Emetophobia and the struggle of motherhood

Emetophobia and motherhood

 

 

 

 

Overview

 

• Emetophobia when wanting to have a child
• Example

 

 

 

Emetophobia when wanting to have a child

 

Emetophobia, which is the fear of either vomiting yourself or seeing or hearing other people doing it. On closer inspection, it is slightly different for each individual affected. But there are some common characteristics.

Emetophobia has an immense impact on one’s life, the people around them, and even their role as a parent. It is a common reason why a child’s wish remains unfulfilled and if it does, why the first years as parents, in particular, are associated with great challenges.

Many women come to my practice feeling in a dilemma; on the one hand, the intense desire to have a child and on the other hand the fear of expected nausea during pregnancy.

Some clients also mention the fear of not knowing if they will be able to fulfill the responsibilities once the child is born and they are confronted with its nausea. The resulting self-doubt often hurts. This can be very stressful for relationships, as it is difficult for those not affected to understand. And yet, many women with emo manage to fulfill their desire to have a child and, with support, break free from emetophobia.

 

 

 

Example

 

Here is an example that stuck in my mind. A patient described her dilemma to me. She was a mother who could no longer pick up her child from the playground or kindergarten at the slightest sign of a stomach virus. Then her mother-in-law had to pick up the child and care for him until infection was no longer suspected. She wanted to be there for her beloved child, but she could not.

In addition to the consequences for the child, this resulted in a deep feeling of shame and guilt on the part of the mother. This put additional stress on the situation. Other parents who observed this from their point of view were not very restrained with their insulting comments. Those who are not affected themselves probably cannot imagine this themselves. The pressure is immense.

Here, special empathy and experience are required on the part of the therapist. The first step is to reduce the perceived pressure. In such cases, the use of self-help techniques right at the beginning of therapy can reduce the stressful side effects of emetophobia.

My experience shows that many emetophobics have pursued the desire to have their own family and have not regretted it. I am very grateful for patients who share such positive feedback with me. This also gives encouragement to other people affected.