Perinatal mental health support for West Wimmera Shire

Published on 16 July 2020

Baby

West Wimmera Shire Council is providing more support for expectant and new parents with a new perinatal mental health program.

Qualified midwife Adrienne Caldow joined West Wimmera Shire’s Community Support and Wellbeing Team earlier this year and will provide treatment and support for parents who are experiencing mental health issues such as depression and anxiety.

West Wimmera Shire Council is proud to be one of the first council’s in the state to roll out a targeted mental health support service for new and expectant parents.

Adrienne came to the shire with a wealth of experience, including mental health training. She previously operated domiciliary services within West Wimmera Shire.

Council’s Maternal and Child Health Nurse Co-ordinator Monica Feder said a perinatal mental health clinician was much needed in the community.

“There was a gap in the services we offered and Adrienne will help us provide more targeted and ongoing support to those who need it,” she said.

“Perinatal depression and anxiety is a serious mental health issue that affects parents in our shire.

“Previously, the only option available for parents who needed support was either travelling to Horsham to use counsellors there, or phone support such as Panda and Beyond Blue.”

Adrienne will provide maternity services including shared antenatal care, pre-natal classes and domiciliary services through the Edenhope Hospital.

She will actively follow-up mental health screenings and any perinatal mental health concerns identified by maternal and child health nurses, midwives or general practitioners.

She will also undertake clinical assessments, provide psychoeducation, and advice to people, as well as advocate for women in relation to their mental health.

“Being pregnant or becoming a new parent can be both exciting and challenging, but sometimes people have trouble adjusting to the changes that come with the arrival of a new baby,” Monica said.

“West Wimmera Shire Council is committed to providing ongoing support and care for all new parents in our Shire.”

According to BeyondBlue, up to one in five expecting or new mothers will experience perinatal anxiety or depression, along with one in 10 expecting or new fathers.

Adrienne will also aim to raise awareness of perinatal mental health issues in the community.