THE POWERFUL MOTHER
Fertility, Perinatal, and Maternal Mental Health Coaching
WHEN A BABY IS BORN,
SO IS A MOTHER
You likely have some idea of how a child will change your life. But becoming a mother marks the beginning of one of the most significant physical, psychological, and physiological transformations of your life.
Becoming a mother is a very intense transition full of emotions, ranging from joy to panic, sadness, and even postpartum depression, and this process can be very disorienting.
Motherhood is not easy, yet we are taught that it’s so innate and natural that somehow, it should be easy.
Society and social media tell us that a woman is blissfully happy as soon as the baby is placed in her arms. Despite this prevailing myth, many women don’t feel this way immediately, and some never at all. This simplistic view does not give voice to the process of becoming a mother, which along with joy, is full of challenges, self-reliance, confusion, and exhaustion. And because moms feel ashamed, guilty, or fearful to feel this way, these feelings are not discussed, they forbid moms from experiencing motherhood with and confidence, strength, and empowerment.
Becoming a Parent Is a Massive Life Change
Transforming the way you think about yourself, your emotions, and motherhood.
Hello!
My name is Alicia; I'm a Certified Mental Health Coach, parts work (IFS) practitioner, entrepreneur, and mother.
Like many new mothers, my journey into motherhood did not unfold as I had anticipated. I experienced a sense of loneliness and anxiety and often felt overwhelmed by a range of emotions that left me feeling guilty and ashamed for not living a blissful life with my newborn.
Since 2016, my mission has been to support mothers by raising awareness about postpartum mood disorders and coaching women for a healthy and fulfilling transition into motherhood.
With a holistic approach, I aim to provide the clarity, direction, and positive support needed to navigate the transformative journey of Matrescence
*ICF accreditation is internationally recognized as the gold standard for professionally trained coaches worldwide.
Amy P.- Mother of two & Freelance Senior Producer.
Investing in coaching with Alicia has been the best thing I've ever done professionally and personally. Her coaching methods are straightforward, clear, and very transformative. Before starting working with her, I didn't know anything about NLP or parts work therapy, but I can only tell how much her approach has impacted my life and business. She's a great listener; she's intuitive, kind, and supportive, but she also knows the right way to challenge and push me.
She helped me gain clarity and taught me to be more productive, make better decisions, optimize my day, and have better and more specific achievable goals while still caring for myself and my family. I always leave every session and interaction with her with so much more insight into moving forward. She always reflects positivity, acceptance, and seeing you in your highest. It's been an incredible experience.
MY MAIN AREAS OF FOCUS ARE:
Postpartum anxiety and postpartum stress.
Postpartum PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder from a traumatic birth.)
Perinatal loss.
Fertility challenges.
Fear of childbirth.
Breastfeeding difficulties.
Birth of a premature baby or baby in the NICU.
Shame and guilt.
Intrusive thoughts and negative self-talk.
Low self-confidence and low self-esteem.
Challenges of being a stay-home parent or returning to work.
Legacy burdens (intergenerational transmissions of extreme feelings, emotions, energies, and beliefs.)
Loss and grief: loss of identity, loss of freedom, loss of normalcy, loss of the pregnancy or postpartum experience you were expecting, loss of a career, loss of relationships.
Postpartum Depression can be prevented
Postpartum Mood and Anxiety disorders (PMADS) are the #1 complication of pregnancy and childbirth, affecting at least 1 in 5 birthing people. In other words, it means that hundreds of millions of birthing people annually are experiencing some emotional complication during their pregnancy and/or after the baby comes worldwide. So if you are here, know that YOU ARE NOT ALONE.
The good news is that all mood disorders can be prevented and treated with the right support.
WE CARE ABOUT THE PERSON, NOT THE GENDER
Mood and Anxiety disorders don't discriminate. They not only affect the birthing parent, but partners can also experience them.
The Powerful Mother's mission is to eradicate postpartum suffering, regardless of gender, race, or religion. I offer coaching services to ciswomen, cismen, trans men, trans women, and non-binary parents and partners.
If you are a surrogate mother or an adoptive parent going through mood and anxiety disorders, my postpartum coaching services can help you too.
The Powerful Mother welcomes you ALL.
Photo by Sarah Chai
DOES ANY OF THIS FEEL FAMILIAR?
You haven't slept in all night.
The baby has been colicky and needs to breastfeed non-stop.
Your nipples are sore; your vaginal stitches (or c-section) are still painful. Your shirt has dried milk stains, and you need a shower but can't leave the baby alone.
The baby will only stop crying in your arms, but you need to do the laundry, clean the pump parts, go to the doctor's appointment, and if you are lucky, you will have some time to eat the cold meal you forgot it in the microwave.
But it'll pass, you tell yourself.
It's been a few months, and everything seems out of control. Your body is not the one you recognize; you can't keep up with the house, and you want to stop breastfeeding, but you are not ready; you miss going to work, having time for yourself, having a non-interrupted meal, and being alone.
What happened to the woman I used to be? You ask yourself. You are stressed and feel anxious all the time. Your self-confidence is deteriorating, and your self-esteem is very low.
You feel angry and frustrated.
At yourself, at your partner, at your baby.
You also feel guilty and ashamed for not feeling blessed and happy all the time for having a healthy child. Because when you remember your traumatic birth, all those intrusive thoughts overwhelm you, and you can't stop crying.
Your partner is back to work, and you are alone all day again. You know he has to work, but you resent him, and your relationship has been suffering from all the stress, sleep deprivation, and lack of support.
But it'll pass, you try to remember.
So another day goes by, feeling exhausted, short-tempered, having physical and emotional pain, thinking you are not a good enough mom, and questioning your capabilities as a mother. If not you, a family member.
But it's been months now, and your postpartum anxiety has only worsened, and you feel depressed for not enjoying motherhood the way you imagined.
And as time goes by, your energy, physical and mental strength, and joy for things disappear.
"This is not what I expected,” you tell yourself.