Ever wondered what it takes to support parents through one of the most transformative periods of their lives? Leila Ng, a perinatal coach, shares inspiring stories from her journey and how she has cultivated a meaningful career supporting the mental health of new and expecting parents. Leila was in the capital recently as part of Avata Wellness Nepal Childbirth Initiative. During the prenatal retreat with Leila, couples learnt essential tips and tricks for labour, birth, baby care, breastfeeding and many more. Excerpts from the interview:
What inspired you to become a perinatal coach?
My own birth journey revealed the power of informed choices and ignited my mission to challenge the outdated norms that keep women small, scared, and silenced. I offer tools, insights, and support to help women reclaim birth as the natural, powerful experience it’s meant to be, not a medical emergency.
What were the most asked questions during the retreat with Nepali couples?
I am mostly asked about how painful is labour. And is C-Section a necessity in most cases? Well, this retreat was no different. During the session, I emphasised the crucial role of childbirth education, couples’ connection, and fostering strong partnerships to empower parents to be. From understanding hormones and labour stages to breastfeeding essentials and nurturing mental well-being, the retreat offered transformative insights and deeper connections for couples.
I am also planning to do a session again in March through the initiative of Avata Wellness. This time, we may focus more on the Nepali community as a whole.
What role does a perinatal coach have in providing mental health support to parents?
A perinatal coach plays a crucial role in providing mental health support to parents navigating the challenges and joys of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Perinatal Coaches are professionals who specialise in addressing the unique emotional needs and stressors of motherhood. Their support is grounded in compassion, and they excel at offering validation, concrete coping tools, mental health education, and evidence-based wellness strategies.
What do you mostly deal with?
The fear. The disempowerment. The one-size-fits-all path. But that’s not everyone’s story. During the session, I teach women how to take control, step into their power, and prepare for the birth they want, mentally, physically, and emotionally. I simply tell them. “It’s your birth. Your body. Your rules.”
Through my sessions, I confidently prepare the couple for the birth they want. I help them learn about choosing the right Obgyn, building their birth plan and ensuring their voice is heard.
What are the most common challenges that your clients face during the perinatal period?
They struggle with the fear of missing out or something bad happening if they leave their baby with a family member or friend. All these pressures are also magnified as they are compounded by the challenges of sleep deprivation.
How do you personalise your approach to meet the unique needs of each client?
My goal is to meet my clients wherever they are. For many, just having a third party who actively listens and validates their feelings and experiences is crucial. Others want practical strategies to navigate and process their emotions effectively. As a coach, my objective is like being a driver— guiding them towards the “destination” and goals they’ve set for themselves.”
What are some of the most rewarding aspects of your job?
I find immense joy in meeting my clients right in the thick of their journey, and observing their growth and progress each week. It warms my heart to hear them share how implementing new strategies we discussed has positively influenced their path. At the end of our sessions, I make it a point to express my pride in their efforts, and over time, I see them internalise this encouragement more and more.
How do you stay updated with the latest research and developments in perinatal mental health?
Staying informed about the latest evidence-based practices in perinatal mental health is priority for me. I do this by relevant webinars and conferences, and by reading relevant journal publications.
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