Pregnancy, we're Here to Help

Pregnancy can be a confusing and challenging time for women and their families. We provide psychological support to women, parents, couples and families during the antenatal and postnatal period.

We work with families who are experiencing:

  • Antenatal or postnatal depression and anxiety

  • Fertility issues

  • Birth trauma or premature birth

  • Perinatal loss

  • Pregnancy support counselling can be helpful for a number of pregnancy-related issues, including:

    • Making decisions and exploring possible options about the pregnancy.

    • Coming to terms with unexpected outcomes (for example, miscarriage or problems at birth).

    • Dealing with a variety of feelings related to the pregnancy, birth or early months of being a parent.

    • Discussing the pregnancy with others (for example; partner, children, parents, religious or cultural groups).

  • Pregnancy support counselling is available through the Medicare scheme for women with a current or recent pregnancy (within the last 12 months), who have concerns or general issues related to a pregnancy. The pregnancy support counselling rebate covers 3 sessions and requires a referral from your GP. Please contact InPsync or your local GP with any further inquiries.

  • It is not uncommon for women to experience the ‘baby blues’ in the first few days after birth, however, this is not considered a mental health concern requiring treatment. The baby blues symptoms of teariness, anxiety or irritability usually resolve in a few days with understanding, acknowledgment and support.

  • Antenatal Depression and Antenatal Anxiety is depression and anxiety experienced during pregnancy. Up to 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men will experience antenatal depression and/or anxiety. Some of the signs to look out for might include:

    • Low mood

    • Feeling constantly tired and lacking energy

    • Persistent, generalised worry, often focused on fears for the health or wellbeing of the baby

    • Being nervous, on edge or panicky

    • Being easily annoyed or irritated

    • Withdrawing from friends or family

  • Postnatal Depression and Anxiety refers to anxiety or depression experienced in the year after birth. More than 1 in 7 new mothers and up to 1 in 10 new fathers experience postnatal depression each year in Australia. Many parents often experience depression and anxiety at the same time. Some of the signs to look out for might include:

    • Constant sadness and crying

    • Fear of being alone with the baby

    • Changes in appetite

    • Sleep difficulty unrelated to the baby’s needs

    • Extreme lethargy

    • Loss of concentration or memory difficulty

    • Irritability and/or anger

    • Loss of libido

    • Loss of confidence and lowered self-esteem

    • Withdrawal from friends and family

    • For further information visit Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia (PANDA)

    http://www.panda.org.au/