Holding Space: The Emotional and Physical Landscape of Fertility and Pregnancy
Fertility and pregnancy are often viewed through a clinical or physical lens—but behind every lab result or ultrasound is a deeply personal story. The emotional journey can be beautiful, painful, uncertain, and everything in between. At Latitude Counselling, we believe in holding space for the full human experience—supporting not just the body, but the mind and heart along the way.
Whether you're navigating infertility, pregnancy loss, early motherhood, or hormonal shifts, this post explores how mental health is an essential—not optional—part of reproductive wellness.
Emotional Weight of Fertility
1 in 6 Canadian couples experiences infertility, according to the Government of Canada—and for many individuals and families, the journey to conception is filled with stress, grief, and uncertainty.
Fertility struggles can feel isolating. The emotional toll may include anxiety, depression, feelings of inadequacy, and relational strain. It’s important to know that your emotional experience is valid, and you are not alone.
At Latitude Counselling, our counsellors provide gentle, trauma-informed care to help clients navigate:
Grief related to infertility or miscarriage
Medical trauma and procedures (like IUI or IVF)
Relationship stress and communication challenges
Identity and body image changes
“I felt lost and alone, and I didn’t know how common miscarriages were because we don’t talk about them. We sit in our own pain, thinking that somehow we’re broken. So I’m telling you this because I think it’s important to talk to young mothers about the fact that miscarriages happen.”
Empathy can be a quiet bridge between souls.
It doesn’t try to fix or explain—it simply reaches out and says, “I’m here with you.” In moments of grief, uncertainty, or transformation, this kind of presence can mean everything.
Pregnancy and Mental Health
Pregnancy brings transformation—mentally, and emotionally. While joy and anticipation are often celebrated, 1 in 5 birthing people experiences a perinatal mood or anxiety disorder (PMAD) such as prenatal or postpartum depression, anxiety, OCD, or PTSD.
Even in uncomplicated pregnancies, many individuals experience:
Mood swings and increased emotional sensitivity
Sleep disruptions
Past trauma resurfacing
Fears around birth, parenting, and identity shifts
At Latitude Counselling, we offer a compassionate, trauma-informed space to process change, manage stress, and foster emotional resilience.
We hold space for the full spectrum of emotion: joy, fear, grief, uncertainty, and love. Every feeling is valid and welcome here.
Mental health support isn’t just for the person carrying the pregnancy—it’s for the entire partnership.
The journey through fertility, pregnancy, and postpartum affects everyone involved. Partners often take on the role of supporter, but may quietly carry their own stress, grief, or uncertainty. Offering space for their emotional wellbeing is just as vital.
Mental Health as Core Reproductive Support
Mental health and reproductive health are deeply connected. Chronic stress and emotional strain can affect hormone regulation, interfere with treatments, and influence decision-making and personal wellbeing.
That’s why at Latitude Counselling, we center mental health as a key part of reproductive care:
Individual counselling supports emotional processing, boundary setting, and mental clarity
Couples counselling helps strengthen communication and mutual support
Trauma-informed therapy creates space for healing and self-compassion
You don’t need to go through this alone. Support is here for whatever chapter you're in.
We’re Here to Hold Space for You.
Whether you’re in the planning stages, actively trying, pregnant, or adjusting to postpartum life—your journey is unique and worthy of care.
We recognize that fertility and pregnancy don’t always follow a linear path. There may be loss, uncertainty, waiting, or change. And that’s why we hold space—for your grief, your joy, your questions, and your story.
At Latitude Counselling, we’re here to walk alongside you with compassion, evidence-based care, and a community of support. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
It takes a community to hold the weight of fertility and pregnancy.
Community care, emotional support, and connection can make all the difference. You deserve a support system that sees you, hears you, and holds space for your full experience.
Fertility Support Community Numbers
If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out for support. There is help available, and you are never alone.
Birthright Vancouver
Provides free, nonjudgmental support to individuals who are pregnant or think they may be pregnant, including information on pregnancy, childbirth, adoption, and referrals for medical and social services.
Contact: (604) 687-7223
BC Mental Health Support Line
Connects callers to a BC crisis line, offering emotional support and information on appropriate referral options.
Call: 310-6789 (no area code needed)
KUU-US Crisis Line
Provides 24/7 crisis support for Indigenous peoples in British Columbia.
Call: 1-800-588-8717
General Support Contact Information
BC Crisis Line (outside of Vancouver): 800-784-2433
BC Mental Health Support: 310-6789
Canada Suicide Prevention: 866-456-4566
Canadian Indian Residential Schools Crisis Line: 1-866-925-4419
Crisis Text Line: Text “START” to 45645 (4pm-12am)
First Nations and Inuit Hope for Wellness 24/7 Help Line: 855-242-3310
Kids Help Phone (ages 20 and under): 800-668-6868 or text “CONNECT” to 686868
You are not alone. Help is available.