Miri Cooper
Doula & Hypnobirthing
Partner's Support
Helping partners navigate pregnancy & early fatherhood, because Partner’s Mental Health Matters!
During pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period, the spotlight is almost always on the mother and baby. It is common for partners to feel side-lined, secondary, or even invisible. If you feel like your needs are being neglected or that reality doesn’t match the "happy" expectations of parenthood, know that you are not alone.
Did you know?
Research from 2024 indicates that approximately 1 in 10 partners experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or the first year after birth.
If you are feeling low or anxious, don't ignore it. You don't have to navigate this transition in silence.
Common Challenges in Parenthood:
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The transition from a couple to a family is a massive shift. Many partners experience complex emotions that they feel they "shouldn't" have.
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The "Secondary Parent" Trap - Feeling like support staff rather than an equal partner.
Feelings of Jealousy: It is normal to feel jealous of the newborn's undivided claim on your partner's attention.
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Feeling Invisible: When family and friends focus solely on the mother and baby, leaving you feeling lonely or ashamed.
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The Pressure to be the Rock: Suppressing your own emotions to support your partner often leads to burnout. If you don't ask for support, can you truly be the solid foundation you want to be?
Recognising the Signs:
Depression in partners often looks different than it does in mothers. Pay attention if you find yourself:
* Spending extra hours at work, on your phone, or gaming to "escape."
* Feeling irritable, having angry outbursts, or getting easily frustrated.
* Feeling disconnected from your partner or your baby.
* Experiencing physical symptoms like headaches, fatigue, or digestion problems.
* Drinking or smoking more to cope with stress.
If the mother experiences postpartum depression, the risk for the partner to develop depression increases by 50%.
Birth Trauma & Anxiety:
Birth Anxiety: You may worry about the birth but feel unable to express it for fear of being a "burden." Witnessing a partner in pain can lead to deep feelings of helplessness.
Secondary Birth Trauma (PTSD):
If you witnessed a life-threatening situation during delivery, you may experience anxiety, sleep disturbances, or a fear of holding your baby. This is a trauma response, and it is treatable.
The support: Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT can help you to navigate the prenatal and postpartum period and support your mental health.
What is CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is a short-term (approximately 6 - 12 weekly sessions) , goal-oriented psychological approach that focuses on identifying and understanding patterns of thought and behaviour that influence our emotions and reactions. According to this method, many of the difficulties we experience stem from distorted interpretations of situations and thinking styles that hinder our daily functioning. The therapy emphasizes creating change in the present to help manage current challenges more effectively. Its effectiveness is well-supported by extensive scientific research.
Why CBT?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help you navigate the prenatal and postpartum periods, as well as the overall transition to fatherhood.
CBT provides you with a practical toolkit to manage stress, improve communication with your partner, and challenge the negative thoughts that lead to feeling isolated.
Throughout the treatment, you will learn to identify your triggers and negative emotions and develop strategies to cope with daily challenges so you do not feel overwhelmed, anxious, or experience a low mood.
Meet the therapist
My name is Limor Lancaster, I am BABCP Accredited CBT Therapist, specialising in anxiety disorders.
I offer a kind, supportive, and safe space to help you strengthen your supportive role for your partner and baby and navigate fatherhood/parenthood with confidence.
Location: Face-to-Face in Hitchin, Hertfordshire or Online.
My Approach
Clients often describe our sessions as Coaching for strategic problem-solving rather than just digging into the past.
Direct & Purposeful: We get straight to the point.
Practical Tools: We focus on identifying thought patterns and building a toolkit for daily stress.
No Judgment: I offer a safe, inclusive space where discussing your struggles is a sign of strength, not weakness.
Take the First Step and contact me for free consultation call.
Feel free to get in touch:
