Hello.
We're going to take some time to reflect on what support means for new parents and to have you think through and feel gratitude for the people in your life who support you,
As well as identify where you might broaden or open to more support when you need it.
Take a moment to get comfortable where you're seated or lying down.
Make some adjustments so that you can feel the most relaxed and comfortable and just reflect on the words that I say.
First,
We're going to reflect on the people in your life who are or could be considered part of your support system already.
I'll ask a few questions about ways that we all need to feel supported and you can answer each one with a person or a few people who fit each of these roles for you.
Know that one person might fall into a few different categories.
So allow yourself to reflect and just think about the questions that I ask you.
Who in your life gives good advice?
Who might you turn to when you want advice?
Who in your life gives good advice?
Who in your life is reliable?
Who is there for you when you need them?
Who is reliable and there for you when you need them?
Who in your life is reassuring?
Who makes you feel good about yourself?
Who is reassuring and makes you feel good about yourself?
Who do you feel closest to or more secure with?
Who do you feel closest to or most secure with?
Who do you have things in common with or shared interests?
Who in your life do you have things in common with?
And finally,
Who nurtures you?
Who helps take care of you?
Who nurtures you and helps take care of you?
Now I asked six questions,
Talking about six different kinds of support.
I'll repeat them now just so you can reflect one more time.
I asked first,
Who in your life gives good advice?
Second,
Who is reliable?
Who's there for you when you need them?
Third,
Who is reassuring?
Who makes you feel good about yourself?
Fourth,
Who do you feel closest to or most secure with?
Fifth,
Who do you have things in common with?
And sixth,
Who nurtures you?
Who helps take care of you?
If you didn't have a person for any category,
Think about how you might connect with someone in that specific way.
For example,
If you're lacking a person who gives good advice,
Consider whether a counselor,
A therapist,
Or parent educator might be helpful.
If you don't have someone who shares your interests,
Consider whether you could join a group that would introduce you to new like-minded people.
Next,
Reflect on whether any of the types of support I listed elicited any feelings of resistance for you.
Are there any ways that you might resist or not be open to certain kinds of support?
Are there some that are more difficult to receive than others?
Might you be creating any barriers for yourself that you might allow to relax or open up?
Allow yourself to notice any resistance you felt and ask yourself gently whether you might open up there a little to allow for some more support in your life.
Finally,
Take a moment to feel gratitude toward the people you identified.
This is your support system.
Recognize the important role they play in caring for you and helping you care for yourself and your baby,
Especially during hard times.
Allow yourself to feel the gratitude that you have for those who support you.
You might even plan to show or let them know how much their support means to you.
And also,
As we end this practice,
Take a moment to thank yourself for giving yourself care,
Compassion,
And support.
