A Day in the Life of a Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach: Cierra Murphy-Higgs
Ever wondered what it takes to support parents through one of the most transformative periods of their lives? Our Day in the Life blog and webinar series shares the inspiring stories of Perinatal Behavioral Health Coaches who have cultivated meaningful careers supporting the mental health of new and expecting parents.
What is a Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach?
A Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach plays a crucial role in providing mental health support to parents navigating the challenges and joys of pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. Perinatal Behavioral Health Coaches are professionals trained through FamilyWell’s certification program, and specialize 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.
Who can become a coach?
Anyone who is passionate about helping families thrive! Perinatal Behavioral Health Coaches come from diverse backgrounds, and include doulas, lactation consultants, sleep coaches, and parents who have experienced the toll of perinatal mental health conditions. No prior clinical experience is required to enroll in our certification program and become a coach.
With 1 in 5 birthing women experiencing postpartum depression and other perinatal mental health conditions, and 75% of these women struggling to access the care needed for recovery, the need for more Perinatal Behavioral Health Coaches has never been greater.
A Day in the Life: Coach Cierra
Cierra Murphy-Higgs is a Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach who is also an International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC), perinatal educator, and proud girl mom. Driven by her own personal experiences, Cierra is deeply passionate about empowering families with evidence-based, culturally aware, and compassionate perinatal mental health care, especially for those who face stigma, discrimination, or trauma.
What inspired you to become a Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach, and how did you get started in this field?
“I personally went through postpartum depression and anxiety after the birth of my first child. She was born a few weeks prior to the onset of Covid-19 and the isolation exacerbated the symptoms I was already experiencing. It wasn't until a friend brought it to my attention that I recognized that I needed help. When I eventually sought help, it took three months before I could get in to see a therapist. This experience highlighted to me the insufficient awareness about PMADs (Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders) and the scarcity of adequately trained professionals available to assist those in need. It motivated me to become the support I wished I had during that difficult time.”
Can you describe a typical day in your life as a Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach?
“I spend my days supporting an average of 4-7 clients through 30-minute individual sessions as they navigate their pregnancy or postpartum journeys. During our time together, we celebrate their “wins” for the week and address any current challenges or concerns. Together, we strategize and fine-tune approaches to best support their needs. This flexible work schedule has not only allowed me to engage in meaningful work, but also has been invaluable for me as I balance the demands and priorities of my own family.”
What are the most common challenges that your clients face during the perinatal period?
“Mom guilt” is one of the most prevalent challenges among my clients. Many of my clients constantly question whether they are parenting correctly: Are they feeding their baby enough? Are they fulfilling the needs of their partner and other children? Is the house sufficiently clean? Are they dedicating enough time to tummy time or “enrichment” activities with their new baby? 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 personalize 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 an "Uber 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 internalize this encouragement more and more.”
Can you share a memorable success story/proud moment from your coaching practice?
“One of my clients was anticipating the end of her partner’s leave, and feeling anxious about being alone with their newborn all day. Together, we discussed her fears, identified her support network, scheduled enjoyable activities, and strategically incorporated self-care into her routine. When the time arrived, she enthusiastically shared how she confronted her anxiety and successfully navigated that first week alone.”
What types of techniques or strategies do you use to support your clients' mental and emotional well-being?
“One effective strategy I use is helping parents distinguish between ‘glass balls’ and ‘rubber balls’ in their lives. Glass balls represent high-priority tasks that cannot be neglected, such as newborn care and managing bills and finances. On the other hand, ‘rubber balls’ are tasks that can be temporarily set aside and easily resumed later, such as house chores and other less critical responsibilities. For new parents, it's common to feel like EVERYTHING is a glass ball. In these situations, we work together to identify tasks that can be categorized as rubber balls to alleviate some of the pressure. Additionally, I emphasize the importance of prioritizing self-care as a glass ball in order to maintain overall well-being.”
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. Additionally, I greatly value the insights, resources, and successful strategies shared by my colleagues at FamilyWell, who help me continuously add to my professional toolkit.”
What advice do you have for individuals considering a career as a Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach?
“Take the leap and be yourself! Bringing your genuine self into your work allows you to establish trust and connection with your clients, which is crucial for effective coaching. When new parents feel understood and supported by someone who is authentic and empathetic, they are more likely to open up and engage in meaningful ways. Remember, each client is unique, so being flexible and tailoring your approach to meet their specific needs and circumstances is key to making a positive impact. This approach can help you establish yourself as an impactful provider in the perinatal mental health space.”
How do you manage your own wellbeing and mental health while supporting others through such a significant period in their lives?
“As a mother of two young girls, I often find myself needing to apply the advice and strategies I share with my clients. I also enjoy solo trips to Target! There's just something about the bright lights, red carts, and Starbucks inside that always brightens my day. I secretly think they might be spraying something in the air!”
Interested in becoming a coach?
If you want to know more about the steps you can take to become a Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach, join our upcoming webinar on Wednesday, July 24 at 1pm EDT: “Launch Your Dream Career as a Perinatal Behavioral Health Coach”.
During this free webinar, Cierra, alongside several other FamilyWell coaches, will share more about her coaching experiences and answer all of your questions about getting started in this rewarding field.
