findmaroondah.com.au
OCTOBER 2021 | FIND MAROONDAH
37
MENTAL HEALTH FOCUS IN THE PERINATAL PERIOD: PART 2 LACTATION CONSULTANT By Dr. Joanna Strybosh
Perinatal health encompasses the time from pregnancy up to 1 year after the birth of your baby. In last months edition we began by looking at the signs and symptoms of postnatal depression (PND) and anxiety (PNA) and how parents describe the experience of these conditions. We know that as many as 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 10 fathers experience PND and PNA in Australia every year, and many experience both at the same time. Postnatal anxiety and depression can be frightening, confusing and isolating. Many parents with PND/PNA have said that it was difficult to distinguish what were “normal” thoughts and feelings and what where not. Furthermore, many parents do not want to disclose their true thoughts and feelings, which keeps them from receiving the treatment they might otherwise need. Stigma around mental health illness, shame and guilt about “being a bad parent” can often keep parents from talking to their loved ones about what they are going through. And many who know they could do with some help find it very difficult to raise their concerns with their health care professionals. But the sooner parents get help, the sooner they can recover. So where do you turn for help? PANDA’s National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline is Australia’s only free, national helpline service for women, men and their families affected by perinatal mental illness. The Helpline provides a safe and confidential space for any new or expecting parent struggling with the challenges of becoming a new parent. Their highly trained and caring counsellors can help you work through your challenges by talking openly and honestly about your thoughts, feelings and experiences. The Helpline is safe, secure and confidential. You can call from home, without needing to make an appointment or leave the house. Or you can call from your mobile while on the move.
Photo Credit: Motrek Bali, via Unsplashed
As well as providing comprehensive support from skilled counsellors, the Helpline can also provide information about other services in your area. This includes local medical services, mental health services and family services. The Helpline can connect you with these services. Call PANDA’s Helpline on 1300 726 306 For online help from PANDA go to • •
panda.org.au howisdadgoing.org.au.
Other recommend include:
online
resources
Websites • • • •
COPE website at cope.org.au What Were We Thinking website at whatwerewethinking.org.au Mum Space website at mumspace. com.au Baby Steps website at babysteps. org.au
Online programs • •
MumMoodBooster is an evidencebased treatment for mums with mild to moderate perinatal depression Baby Steps is an online program to support transition to parenthood.
Apps • •
Mind the Bump is a mindfulness app for use during pregnancy and early parenthood depression • MindMum (for information see mu m s p a c e.c o m .a u / w h e n - you need-extra-help)WWWT (What Were We Thinking — for information see whatwerewethinking.org.au).
If this article has raised any concerns for you, please go to panda.org.au and take the online mental health check, and call PANDA’s National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline1300 726 306 9am – 7.30pm Mon – Fri(AEST/AEDT) You can call for yourself, or someone you’re concerned about. No diagnosis is needed to call. For further help, please speak to your doctor, lactation consultant or maternal child health nurse.
Dr. Joanna Strybosch Osteopath B.App.Sc(Clin.Sc)/B.Osteo.Sc/Grad Dip Paeds
Lactation Consultant CHILDREN’S OSTEOPATHIC CENTRE 9876 3011 www.childrensostheopathiccentre.com
OCTOBER 2021 | FIND MAROONDAH
37