East Midlands parents left overwhelmed by emotional reality of becoming parents
New research has highlighted a “parenthood preparation gap”
There are concern that new parents in the East Midlands aren't asking for mental health support, for fear of seeming unable to cope.
Almost three quarters (71%) of new parents say they have felt overwhelmed by the emotional reality of becoming a parent, according to research from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Parents were almost twice as likely to feel unprepared for the emotional transition into parenthood (39%) than for practical matters such as birth plans, feeding and baby first aid (21%).
The study, involving more than 2,000 parents with children under three, also found 88% had found it harder to manage their mental health since having a baby, while 47% said they no longer recognised themselves.
Rahi Popat, an integrative counsellor based in Leicestershire, said the figures showed how emotional preparation can be overlooked.
"There's a real kind of element that parents tend to forget about themselves and their emotional needs.”
The research also found 67% of dads often hide how they are feeling because they believe they need to remain strong for their family.
Two in five parents considered seeking mental health support after having a baby, but a quarter of those did not access it because they feared appearing unable to cope.
Popat said parents should not feel they have to struggle alone.
“Especially in terms of men as well, they feel that they've got to do it alone. But there is support out there,” he said.
“We want to keep it natural. We want to keep it organic, but we also want to encourage them to talk.”
The findings come as NHS England estimates perinatal illness affects around one in four expectant and new mothers.
Popat said connecting with other parents could also help tackle feelings of isolation.
The BACP campaign is encouraging parents to consider professional therapy as they navigate the emotional transition into parenthood.