Q: What is prenatal coaching?

A: A life-changing partnership between a caring professional and someone who wants to prepare for pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.

Q: Is it the same as psychotherapy or counseling?

A: Yes and no. Like a therapist or counselor, a prenatal coach is trained to listen deeply, reflect back what you say and ask clarifying questions. However, the main focus of a prenatal coaching session is on passion—not pain. Together with your coach, you close the gap between the present (where you are) and your vision for the future (where you want to be). If you are mainly seeking healing for issues in the past, or you are feeling depressed or highly anxious, initially you would be better served by a mental health professional. After you are back to your normal self you can begin to work on your goals.

Q: I'm really not having any problems with my pregnancy, and everything is going fine. Why would I need prenatal coaching?

A: So you are enjoying good physical health. . .how wonderful! Now take a moment to reflect on the other areas of your life: relationships, finances, career, time management skills, your personal environment, etc. How would you rate your satisfaction in each area (on a scale of 1 to 10)? If you have high scores all around, then “congratulations!” And for the rest of us, you probably have at least one area — if not a few — where you feel dissatisfied, frustrated, or utterly stuck. That’s where hiring a coach can help you.

Q: What are the benefits of prenatal coaching for expectant moms (and dads)?

A: There are many, including three that stand out. The first benefit is peace of mind. You get clear about your priorities—what matters to you—and how to handle the challenges of preparing, perhaps for the first time, to be a parent. Another benefit of working with a prenatal coach is nurture. You get the support you need so you can enjoy your pregnancy and birth—and grow close to your partner through the process. Lastly, when you have a coach on your side, you feel empowered to make decisions that serve the best interests of you and your family.

Q: Are there any benefits of prenatal coaching for the developing baby?

A: Absolutely! The prenatal period is a critical time for the development of a baby’s brain, at both a cognitive and emotional level. Through your thoughts and intentions, which turn into chemicals that pass through the placenta to your baby, you can communicate love and safety to your baby. When you learn how to manage stress as an expectant parent and begin to connect with your baby, you provide your child the gift of a peaceful beginning. There is so much more I could say on this topic! To learn more, visit www.BirthPsychology.com, official website of the Association of Prenatal and Perinatal Psychology and Health.

Q: At what stage in pregnancy is it best to get prenatal coaching?

A: Ideally at least three months before conception — or as early as possible in your pregnancy. Truth be told, it is never too early to begin consciously preparing for your new role as a parent. Maybe you are wanting to make a career move or improve communication in your close relationships. Now ask yourself: do have any bad habits (like smoking) that you know would be harmful for your baby? Just as you would start taking extra folic acid in anticipation of conceiving, what better time to work on your personal development than before getting pregnant! If you are already expecting, that is fine, too. Wherever you are is exactly where you are supposed to be.

Q: Does prenatal coaching need to be a long-term thing with multiple sessions, or can it just be a one-time consultation?

A: Certainly one coaching session would be of benefit. On the other hand, the Prenatal Coaching program is designed for an eight-month span—the amount of time it takes for most people to make significant progress towards a goal. Think about it this way: If you wanted to lose weight and get in shape, you would hire a personal trainer to work with you on a regular basis. If you went to the gym just once, it would probably help you. However, it is highly unlikely that you would get the results you want in the long term. The same holds true when you work with a personal coach. After all, you want to see lasting changes in the way you relate to your self and the world around you. Therefore, Prenatal Coaching, like other types of life coaching, is process—not a “quick fix”.

Q: How expensive is prenatal coaching?

A: That depends on the level of support that you want. The most comprehensive package includes three phone sessions a month with a reasonable amount of e-mail coaching and spot coaching calls in between. Three weeks in a row of coaching followed by a week off seems to work best for most coaches and clients. The cost per session is comparable to what other helping professionals charge. Another option, which is more affordable, is group coaching. This offers you the benefits of positive interaction with others who are facing similar struggles. At the same time, you get a chance to bring up what is on your mind and make individualized progress towards your goal.

Q: Where can I find out more about prenatal coaching?

You can visit the Prenatal Coaching website at www.PrenatalCoaching.com for more information about the benefits of this unique program. To find out for yourself what it is like to work with a prenatal coach, ask for a “conditional consultation”. Mention that you read Christy Callahan’s interview with Sarah Masterson and you will receive a 30-minute session free of charge.

[Christy Callahan, M.A. gently supports parents who feel overwhelmed and are struggling to move forward. Her website, PrenatalCoaching.com, contains free informational resources for families and professionals. Out of a great passion for welcoming babies into the womb and the world, Christy began her study of prenatal and perinatal psychology at Santa Barbara Graduate Institute in 2002. She belongs to an intentional community in California, together with her husband and young son.]