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Did you know that Australia only has ONE specialist, national perinatal depression helpline? And did you know that due to funding shortfalls this helpline – run by PANDA (the Post and Antenatal Depression Association) – can only help 7 per cent of the mums who need it? You might also be interested to know that […]
The importance of routine screening checks for emotional wellbeing
Perinatal mental health expert Professor Marie-Paule Austin recently led the charge to have a mental health screening tool added to the national guidelines for caring for pregnant women and new mums. As a part of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week, she explains why this is so important. As most mothers will attest – you […]
The complex relationship of attachment between parents and baby
The word attachment can mean one of two things in the world of babies. One use of the word describes the connection between a baby and a breast, the other use describes the connection between a baby and his parents. Both are incredibly complex in the ways they start and develop, mostly occurring without our […]
‘Someone told me I was a control freak around my baby’
Nothing prepared me for the unrelenting demands of motherhood: the realities of a 24/7 responsibility that left no time for myself, that lonely time after the front door closed behind my husband each morning while I felt like I just had to cope. I had wildly unrealistic expectations of myself as a perfect mother and […]
Childbirth triggers hormonal shockwaves
Do you remember how you used to feel? You were happy and well, with steady energy and emotions. You slept soundly and woke up feeling rested. Your recovery from illness was fast. You maintained a healthy weight without dieting. Now your energy lags during the day, you feel emotionally unbalanced and you sleep poorly. You […]
How is Dad going? PND and fathers
“I just want to support her, she’s the mum.” “The little one’s doing well, that’s the main thing.” “You just have to get on with it.” “I work really hard, then I get home and there’s more work.” “I’m damned if I do and damned if I don’t – whatever I do is not good […]
Postnatal depression – what we all need to know
There are approximately 100,000 Aussie parents currently struggling with perinatal depression and anxiety – and it is often close friends and family who will be first to notice. It is important that we all are aware of the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression so that we might be able to identify it in ourselves […]
Perinatal depression and anxiety in men – when and how to seek help
Most people are surprised to know that around 1 in 20 men experience anxiety or depression during their partner’s pregnancy [1] and up to 1 in 10 new dads struggle with anxiety or depression following the birth of their baby [2]. Men from all walks of life and all cultures, even those who generally feel […]
Postnatal depression and anxiety—treatment and recovery
Being pregnant or becoming a new parent can be both exciting and challenging. Having a degree of trouble adjusting to the changes that come with impending parenthood or the arrival of a new baby is natural. It’s when general ups and downs develop into something more serious that it’s time to take steps. If a […]
News: Free PND clinic opens, have your say on child care
An Aussie-first free clinic has opened in Brisbane to help tackle depression for new and expecting mothers. The White Cloud Foundation and QUT Health Clinic will run for six months and will offer access to a team of specialist health providers for the prevention of pre and post natal depression. It is designed for mothers […]