Perinatal Wellbeing
Having a baby is one of the most significant events in your lifetime. It affects so many areas of your life, your relationships, and your identity.
The challenges faced with the arrival of a new baby are seemingly endless - recovering from birth, breastfeeding, lack of sleep, feeling overemotional, coping with an unsettled baby, bonding with your baby, body image, managing priorities, managing advice from others, and relationship dynamics with your partner, friends and family.
Many women (too often) just brush off negative thoughts or feelings, putting them down to lack of sleep, hormones or 'baby blues'. Many feel pressure to live up to their initial expectations of parenthood, or how motherhood is portrayed in the media. This can be even more difficult when it appears that others are coping and managing. Sadly, many women perceive asking for help as a failure on their part.
The truth is, becoming parents and parenthood is harder for some than others for a whole range of reasons. It is not your fault. The earlier you seek help, the better. By looking after yourself first, you will be best placed to then nurture the needs of your baby and others, as well as giving yourself the opportunity to have an experience of parenthood which is as positive as it can be.
Here are some signs to look out for that may indicate you could benefit from professional support:
Based on material from the Centre of Perinatal Excellence - www.cope.org.au
Managing Screentime
Children today are growing up in an unprecedented digital age. Certainly there are many advantages afforded by technology, but given our brains are hardwired to become addicted to such devices, unlimited access can be harmful.
Unsure about how best to navigate electronic device use for your children? Here are some top tips to harness the positives the advent of technology can provide, whilst limiting the adverse impacts.
Dr. Amanda Hale is the Principal Clinical Psychologist of a practice with locations in Killara and Bondi Junction in Sydney, Australia. She specialises in the assessment and treatment of young people, and is passionate about equipping children, adolescents and their parents with the skills to optimise wellbeing.
Achieving Those New Years' Resolutions
Do you find you fall into the same pattern around January each year - set some goals with renewed motivation, only to fall back into the same habits and guilt-ridden self-criticism a few months later? What if I told you that the problem was not with you, but with your goal-setting process?
Research shows that extrinsic goals, (those focused on obtaining rewards and the positive evaluation of others) generally reflect a sense of insecurity about oneself, and can also lead one to engage in more stressful, ego-involved and controlled behaviour which does not satisfy one's needs. Intrinsic goals however, (values-based, with focus on the 'why' behind the goal) are inherently satisfying to pursue, and encourage experiences that support happiness and wellbeing.
Has your pursuit of goals to date been lack-lustre, unsatisfying and unsuccessful? If so, it's worth taking some time to clarify the values underlying your goals, making them the major focus instead. Imagine your values as your 'compass', providing the direction you want to travel in, then goals become those landmarks you pass on your journey.
Dr. Amanda Hale is Principal Clinical Psychologist in a practice that has offices in both Bondi Junction and Killara in Sydney.
Thriving During Year 12
Does the beginning of the school year fill you with excitement or dread?
Especially for those in Year 12, many students can find the prospect of their final year overwhelming. So many of my patients fit in this category, but I'm always excited when Year 12 students come in to see me at the start of the year. That way, we can work together to set them up in a way that not only protects their wellbeing, but sets them on a path to thrive.
High school pressure can be too much at times. If you, your child, or someone you know is struggling to cope, let them know that there is help available.
Here are 5 Top Tips for Making the Most out of your Final Year at School:
Dr. Amanda Hale is the Principal Clinical Psychologist in a team with offices in Bondi Junction and Killara. The practice specialises in working with children and adolescents, using evidence-based techniques and client-centred care to maximise wellbeing.
