of childbearing. These professional women (often juggling their own work and family demands), typically provide their patients with a responsiveness, compassion, and nurturance that has far reaching benefits for the community as a whole. You are all amazing! Written by Dr Renée Miller 
1. Exercise There is no doubt that exercise improves emotional well-being. Aside from its general health benefits, exercise has consistently been found to improve mood and to help with stress and anxiety. Clearing the mind, having time and space away from the children, and increasing general levels of energy can make an enormous difference in the day- to-day functioning of parents. Blocks Although we know the benefits of exercise, a number of blocks can stop us from achieving this goal. The common blocks parents report include:
Tips
2. More patience with children I have never met a parent who didn't wish they were more patient with their children. Parenting is hard. Parents are constantly pulled from pillar to post, attending to children’s needs, to their ever-changing idiosyncrasies and to their unpredictable and seemingly irrational emotional outburts - often while trying to get other things done. Blocks
Tips
3. Better communication with partners Having children can take a toll on relationships. Communication can become about who's doing what, who's going where, what domestic tasks need to be done, and what the children need. Irritation and resentment can simmer, and a 'tit for tat' discourse can become commonplace. Blocks
Tips
Summary All three goals invovle becoming aware of your thinking, your assumptions, and your expectations. Clarify what it is that you want, and set your intentions clearly for yourself. You may want to write them down or post them somewhere in your house where you can see them. You also may want to tell a friend, family member or partner about your goals to help you to stick to them. Wishing all parents an active, patient and communicative 2017. Written by Dr Renée Miller Perinatal Clinical Psychologist Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network 
Every parent has the best intention for a positive relationship with their child, yet this does not always go to plan. New parents can feel doubtful about their relationship with their baby, feeling lost, and even frightened of this much anticipated new arrival. There can be feelings of aloneness, emptiness, guilt and shame for not enjoying the parenting journey. Parents can find themselves caught between an internal turmoil and desperate attempts to care for the baby they so wanted to love and cherish. Human beings are complex. Each of us carries a relationship blueprint that began with our relationship with our own parents. We develop self-beliefs as well as emotional and behavioural patterns from these relationships. Ever wonder why a certain look from someone or a tone in their voice can rouse an emotional response within us yet not affect someone else the same way? This is because the look or tone is familiar to us, triggering emotions associated with our very early relationship experiences. Although each individual’s early relationship is unique, feelings triggered later in life commonly have to do with early life feelings of aloneness, vulnerability, feeling unprotected, unheard, or misunderstood. Our babies’ needs and behaviours can inadvertently trigger old dynamics from our early relationships. Some parents experience feelings of anxiety or dread when their baby signals a need for closeness and comfort through crying or unsettledness. Others experience sadness, alarm, or a feeling of rejection when their baby crawls away from them to explore the environment. Even though we know that babies lack the sophistication to deliberately upset us, the emotions stirred up can be so strong, it can feel like they are manipulating us. This of course is not the case. Our babies’ need for comfort (closeness to us) or autonomy (distance from us) is merely triggering our own experiences of unmet needs from our childhood, which we may not be fully aware of. Perhaps our own parents struggled with providing comfort when we needed it, or had difficulties supporting our need for independence. Making sense of what our baby is triggering in us can help to remove the blocks that prevent us from attending to their needs and connecting with them in healthy ways. It frees us up to have the kind of relationship with them that builds trust through being present for their emotional needs as they grow and develop. We will never have the perfect relationship with our children. Experiencing pain and disappointment is part of being human. But if we get it right enough of the time, then we are doing just fine. When we miss the mark, repair of the relationship is not only possible, it is powerful. Repairing and rebuilding teaches children that they are worthy and that they can be imperfect but still loved. Parent-child relationships can be helped with counselling, parent-infant work, parenting and play programs. Talk with your doctor or maternal and child health nurse if you are wanting to enhance this important relationship. Written by Kanthi Sayers for Bubba West Magazine, Edition 5. Kanthi Sayers is a Perinatal Psychologist with the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network. She has a particular interest in adjustment to new parenthood, and in the parent-child relationship. Kanthi is located in Niddrie (Essendon area), and her colleagues in the West are located in Maribyrnong, Newport and Werribee. www.antenatalandpostnatalpsychology.com.au https://www.facebook.com/antenatal.postnatal.psychology/ 
Striving for perfection can seriously limit our capacity to enjoy life. Perfection-striving is often associated with 'all or nothing' or 'black and white' thinking. For example, the mum who won’t go to mother’s group if she is going to be late, misses out on the building of relationships with other mums (who are often late themselves). The mum who won’t exercise if she can’t exercise three times per week, misses out on the benefits of some exercise and a little time-out. The mum who won’t invite people over unless she gets the time to make the house look immaculate, misses out on the fun and spontaneity of having other new mums and babies around for her own and her baby’s social well-being. The mum who won’t let her partner settle the baby because he/she won’t do it like she does, misses out on her partner’s support and her partner's growing bond with the baby.
The bottom line is that there is no one way, and there is no right way. When your hard and fast rules about how things should be, get in the way of the things that give your life meaning (i.e. the things that you really value) ask yourself if there is a middle ground? The middle ground is a place where we strive for being ‘good-enough’ mothers. Perfectionists usually see this term “good enough” as meaning mediocre. However, ‘good-enough’ means good enough. For example, getting to mothers group late is better than not going at all. It can be a good laugh and a supportive environment. Exercising whenever possible (despite wishing to achieve three exercise sessions per week) is better than nothing, and is likely to become easier to achieve over time. Inviting friends over, even if the house is untidy, shows them that you are human after all (very comforting for most people), and demonstrates that you value friendships more than your domestic high standards. Letting your partner settle the baby even if he/she does it differently to you, knowing that this is their chance to discover what works, and to establish a good bond. The middle ground is a much kinder place – a place of acceptance, and openness to experience. Try it. You’ll see. You might even find that not only can you be a 'good-enough' mum, you can be a great mum! Written by Dr Renée Miller (Clinical Psychologist) Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network |
AuthorPosted by Dr Renée Miller Archives
August 2018
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