Psychological Preparation for Parenthood: Sandra Roelofs’ Advice
How can prospective parents navigate this transformative period with greater calm and confidence? How can couples maintain emotional balance and a strong partnership through sleepless nights and exhaustion? Psycho-oncology consultant Sandra Elisabeth Roelofs, who has spent years working in maternal and child healthcare and providing psychological support, shared her insights into these important questions with Labebe Boutique.
Preparing for Parenthood Begins Long Before Birth
Psychological readiness for parenthood goes far beyond decorating the nursery or packing a hospital bag. As Sandra Roelofs emphasizes, emotional preparedness, mutual understanding, and inner stability play a crucial role.
“At 'Pineo', we tailor our workshops for young parents and couples specifically around this dimension. We meet with those planning a pregnancy or expecting a child to help them mentally prepare for the sweeping changes ahead,” shares Roelofs.
Pregnancy naturally brings many questions and uncertainties. Roelofs explains that this is precisely the time when partners should engage in open and honest conversations: how household responsibilities will be divided, where they can turn for support during difficult periods, and how they can protect each other’s emotional well-being.
Understanding Child Development: The Key to Peace of Mind
A clear understanding of the developmental stages a child goes through from the very beginning can help parents reduce unnecessary fears and set more realistic expectations.
“We begin by discussing physical, cognitive, moral, and psychosocial development right from the start. We walk through these stages and explore how parents can prepare accordingly,” notes Roelofs.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the warmth, security, and responsive care children receive during their early years provide an important foundation for their long-term health and cognitive development. Everyday interactions such as eye contact, play, tone of voice, and physical affection become an infant’s first means of connecting with the world and developing a sense of trust.
Mitigating Stress and Fostering a Healthy Home Environment
Some anxiety during pregnancy is perfectly natural. The key, however, is to prevent stress from becoming persistent or overwhelming.
Roelofs highlights several practical measures that can help: attending regular prenatal appointments, becoming familiar with the maternity facility in advance, taking gentle walks, and maintaining a balanced diet. A healthy lifestyle also benefits from shared commitment between both parents. The father’s active involvement, together with avoiding tobacco and alcohol, can contribute to a safer and more supportive environment for the entire family.
Evolving Relationships and the Necessity of Rest
The arrival of a newborn inevitably changes the dynamics of a relationship. Sleepless nights and ongoing fatigue can easily lead to irritability, which is a natural response to prolonged exhaustion.
“Roles and responsibilities naturally reshape between partners. There may be restless nights and moments of friction, which is entirely expected. The key is to distribute responsibilities beforehand and never neglect rest and relaxation,” advises Roelofs.
Research from Harvard University’s Center on the Developing Child highlights the ways prolonged stress within the home can affect a young child’s developing nervous system. This makes parental self-care, adequate rest, and emotional recovery important parts of creating a healthy environment for a child.
Ultimately, psychological preparation for parenthood does not require parents to strive for perfection. It means developing the resilience to face change realistically, accepting support when needed, and creating a warm, loving environment in which both parents and child can grow and thrive together.
