Perinatal Counselling

Support for a range of issues throughout preconception, pregnancy and postnatally.

We are passionate about providing support for individuals and their families throughout this time, and provide a space to talk about how you “really feel”. The transition to parenthood can sometimes have its challenges for a variety of reasons including:

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•Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (antenatal & postnatal),

•Grief and loss (miscarriage, stillbirth, and neonatal death),

•Fertility difficulties,​

•Birth trauma

•Other pregnancy related concerns and termination,

•Adjusting to the transitions to parenthood.

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See below for more information.

Ultrasound
 

PERINATAL DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY

Often a number of symptoms of antenatal and postnatal depression or anxiety are dismissed, as they may overlap with common physiological symptoms of pregnancy and the postnatal period. Difficulty sleeping, nausea, tiredness and changes in appetite are common symptoms of pregnancy and postnatally, but may also be related to depression and anxiety. Other common symptoms of antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety include:

•Tearfulness

•Excessive worry

•Lack of energy

•Feelings of guilt

•Obsessiveness towards baby

•Feeling lack of bond with baby

•Difficulty getting organised

•Avoiding social contact

•Loss of interest in sex

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Some women experience all of these symptoms and others may only a few. If these symptoms are experienced consistently over a few weeks, it may be time to seek some additional help and support.

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GRIEF AND LOSS

Women and their families who have experienced grief and loss through miscarriage, premature birth, still birth and neonatal death, face a very difficult and emotional time. Unfortunately, it can also be an isolating experience, as we often hear families say that people would avoid them as they do not know what to say. Talking to a psychologist can help.

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FERTILITY DIFFICULTIES

For some families there are difficulties falling pregnant, this too can have a big emotional impact with anxiety and worry related to falling pregnant, and grief and loss when difficulties arise. We provide support for women and families through preconception, IVF, and other fertility related difficulties.

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NON-DIRECTIVE PREGNANCY COUNSELLING

Carla is a provider of Medicare’s non-directive pregnancy counselling for any pregnancy related concerns and support with pregnancy options, such as adoption and termination support.

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SUPPORT ADJUSTING TO THE TRANSITIONS TO PARENTHOOD

Becoming parents means significant changes in life as you know it. It can be helpful to work through strategies to help with the transitions to parenthood.