Pregnant and postnatal women seek specialists

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Pregnancy and the postnatal period is a vulnerable time for expectant and new parents. Within an environment of significant change to their bodies, minds, sleep patterns and relationships, it is not uncommon for mental health to take a 'hit'.

New parenthood involves a steep and relentless learning curve that implicates self worth, comfort with responsibility, and sense of confidence in the new parenting role (especially when new parents' own parenting was problematic).

In an endeavour to improve the mental health of expectant and new parents, perinatal mental health specialists from the Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network, and the Perinatal Psychiatry Network, have joined forces to service an expansive spread of  Melbourne locations. 

​We are delighted to be working alongside some of Melbourne's leading Perinatal Psychiatrists. These practitioners are skilled in dealing with specific issues that arise for pregnant and postnatal women and new dads. Women can feel anxious about a current or pre-existing mental health condition in light of planning a pregnancy, being pregnant, or adjusting to the demands of new motherhood. Questions and fears about the safety of medication can elicit significant anxiety, which can be addressed by skilled specialist Psychiatrists. Men can experience anxious apprehension during their partner/wife's pregnancy, and both men and women can experience birth as traumatic. Adjusting to becoming parents can be particularly difficult when a mental health condition is left untreated.

For some people, taking the first step towards seeking help can be daunting. However dealing with stress, anxiety, depression and other mental health disturbances in the childbearing years, can provide an enormous relief for the individual (and his/her partner) and can make for a happier, calmer and more meaningful family life. Ultimately, the emotional well-being of mums and dads is vital to the wellbeing of babies and young children.

Written by Dr Renée Miller
Principal Clinical Psychologist
​Antenatal & Postnatal Psychology Network
antenatalandpostnatalpsychology.com.au

For enquiries about the Perinatal Psychiatry Network
Dr Klara Szego
Principal Perinatal Psychiatrist
​Perinatal Psychiatry Network
perinatalpsychiatrynetwork.com.au