Asking a new mum if she is okay might be the only gift she needs this Mother’s Day
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With Mother’s Day just around the corner, it’s important to recognise that each mother’s journey is unique.
While some mothers and parents adjust well to the changes that motherhood brings, perinatal wellbeing can be a struggle and a source of pain for others.
Perinatal depression and anxiety refer to mental health conditions that occur during pregnancy and the postpartum period. It is estimated that at least 20% of women in Australia experience perinatal mental health challenges each year.
Although some of the symptoms that are experienced with these conditions can be frightening, women don’t have to go through perinatal wellbeing challenges alone.
Dr Yvonne Luxford, Chief Executive Officer of the Perinatal Wellbeing Centre says Mother’s Day is the perfect opportunity to encourage expectant and new mothers, new parents, and their families to partake in open and honest discussions about their perinatal wellbeing so they can receive the support and resources they need.
“Making sure expectant and new mothers receive adequate support during the onset of perinatal wellbeing challenges can prevent symptoms worsening and eliminate the probability of individuals experiencing further isolation during an extremely vulnerable time in their lives.”
By providing the right individual and group support and tailoring it to a person’s specific needs and circumstances, Perinatal Wellbeing Centre aims to equip new mothers and parents with healthy coping mechanisms and strategies to minimise symptoms that come with perinatal wellbeing challenges.
“Changes to lifestyle, routine, family dynamics, finances, roles, and identity are common in the perinatal period and these changes can be overwhelming. It’s important that individuals and families know they are not alone during this time.”
“We provide information and group sessions that include a focus on social connection as a key factor in overcoming the isolation that can come together with motherhood. Our programs are designed to provide support for new mothers and parents at every stage of their journey.”
“Factors that can increase the risk of postnatal depression and anxiety include a personal or family history of mental health conditions, previous experience of depression or anxiety, lack of social support, stressful life events, difficulty breastfeeding, financial stress, fertility issues and birth complications.
Although postnatal depression and anxiety are commonly associated with mothers, fathers and individuals who have suffered a loss can also experience these conditions. The prevalence rates for fathers and partners are lower than for mothers but are still significant, affecting approximately 10%.
Perinatal Wellbeing Centre offers interim support for current clients that experience pregnancy loss while waiting to access specialist organisation services to help deal with the trauma this experience brings.
While buying mum a pair of slippers this Mother’s Day is a neat idea, asking the mother in your life how they are feeling on a day-to-day basis could be a life-changing conversation that benefits your entire family for years to come.
