Supporting Your Relationship After Birth Trauma: Relationship Counselling for New Parents in Perth
Becoming parents is one of the most life-changing experiences partners can share. But for many, the journey comes with challenges that can put immense pressure on your relationship. Sleepless nights, the constant demands of caring for a newborn, the ripple effects of birth trauma – can all leave you feeling disconnected from each other at a time when you need to be a united team.
If you’re feeling this way, know that you’re not alone. As perinatal and relationship counsellors in Perth, we support many partners through perinatal relationship counselling, offering ways to reconnect, heal, and build a stronger foundation after birth trauma, or through the early pressures of parenthood.
Common perinatal relationship struggles
The transition to parenthood can bring a host of unexpected challenges, even in strong relationships. And, the way a couple spends time together changes when a baby is introduced, with 70% of couples noticing a decline in the quality of their relationship after having a baby.
This can be due to a variety of reasons, for example: the ability to access each other emotionally and physically is disrupted, and activities and rituals that previously sustained that warm bond are interrupted.
Here are some other common difficulties that may arise for partners who are new parents:
- Loss of Connection: Many couples feel disconnected as they navigate the demands of parenthood. The focus shifts from the relationship to the baby, and couples may feel like they’re losing touch with one another. People often tell us they feel less like lovers and friends and more like co-workers taking care of home admin and getting jobs done. With limited time and energy, physical intimacy may also decline, which can create additional emotional strain on the relationship.
- Increased Conflict: The stress of sleepless nights, financial pressures, and the overwhelming responsibility of caring for a newborn can lead to more frequent arguments.
- Differing Parenting Styles: Disagreements on parenting decisions, discipline, or even what’s best for the baby can create tension between partners.
- Impact of Birth Trauma: Birth trauma doesn’t just affect the person who gave birth. It can deeply impact the relationship, creating barriers to intimacy, communication, and trust.
What about the 30% of couples who don’t experience a decline in their relationship experience after birth? What are they doing differently?
These couples often make a practice of doing small things often, to intentionally nurture warmth and connection in their relationship.
If you’re experiencing any of these issues, relationship counselling after birth trauma can offer support and help you heal together. By working through trauma with a skilled therapist, couples can learn how to manage stress, rebuild trust, and foster a deeper connection.
What is perinatal relationship counselling?
When you think of couples counselling, it’s natural to feel a little nervous. You might worry about being blamed for doing something wrong, or wonder if the counsellor might take sides. You could be wondering how to express yourself openly without it turning into a fight. If this resonates with you, please know these concerns are common, and are exactly why we take the time to create a safe and supportive space for couples to share, learn, and grow together.
Perinatal couples counselling focuses on supporting relationships during the challenging phases of pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood. It’s an opportunity to explore the dynamics of your relationship, identify any underlying issues, and work together towards a stronger, more resilient partnership.
For couples in Perth, relationship counselling tailored to the perinatal period offers a compassionate, structured space to navigate common challenges such as:
- Communication breakdowns
- Differing expectations around parenting roles
- Financial stressors
- Intimacy struggles
- Post-birth trauma.
How perinatal relationship counselling can help
After the birth of a child, especially when it involves trauma, you may find yourselves struggling to communicate or reconnect in the same ways you did before. It’s easy to feel distant, overwhelmed, or even misunderstood as you both process your experiences in your own way. This can lead to increased tension, feelings of isolation, and a lack of emotional or physical intimacy.
That’s where relationship counselling comes in. Our approach is designed to help you heal – not just individually, but as a team. We offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space where you can explore the challenges you’re facing, whether it’s processing the trauma of birth, managing the new dynamics of parenting, or simply finding time to reconnect with each other.
During counselling sessions, you’ll have the opportunity to work on:
- Process the emotional and physical impact of birth trauma: For those impacted by birth trauma, relationship counselling offers a path toward healing, helping both partners process the emotional and psychological effects of trauma.
- Rebuild communication and intimacy: Learn how to express your needs and listen to your partner more effectively. Reconnect with one another through meaningful conversations and actions that rebuild emotional closeness.
- Manage the stress of early parenthood: The stress and pressures of being new parents can take a toll on your relationship. Counselling offers practical strategies to navigate the pressures of parenthood by developing healthy coping strategies for managing stress and conflict.
- Foster emotional resilience as a team and create a shared vision for your parenting journey: Rather than facing these difficulties alone, perinatal counselling strengthens your ability to support each other through this time, and work as a united team.
Our approach to relationship counselling in Perth is tailored to your unique needs as new parents, focusing on helping you heal as a couple and regain the emotional closeness that may have been lost.
Finding connection and calm again as partners who are parents
Our approach to relationship counselling in Perth
At our Perth practice, we offer perinatal relationship counselling grounded in trauma-informed care and evidence-based techniques, including the Gottman Method. This approach helps couples develop a deeper understanding of each other’s needs, process their emotions, and rebuild trust and intimacy.
We recognise that every couple is different. Some may be dealing with the immediate aftermath of birth trauma, while others might be feeling the long-term effects of unresolved tension. Our counsellors in Perth are experienced in working with both new and seasoned parents, helping them find common ground and foster a loving, supportive environment for their family.
The goal is never about assigning blame or determining who’s right or wrong. Instead, it’s about strengthening the bond you share and finding practical, supportive ways to stay connected amidst the challenges of new parenthood.
We work to create a safe and empathetic space where you and your partner can grow, heal, and find your way back to each other.
How to access perinatal relationship counselling in Perth
It’s important to find a counsellor who understands both the emotional and physical challenges of birth trauma and the unique pressures of parenthood.
If you’re feeling the strain of birth trauma or struggling to maintain your connection as new parents, you can reach out to us and we can chat through the support and tools you need to navigate this new chapter with compassion and understanding for both yourself and your partner.
Make an appointment with an experienced Perth-based relationship counsellor today
If you’re ready to work on your relationship and regain the connection you once had, book a relationship counselling session in Perth today. We offer both in-person appointments in Highgate, WA and online sessions for clients across Australia.
No referral is needed, and there’s no waitlist, so you can get started right away.
Find out more about couple’s counselling here.
