Maternal guilt: understanding what it is and knowing how to deal with it

Maternal guilt damages mothers’ emotional health and affects their relationships with children and partners

Understanding the maternal guilt and how to deal with it has become an essential topic for mothers today. This guilt manifests itself in many ways, such as feeling like you’re not doing enough for your children, working too much, or how you relate to them.

According to perinatal psychologist Rafaela Schiavo, founder of the MaterOnline Institute, Most mothers felt guilty at any time. She points out that mothers often feel this guilt more than fathers, due to what society expects of them.

“Many mothers feel guilty for not being able to meet all the demands and expectations that society and themselves impose. It’s almost as if guilt is a shadow that accompanies motherhood,” she evaluates.

According to her, “this sense of guilt not only impacts the emotional well-being of mothers, but also that of the family. It makes mothers feel anxious and distant, which can compromise their coexistence with their children and partners.”

How to deal with maternal guilt?

The expert explains that maternal guilt often arises from a lack of information about the challenges of motherhood. But count on support from other mothers and seeking help from a professional can help women cope better with this feeling.

“Having information, even before having children, can prepare mothers for challenges,” says Rafaela. “If guilt is really getting in the way of your life and happiness, it’s important to talk to someone who can help, like a counselor,” she suggests.

“Society has high expectations of mothers. This cultural pressure can make many women feel guilty about wanting to work or making other personal choices. Recognizing and questioning these expectations is an important step towards feeling better,” concludes Psychologist.

Source: Terra

Ben

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.