National Perinatal Guidelines

National Perinatal Mental Health Guidelines

The National Perinatal Mental Health Guideline was reviewed and updated in 2023.

The scope of the National Guideline includes the assessment of the high prevalence disorders and the treatment and management of these, together with severe mental illnesses in primary care settings. New additions to the 2023 Guideline include screening and psychosocial assessment for fathers and non-birthing partners and the management of psychological birth trauma.

Disorders covered in the Guideline include:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Bipolar Disorder
• Puerperal Psychosis
• Schizophrenia (new)
• Borderline Personality Disorder (new)

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Living Evidence for Australian Pregnancy and Postnatal Care (LEAPP) Guidelines  

The new LEAPP Living Guidelines offer the latest evidence-based clinical recommendations for pregnancy and postnatal care across Australia. The LEAPP guidelines include recommendations for care during pregnancy and in the first six weeks after birth.  

Topics covered in these Guidelines include:

• Standard tests during pregnancy
• Healthy lifestyles during pregnancy
• Breastfeeding education and support
• Mental health and wellbeing before and after birth (screening and referral)
• Recovering from birth and birth trauma
• Preventing miscarriage and stillbirth
• Care after miscarriage or stillbirth  

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Gidget Foundation Australia provides clinical care in accordance with these recommended national guidelines.

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