Perinatal Mental Health and COVID-19

Information regarding COVID-19 is constantly changing. In an effort to help all new families in maintaining their mental wellbeing, we will collate information here from reputable sources which we hope will be of use to you.

Please feel free to notify us of other useful material via [email protected]

This information sheet from the Australian Psychological Society provides some great broad ranging information regarding concerns about the virus and how to best discuss issues with children.

If you or anyone in your family is pregnant, the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists has posted a clear and informative statement regarding coronavirus and pregnancy. Please also find this helpful video message that RANZCOG's President Dr. Vijay Roach delivers for pregnant women and their families.

ACT Health has established a page specifically about Mental Health and Wellbeing at this time - the tip to limit social media is very important!

If you want the facts about COVID19 and pregnancy quickly and succinctly - this video by Dr Brad Robinson is for you!

Beyondblue's advice regarding COVID-19 is useful for everyone, not just new parents.

Find this helpful 'COVIBOOK' explaining COVID-19 to children under the age of 7, available in multiple languages! This resource was developed by the author Manuela Molina to help families discuss the full range of emotions arising from the current situation. Please note that this resource does not seek to be a source of scientific information, but rather a tool to help check in with children. Please find the English PDF of COVIBOOK here.

Please go to Head to Health for a range of mental health related supports, including accessing health services at this time.

Latest

Perinatal Mental Health Week 2021

1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety, which is around 100,000 Australian parents each year. We're here, we see you! Join us for National Perinatal Mental Health Week.
Parking for Perinatal

Did you know the average cost of parking in Canberra is $15.50 per day? Put your spare change to work by setting up a recurring donation to Perinatal Wellbeing Centre and help us support local families to have the best start in life.
Self care strategies for parents and caregivers

Caring for a small child can be rewarding, exciting, surprising and frustrating. It can also sometimes be stressful, exhausting and worrying. Check out our list of self care ideas, and think about how these ideas might fit into your routine.
Cakeberra: Storybook Presale!

To relive on our favourite recent Cake Off themes we've created a unique storybook journey through Canberra's favourite landmarks - in cake!

How we help you

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre programs are designed to provide the support you need at every stage, and our team of Perinatal Mental Health Workers can work with you to tailor your own pathway through our services. Call 02 6288 1936 and speak to a member of our team about how you are feeling and how we can help. No diagnosis or referral is required.
What we do

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is a community based non-government organisation providing support to families in the Australian Capital Territory. Primarily funded by ACT Health, it is staffed by experienced perinatal mental health workers and administration staff.
Donate today

Please show your support for parents and families experiencing perinatal mental health challenges by making a tax deductible donation to Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.
Support groups

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre provides support groups aimed at connecting you with others who are having similar experiences. Groups provide an opportunity to share mutual support, as well as looking at strategies to aid in recovery. To access a support group you need to first be a client of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre. To become a client click here.
Self care strategies for parents and caregivers

Caring for a small child can be rewarding, exciting, surprising and frustrating. It can also sometimes be stressful, exhausting and worrying. Check out our list of self care ideas, and think about how these ideas might fit into your routine.
Perinatal anxiety

1 in 4 people will experience anxiety in their lifetime and for women it is more likely to occur during pregnancy or in the year following birth. As many as 1 in 5 women will experience perinatal anxiety. Certain factors, such as mental health history, complicated pregnancy or birth, or having an unwell or unsettled baby can increase the likelihood of developing perinatal anxiety.
The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia

Perinatal depression and anxiety costs $877 million a year in Australia, and that is just the beginning. Our new report 'The Cost of Perinatal Depression and Anxiety in Australia' highlights key findings on the economic costs of PNDA.
Perinatal depression

Depression occurs in up to 1 in 10 women during pregnancy, and in up to 1 in 7 women after the birth of a baby. Men are also affected by postnatal depression. Certain factors, such as mental health history, complicated pregnancy or birth, or having an unwell or unsettled baby can increase the likelihood of developing perinatal depression.
Board

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is governed by a volunteer Board and complies with the regulations of the ACT Associations Incorporation Act (1991). The Board is responsible for the overall performance of the organisation, providing strategic direction and overseeing all operations of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre.
Adjusting to parenting

Changes to lifestyle, routine, family dynamics, finances, roles and identity are common in the perinatal period (during pregnancy and after the birth of a baby). The changes can be overwhelming and you might feel distressed or stuck. In these circumstances, thoughts and feelings are confronting and it is frightening to feel that you are facing them alone. You are not alone. At the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre, we are here to support you to find your way through the challenges and learn new ways