Perinatal Mental Health Week | 22

PMHW tagline: What you need, when you need it.

23–29 November

We get the challenges faced in conception, pregnancy and early parenthood. We want expectant and new parents to know, that they are not alone.

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The transition into parenthood can be tough

1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety. That's around 100,000 Australian parents each year.

Real Stories, Real People

Real people share their stories of perinatal mental health challenges. These stories are a reminder to all parents that you are not alone.

Sponsorship for Perinatal Mental Health Week is not a funded arrangement; no financial contributions are exchanged as part of this recognition.

Alison

I discovered Motherland through a Landline episode during my first harvest as a mother. I remember sitting there bawling my eyes out because, for the first time, I realised I wasn’t alone.

Grief and Loss

Peer support

Kim, her partner and second child pose for a photo with a rainbow.

Kim

Alby was my first-born son and he was full of life. To those supporting someone after loss, please don’t try to fix or ‘silver-line’ it. Just listen. Our babies aren’t replaceable, and they’re still very much part of our families.

Multiples

Peer support

Maria

My days in the hospital were long and used to feel very lonely. One day, I remembered a friend mentioning the Caring Mums organisation and their postnatal support. Although it wasn’t meant for women still pregnant, I decided to reach out

Dads and partners

Panic attacks

Burnout

Arran

I always wanted to be a dad, and I love being one but I will never forget the day it all caught up with me. I had no idea what was happening until I realised I was having a panic attack.

Multiples

Peer support

Depression

Laura

We arrived in Newcastle with four-month-old twins. I knew I needed a community – a support network that truly understood the unique journey of parenting multiples.

Dads and partners

Premature birth

Lauchlan

As I spoke to the Navigator on the other end of the phone I could tell that she knew where I was at...I was able to be supported as I looked after my family, with ForWhen checking in every few days and directing me to a Perinatal Psychologist.

Postpartum Psychosis

Rural and remote

Emily

Looking back, the anxiety started even before pregnancy and stayed with me through every stage. I told myself it made sense, it had taken us a while to conceive, and living in a rural town meant I saw a different midwife at every appointment.

Advocacy Messages

Advocates for perinatal mental health support in have shared their messages of support.

Hon Bridget Archer MP

Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Ageing, & Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing

Well, we've heard the saying that it takes a village to raise a child, but it can also take a village to hold a parent. This year's theme, Hold a Parent, reminds us that this can be a challenging time for people when they become a new parent and there is a role for community to play in that.

Hon Ingrid Stitt MLC

Minister for Mental Health (Vic)

Just as a parent nurtures and responds to the needs of their newborn, the theme reminds us that supporting parents is a shared responsibility and an essential part of promoting family well-being.

Chris Minns MP

Premier of New South Wales

Having a child is a magical time, but it's not always easy. There's always a lot on your plate and for many, depression and anxiety can affect mums and dads across Australia. In fact, 100,000 reported each year.

Hon Blair Boyer MP

Minister for Health and Wellbeing (SA)

As a father of three, I know how exciting and rewarding becoming a parent can be. I also know that it can be challenging and no one should feel like they have to navigate all those challenges by themselves.

Watch All Messages

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Our Partners

Perinatal Mental Health Week is a powerful, national collaboration of 67 organisations. We unite to create understanding, reduce stigma and provide education and support.

About Our Partners

The transition into parenthood can be tough