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.

Find Support

Support naturally centres on the baby. But parents need holding too.

Each year, 1 in 5 mums and 1 in 10 dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety. That's around 100,000 Australian parents who may need someone to hold them through it.

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.

The Hon Mark Butler MP

Minister for Health and Ageing; Minister for Disability and the National Disability Insurance Scheme, Member for Hindmarsh

As a parent, I know the immense joy a baby brings to a family. I also know the many challenges faced, big and small, navigating the newborn world. That's why I want parents to know they're not alone in these challenges and that it's OK not to feel OK during perinatal mental health week.

Senator Marielle Smith

Senator for South Australia, Chair of the Senate Select Committee on Women’s Health

Anyone who knows that life changing miracle of becoming a parent knows it's nothing short of miraculous. But it can also be incredibly tough too.

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.

The Hon Bridget Archer MP

Minister for Health, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, and Minister for Ageing of Tasmania

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.

Watch All Messages

Find the support that's right for you.

Answer a few short questions and we'll suggest organisations and services that can support your needs.

Find support

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

Support naturally centres on the baby. But parents need holding too.