Our Aim
The aim of the website is to promote perinatal emotional wellbeing at this significant time for mums, dads, the infant and other family members.
For women, experiencing emotional difficulties during the perinatal period is not uncommon and can be treated, the sooner the better. Getting help is the best way to reduce the possibility of longer lasting effects on the whole family.
There is a lot of evidence supporting that emotional difficulties during and after pregnancy, if left untreated, can increase the chances of longer term problems such as postnatal depression, difficulties in marital relationship and children’s behaviour and learning.
Current studies show that at least 15% of Australian women experience postnatal depression and there is increasing suggestion that depression during pregnancy is even more common. This means every year, at least 3750 Western Australian women and their families will be affected by postnatal depression. (Western Australia registers approximately 25,000 births annually.)
Pregnancy and childbirth are traditionally considered milestones of life - a time filled with happiness and great expectations. That’s an age-old belief but one which doesn’t always happen. For many women, pregnancy can be a time of distress. So if you’re feeling frightened, angry, guilty or that you have no control over your own life, take comfort in the fact that there are many other women who feel like you do. You’re not alone.
Within this website, you’ll find comprehensive information to help mums, dads and other family members have a better understanding of perinatal emotional wellbeing, how and where to seek help, and the types of treatment available.
References:
Perinatal Statistics in WA, 2003 Twentieth Annual Report
Maternal and Child Health Unit, Dept of Health WA, 2004
Post-Natal Depression Support Association of South Africa (PNDSA)
Evans, J., Heron, J., Francomb, H., Oke, S. & Golding, J. (2001). Cohort study of depressed mood during pregnancy and after childhood. British Medical Journal, 323(4), 257-259.
Meighan, M., Davis, M., Thomas, S. & Droppleman, P. (1999). Living with postpartum depression: The father’s experience. The American Journal of Maternal Child Nursing, 24(4), 202-208.
Murray, L. Fiori-Cowley, A., Hooper, R. et al (1996). The impact of postnatal depression and associated adversity on early mother infant interactions and later infant outcome. Child Development, 67, 2512-2526.
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