How to Look After your Mental Health During the Perinatal Period 

From The Berry Collective Psychologist, Dr. Erin Seeto

This quote encapsulates the process of parenthood, whether you are negotiating fertility, pregnancy, the fourth trimester or beyond. Every moment where you think you've mastered one stage the situation shifts and you're back to the start. Through all the wins or losses, tears or smiles, sadness or laughter, this is a challenging time of change.

Survival kit for perinatal wellbeing:

• Be kind to yourself as you enter this new phase. It is ok not to do it all or have it all.

• Connect with others, including your partner. It is hard to keep focus on your relationships during the perinatal period. Find a 5-minute ritual or routine to ensure you nurture them and prioritise time for them.

• Hold space for yourself, by planning an hour (or two) of self-care each day/ week. "You've got to nourish to flourish"

• Take time to heal both physically and mentally by looking after yourself first.

• In your own way and with your own style find a way to enjoy this journey. Try not to compare yourself with others as "comparison is the thief of joy" (T. Roosevelt).

• Find balance. Work out what is actually worth your energy and allocate your time based on this.

• Relinquish control in order to gain control. Try to stay flexible and open to change, as this can support a smoother transition to parenthood. Finding health practitioners that you feel safe with and trust can often help this process.

• Strength and courage can also look like asking for help. We're here to listen.

We can help.

Here at Berry Collective Psychology, we have a dedicated team that can help support you on your journey of healing and recovery.