Mediation, Pregnancy & In Utero Stress
You, pregnant mamas (and papas), hear it all the time; it is important for mom to reduce her stress level when she is carrying her little one. We also know that stress is embedded in our daily lives. What is not realized by many is what the research has to say about toxic stress during pregnancy.
According to the Urban Child Institute, research indicates stress while a baby is in utero can create lasting ramifications on a child as they develop (The Urban Child Institute, 2012). Further, stress is not just being worried or experiencing anxiety, but it is the body’s physical reaction to events outside of it. Of course, you cannot eliminate all stress. Being a first time mother is stressful, as is preparing for delivery, among many other things. In other words, stress is a reality of life.
The problem becomes when stress becomes toxic, chronic, and detrimental to both the family and baby. According to the Urban Child Institute, “…toxic stress increases the risk of preterm delivery, low birth weight and other complications. It is also associated with impaired mental, behavioral and motor development in infancy” (The Urban Child Institute, 2012). Reducing chronic stress appears key in fostering wellness for our children- even (and perhaps especially) when they are in the womb.
So, what does in utero stress have to do with mediation?
According to the Life Change Index Scale (also known as the “Stress Test”), divorce has the second highest stress-level score, following death of a spouse (Holmes & Rahe, 1967). Marital separation trails third, right behind divorce. Other life events that often accompany divorce (such as gaining a new family member, moving, and a change in the number of family get-togethers) all produce stress and are listed on this scale.
Staying in an unhappy marriage or toxic co-parenting situation can be detrimental and mightily stressful, as well. When at the breaking point, the question is often not will you change the situation but how will you do it?
Mediations are often hailed as environmentally more comfortable when compared to contentious litigation. Online mediations allow you to mediate from the comfort of your home (you do not even need to be in the same room as your ex!). Sometimes physical distance is extremely helpful in reducing stress and moving the conversation toward a resolution.
In-person mediations can be a pleasant, warm and inviting experience depending on the mediator. Comforting touches such as sweets, beverages, and a flexible schedule allowing for breaks can make difficult topics much more manageable. Such attention to detail can reduce stress, which is a gift to both individuals mediating (and your baby!).
If you feel whatever you are doing is causing you chronic stress, make sure to speak with your mental health care provider or physician. If you would like to learn more about the mediation process and its benefits, contact Kelly at kelly@ragenmediation.com.
*Disclaimer: Nothing in this post is intended to be legal advice. The reader is encouraged to consult with a licensed attorney in their jurisdiction for legal advice as to their particular issue or situation. Nothing in this post is intended to be mental health or medical advice. Ragen Mediation, LLC. is not acting as an attorney, therapist nor any other medical or mental health professional. This blog is for informational purposes only.
References
Holmes, T.H. & Rahe, R. H. (1967, August). The social readjustment rating scale. Journal of psychosomatic research, 11 (2), 213-218. https://doi.org/10.1016/0022-3999(67)90010-4
The Urban Child Institute. (2012, February 15). Stress has lasting effect on child’s development. http://www.urbanchildinstitute.org/articles/editorials/stress-has-lasting-effect-on-childs-development#:~:text=Toxic%20Stress%20During%20Pregnancy%20Affects%20the%20Baby.%20Positive,impaired%20mental%2C%20behavioral%20and%20motor%20development%20in%20infancy.
