Perinatal Mental Health: What It Means and How to Get Support
Each year, Perinatal Mental Health Awareness Week (23-29 Nov in 2025) reminds us of how important it is to support parents during pregnancy and the first year after birth. This period can bring joy and excitement, but it can also be filled with emotional changes that many people are not prepared for. Raising awareness helps families recognise these experiences early and reach out for support when needed.
What Is Perinatal Mental Health?
The perinatal period covers pregnancy through the baby’s first year of life. During this time, parents may notice shifts in mood, sleep, identity, relationships, and stress levels. Perinatal mental health focuses on understanding these emotional changes and ensuring that parents get the care they need when things feel overwhelming or confusing.
Common perinatal emotional difficulties include:
- Perinatal anxiety
- Perinatal depression
- Postpartum mood changes
- Birth-related stress or trauma
- Difficulty adjusting to new roles
- Relationship tension
- Feeling disconnected or unsure about bonding with the baby
These experiences are very common, and they can affect anyone — first-time parents, experienced parents, partners, non-birthing parents, and LGBTQ+ families.
Why Do Perinatal Mental Health Challenges Happen?
Perinatal emotional challenges often arise due to a mix of physical, emotional, and social factors:
1. Hormonal Changes
Pregnancy, childbirth, and feeding involve rapid hormonal shifts that can influence mood, irritability, sleep, and emotional balance.
2. Sleep Deprivation
Interrupted sleep and round-the-clock care quickly impact emotional resilience.
3. Shifts in Identity and Responsibility
Many new parents feel pressure to “get everything right,” which can trigger guilt, worry, or self-doubt.
4. Relationship Adjustments
Partners may experience changes in communication, connection, and roles as they adapt to caring for a baby.
5. Past Experiences
Previous trauma, fertility challenges, grief, or unresolved stress may resurface during the transition to parenthood.
Signs You May Need Extra Support
Support can be helpful if you notice:
- Ongoing sadness, worry, irritability, or mood swings
- Feeling overwhelmed or “not like yourself”
- Difficulty bonding with your baby
- Loss of interest in usual activities
- Frustration, panic, or intrusive thoughts
- Feeling disconnected from your partner
- Persistent fear for your baby’s wellbeing
These experiences are signs to check in with someone who can help.
How to Care for Yourself During the Perinatal Period
1. Talk About How You Are Feeling
Share your experience with someone you trust. Opening up is often the first step toward feeling lighter and more supported.
2. Build Gentle, Manageable Routines
Short walks, nutritious meals, moments of rest, or simple mindfulness practices can support emotional stability.
3. Accept Practical and Emotional Support
Let friends or family help with meals, chores, or babysitting. Support is essential — not a reflection of your ability as a parent.
4. Seek Professional Help Early
A counsellor or social worker can help you understand your emotional experience, navigate stress, and develop coping strategies.
5. Stay Connected With Your Maternal Health Team
GPs, midwives, obstetricians, and maternal child health nurses all play important roles in monitoring both physical and emotional wellbeing.
Who Can You Seek Help From For Perinatal Mental Health Support?
Parents can access support from various professionals and services, including:
- GPs for overall health and referrals
- Midwives and obstetricians during pregnancy and birth
- Maternal and child health nurses for ongoing support
- Counsellors and social workers for emotional wellbeing, parenting adjustments, and stress management
- Community health and family support services
Choosing someone who understands your cultural background, identity, and personal challenges can make a big difference.
How Ashore Wellness Can Support – Meet Khai
At Ashore Wellness, we recognise that every perinatal journey is unique. For many parents — especially those from multicultural backgrounds — emotional challenges can feel even more isolating. We are committed to offering a safe, grounded, and culturally sensitive space for parents to explore their feelings and experiences.
Khai is one of our experienced counsellors at Ashore Wellness, provides warm and practical support to parents navigating pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.
Khai has extensive experience supporting mothers, parents, families and young people, and is skilled at helping clients rebuild confidence, manage emotional shifts, and strengthen relationships during this important life transition.
Khai supports clients with:
- Perinatal anxiety and depression
- Stress related to parenting roles
- Birth-related emotions or adjustment difficulties
- Bonding and attachment challenges
- Cultural expectations and identity
- Relationship strain or communication issues
- Emotional regulation in daily family life
Whether you are preparing for parenthood or adjusting to life with a new baby, Khai offers a supportive and non-judgmental space to explore your experiences and feel more grounded.
Your First Step in Reaching Out
If you or someone close to you is finding the perinatal period emotionally challenging, support is available. Ashore Wellness provides individual counselling in inner Melbourne suburb of Moonee Ponds, and also available via online telehealth across Australia.
If you would like to book a session with Khai or inquire about perinatal mental health support, you are welcome to reach out anytime.
