Becoming a parent is one of the biggest life changes any of us face. At least a quarter of New Zealander’s encounter fertility challenges with similar rates of those who birth affected by anxiety, depression or both during pregnancy and/or after birth. Partners can also experience distress and sleep is altered for almost all parents.

It is said that it takes a village to raise a child (and support and grow a parent). For many of us, we don’t have that village around us these days and those who are trying, expectant or recent parents can find themselves feeling lonely, disappointed and overwhelmed. Perinatal distress is the most common difficulty after giving birth.

Addressing these difficulties early in a caring and knowledgeable setting can make all the difference to family life and the experience of being a parent. I aim to offer a warm and supportive place where we can explore a way forward together. I have trained with the PIRI Institute in Melbourne (a cognitive behavioural therapy approach) and Possums for Mothers and Babies (a developmental and acceptance and commitment therapy approach).

More resources about perinatal mental health can be found here at Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa