Support for struggling parents

A new service to support people struggling with the demands of early parenthood has opened at Kareena Private Hospital in southern Sydney.

Sutherland Shire residents can now access free specialist perinatal counselling sessions at the hospital's new Gidget House clinic with a referral from their general practitioner.

It offers face-to-face and telehealth care for expectant and new parents who may be living with anxiety and depression.

"We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Gidget Foundation Australia to provide much-needed support to families in the Sutherland Shire," Kareena Private Hospital CEO Stephen Wigmore said.

"Gidget House Kareena Private will offer vital care to local families when they need it most."

The foundation was formed in 2001 by the family and friends of a young mum – nicknamed 'Gidget' – who took her own life while experiencing postnatal depression.

Its latest survey data revealed that nearly one-third of new Sydney parents said they needed the most support between three to 12 months after their child was born.

Just over half of Sydney parents said they were lacking both emotional and practical support from their family and friends, while 28 percent felt a loss of identity in most aspects of their life after having a baby.

"Parenthood can bring both joy and unexpected challenges for expectant and new parents," Gidget Foundation Australia CEO Arabella Gibson said.

"We value active and open conversations about perinatal mental health. We hope that the more we talk about it, the more parents feel comfortable enough to reach out for help and support if they are struggling to adjust to parenting.

"With one in five new mums and one in 10 new dads experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression, we know that getting help can be a lifesaver."

Kareena Private hosts the 19thGidget House service in New South Wales, following other Sydney-based Ramsay Health Care hospitals such as Westmead Private and North Shore Private in joining the initiative.

"Providing mental health support in the community is a top priority for the NSW Government," said Minister for Mental Health Rose Jackson, who officially opened the new service on Wednesday 9 August 2023.

"Becoming a parent can be difficult for numerous reasons, and we must ensure those experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety have access to a quality healthcare options like Gidget Foundation Australia," she added.

Read more: Mental health support for new parents

Read more: Luxury maternity care for mums; support for dads

Read more: New centre to support Melbourne mothers

Next News And Innovation:
4/9/2023 Twins give birth on the same day

Previous News And Innovation:
23/8/2023 $16m surgical centre announced