finding your ground in early parenthood
a kinder approach to navigating change
The transition into parenthood is one of the most significant emotional and neurological changes many people will experience.
Yet most preparation for a baby focuses on practical things - birth plans, feeding options, sleep routines, and getting the nursery ready - while the emotional and mental shifts that come with this transition are rarely talked about.
During pregnancy and early parenthood many parents notice changes in how they think, feel and see themselves. You might find yourself:
worrying more
feeling emotionally sensitive or overwhelmed
questioning how you’ll cope when the baby arrives
having worries about your baby's wellbeing that feel stronger than you expected
feeling pressure to get everything right
wondering why things feel more intense than you imagined
These experiences can feel confusing or even frightening when they’re not understood.
They are often connected to the natural changes that occur as the brain adapts to help you care for, bond with and protect your baby.
In this free live workshop, we explore why these experiences arise and how understanding them can reduce pressure and self-judgement, helping you approach this transition with greater confidence and compassion.
what we'll explore together
During this workshop we explore:
how pregnancy and caregiving reshape the brain and nervous system
why anxiety, emotional intensity and intrusive thoughts are more common for new parents
how cultural expectations, such as the idea of the “perfect mother myth”, can quietly increase pressure
what babies actually need from caregivers for emotional regulation
simple ways to reduce pressure and approach parenting with greater self-compassion.
The live and interactive workshop lasts around 60 minutes. You are welcome welcome to attend with your baby, if needed.
who this workshop is for
This workshop is for anyone preparing to welcome a baby or navigating the early months of parenthood - whether it's your first or fifth baby.
You’re very welcome to attend whether you are pregnant yourself, supporting a partner through pregnancy, becoming a parent through surrogacy or adoption, or growing your family in any other way.
It will be helpful if you:
want to better understand what’s happening during the transition into parenthood
would value a calmer, more realistic perspective on early parenting.
what parents say
“Iona’s session opened my eyes to the science around baby brain development and really made me see how important my own wellbeing is. Invaluable information for every parent.”
— Workshop attendee
about me
Iona Reading is a UKIHCA-registered health coach and parental brain educator.
Drawing on psychology, neuroscience, trauma-informed practice and a whole-health approach to wellbeing, she helps parents navigate the transition into parenthood with greater clarity, confidence and compassion.
Over the past eight years she has supported more than 8,000 parents through antenatal education, coaching and workshops.
based in the UK, supporting parents worldwide
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