- Becoming parents
- Perinatal depression
- Stay united
- Being confident
- Becoming a father
- Love and sexuality
- Safe sexual intercourse
Becoming parents
Becoming parents is a major transition in life deeply affecting the future father, the future mother and the couple. Expressed through joy, sadness and apprehension, a birth can create contradictory expectations and feelings. Over and above the responsibility towards a dependant human being is an excessive fatigue in relation to the pregnancy, the birth and nights often too short. An adjustment period is necessary to accommodate the family’s needs and expectations.
Perinatal depression
This can occur during the pregnancy or within one year of giving birth. Approximately 13% of mothers suffer from perinatal depression. It is important to detect perinatal depression in order to prevent consequences on the pregnancy, the mother-child bond as well as the couple.
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Stay united
The arrival of a child enriches the couple but can also jeopardize the relationship. An increasing number of separations occur at the time of birth, which is why it is important to communicate, to listen to
each other’s needs and limitations, to support one another, to be flexible, creative and to nurture your sexuality. If you have questions or need help, contact a professional healthcare specialist.
If you are going through pregnancy alone, we recommend you choose someone in your inner-circle whom you trust to guide and support you.
Being confident
With today’s access to a variety of courses or articles geared towards future parents, it appears easier to prepare for the arrival of the baby. But are we really ready? A baby brings with him/her so many surprises that it is best to accept the idea that we do not have all the knowledge. A child does not need perfect parents, but parents who are “good enough”, capable of adjusting to him/her and his/her specificities and imperfections.
Couples and families consultation : +41 (0)22 372 33 01
Becoming a father
Becoming a father is certainly more intangible for men as they do not bear the child. But they feel all kinds of emotions and question their upcoming new role.
Future fathers are increasingly called upon. They are expected to take part in their partner’s pregnancy and childbirth. It is true that when they are present at medical appointments, it is a great support
to the mother and deepens the bond with the baby. However, some men feel uncomfortable. It is therefore paramount to discuss this issue between you and respect one another’s sensitivities.
Love and sexuality
During pregnancy, sexual desire varies from one woman to another, from one stage of the pregnancy to another and also depends on the discomfort experienced by the future mother (fatigue, nausea,
weight gain, etc.). The body changes as well as the way it is perceived. Some women are physically distant with their partner, which can be unnerving. On an emotional level, all these changes
can make women more sensitive and influence their drive. Communication is paramount.
Safe sexual intercourse
Some fathers are worried they will hurt their partner or the baby. Yet, intercourse is safe during pregnancy, unless specified otherwise by the doctor. Orgasm and penetration do not cause miscarriages or premature births.
At the end of the pregnancy, when the baby needs more space, adjustments may be required. Some couples then prefer tender moments.
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The Maternity has a Perinatality Unit for patients presenting a risk due to their psychological or emotional environment. Monitoring of these pregnancies requires personalized and multidisciplinary support so as to best prepare the arrival of the baby.
