Fact Sheets

As there may be more time at home during pregnancy and after a baby is born it is very important to still find ways to keep active in a way that is safe, interesting and fun or even recharging.

ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) is a neurodevelopmental condition disorder characterised by persistent inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity, which can significantly impact daily life and functioning. This can be especially challenging during pregnancy and early motherhood.

The trauma of pregnancy, baby or child loss is at some level, always with those who experience this type of loss.

Self-care as a concept sometimes gets a bit of a bad rap. Some people think it's selfish or indulgent but in fact it’s quite the opposite.

We are acutely aware of and understand the extra stresses faced by those undertaking or about to start their assisted reproductive journey.

Gidget Foundation Australia has compiled a helpful list of tips for new and expectant parents based on experts' advice.

Giving birth is a momentous event. We may recall the process with wonder, amazement and positive feelings, but it also may bring complex emotions as we reflect on it.

Family and domestic violence can have far- reaching consequences and is important to understand. Coercive control is one aspect of this abuse.

Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (CPTSD) can develop as a response to trauma that is intense and/or ongoing. These events can take place due to the occurrence of trauma at any time across the lifespan.

The human brain often struggles with ambiguity and uncertainty, making a diagnosis of infertility particularly unsettling and distressing. Despite increased societal awareness of the various paths to parenthood, individuals may still experience a sense of loneliness or fear of stigma surrounding their parenting journey.

Mixed emotions are often felt when returning to paid employment as a new mum. You may feel; joy, excitement, a sense of dread, guilt, fear of separating from your child, nervousness, anticipation or even overwhelm.

As new parents we are all confronted with disrupted routines, a loss of social interaction and opportunities, job changes, and uncertainty as we make the transition to parenthood.

Envisaging yourself with your child, the shared activities, how they may look or what they may enjoy is all part of the natural transition to parenthood. As we start to imagine these things, it is difficult not to consider their gender.

Expectant and new parents go through enormous changes in their lives in the lead up to, and when a baby arrives.

This fact sheet outlines the process of making an appointment with one of our perinatal Clinicians.

Simple ways to start a conversation with an expectant or new parent who does not seem like themselves. A simple, caring conversation can help someone feel less alone and more supported.

Becoming a dad is a life-changing event, but it’s also a challenging one too.

Balancing your work commitments and family life is now harder for dads than ever before.

Sexual intimacy is only one way of intimately connecting after having a baby, and there are many other ways partners can support an intimate connection during this period of significant change.

Research suggests that more than 80% of expectant and new parents experience intrusive thoughts from time to time.

Becoming a dad is a major life transition. While it can be a joyful and meaningful time, it can also feel overwhelming, exhausting and stressful. Many new dads are juggling disrupted sleep, increased responsibilities at home, changes to their relationship, and pressure at work, often all at once.

Education and support about perinatal depression and anxiety is at the heart of what we do at Gidget Foundation Australia.

Miscarriage and pregnancy loss can be deeply distressing and heartbreaking. Miscarriage is common, with estimates indicating 1 in 4 pregnancies are impacted by miscarriage - but that does not make the experience any less distressing.

For families from culturally diverse backgrounds, the perinatal period may also include adjusting to a new language, culture or healthcare system. With the right support, it is possible to feel more confident, connected and understood.

Giving birth and living life with multiples comes with their own unique joys, needs, support, and challenges.

Parenting a child with a disability can bring great joy to your family, but there can also be additional stresses, challenges, and difficulties. Navigating a diagnosis, therapies, funding, and supports can feel overwhelming.

Becoming a parent after experiencing childhood sexual abuse can be uniquely challenging and may reawaken old wounds. Pregnancy, the birthing process, breastfeeding and changing nappies may be confronting, each in their own way.

There are often fewer support services available in our rural communities. Access to perinatal specialists can be very limited and treatment can be delayed due to wait times or be cost prohibitive.

Parents with disability face unique barriers when raising children, including societal barriers, outdated stereotypes, and lack of accessible resources and supports.

Dr Brene Brown tells us, “Perfectionism is a belief systems that feeds the thought of ‘If I look perfect, do it perfect, work perfect and live perfect, I can avoid or minimise shame, blame and judgment".

Women experience baby blues and this is not depression. It occurs between days 3-10 after birth and goes away by itself with supportive care.

For those who experience postpartum rage, asking for help can feel even more difficult.

No-one is totally prepared for parenting and this seems to be the main reason for relationship dissatisfaction early on.

There is much to process as you return to the workplace after having your baby. You may experience a wide array of emotions.

Becoming a dad can be a time of mixed emotions and you may have a lot of questions.

Self-care is not about doing more or getting it right. Sometimes the best self-care is about finding ways you can do less. It is about looking after your wellbeing in small, realistic ways so you can get through the hard days and feel more supported. When you make space for your own needs, it can help reduce stress, build resilience and make it easier to cope with the changes and challenges of this time.

Children raised by single parents can be just as happy and emotionally healthy as children living with two parents.

Gidget Foundation Australia provides face- to-face appointments as well as telehealth appointments. Telehealth sessions can be conducted either via phone or using a video link.

Everyone is vulnerable when a baby is coming along – first time parents, those who’ve journeyed down this path before, parents from all socioeconomic and cultural backgrounds as well as non-biological parents and other carers such as foster/adopted parents.

The journey to parenthood for lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer and intersex (LGBTQI+) people can be exciting and scary.

It is common to feel a little overwhelmed and concerned about how you are going to manage it all.

There are so many pressures and expectations placed on expectant and new parents

Your appointment with a midwife during pregnancy is our way of providing you with additional support and care.

It is normal to have anxiety about your first session with a psychologist or counsellor. It can be overwhelming, and you may not know what to expect. You don’t need to be nervous, but we understand if you are!