Antenatal and Postnatal Depression/ Anxiety

Pregnancy and the transition to becoming parents and/or extending your family often brings to the forefront mixed and conflicting emotions. Along with the excitement and anticipation of your pregnancy, most couples will also experience some fear and apprehension with what will be one of the most significant transitions you’ll make in life.

Women have a particularly heightened vulnerability in their emotional and mental health during this critical period. Around 10% of women in Australia experience antenatal (while pregnant) depression and/or anxiety and up to 16% of women suffering from postnatal (after birth) depression. One in twenty dads can also experience postnatal depression.

Early identification and prevention has helped many families through difficult periods. You don’t need to feel depressed/anxious to come and discuss any pregnancy, birth or parenting issues. At Sally Findley Psychology, we are there to listen and address any concerns/issues you may have in this perinatal period.

Seeing a Psychologist may assist in the journey by helping you to:

Embrace your pregnancy and learn how to manage the changes in your body;
Embrace your new role as a parent, and help build your parenting confidence;
Prepare for and explore any fears/concerns about your labour and delivery;
Learn coping strategies to manage lack of sleep and fatigue;
Learn how to build a healthy attachment and connection with your baby;
Learn how to take care of your emotional and psychological needs at this time of major transition;
Enhance your communication skills with your partner to help keep you connected throughout this time of transitioning from a couple to a family;
Manage a premature delivery and being separated from your baby;
Manage any health complications that may arise for yourself and/or your baby;
Manage a subsequent pregnancy and the demands this represents, including a pregnancy after a loss, a traumatic delivery or where you’ve previously experienced antenatal or postnatal depression/anxiety;
Acknowledge and process your grief and sense of loss- how you feel about your body, your labour/delivery, your relationship with your baby and your partner, and how your life has changed;
Manage your own expectations of yourself as a new parent;
Change some of the beliefs you have about yourself that might be prohibiting a healthy transition to parenting;
Learn more about antenatal and postnatal depression and/or anxiety;
Access ongoing parenting support.

Helpful Links

www.panda.org.au
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Association have produced a fabulous and internationally acclaimed website with practical information and resources designed for women and their partners.

www.howisdadgoing.org.au
Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Association have designed a website specifically for men to help reduce stigma and provide access to resources to support the family as a unit.

www.cope.org.au
Centre of Perinatal Excellence provides information and resources for those planning a family, expecting a baby, preparing for birth and the challenges facing new parents.