By Eleanor Boyd – Paediatric Nurse with 30 years’ experience working with infants, children and families in mental health.
While we have come a long way in our understanding of Perinatal and Infant Mental Health there unfortunately still exists stigma in society, and lack of understanding about the importance of the very early days in putting our children on the right path to strong mental health.
The fact is, despite what social media may sell us, becoming a parent is an emotionally tumultuous time, and it is totally normal to not experience the ideal situation you may have come to expect. In fact, 1 in 5 mothers and 1 in 7 fathers currently report experiencing negative perinatal mental health conditions, and more research is indicating an increase in mental health incidences in children from 0-12 months of age.
We believe it is time to change the perception of perinatal and infant mental health, starting with the fact that if you experience negative emotions, or even postnatal depression or postnatal anxiety, there is nothing ‘wrong’ with you – this is a common experience.
Some of the other myths and misconceptions we need to change include:
The incorrect belief that infants cannot experience mental health challenges because they are too young.
From birth, infants are sensitive to emotional cues from caregivers and begin forming attachment patterns during the perinatal period through to infancy. The Australian Association for Infant Mental Health (AAIMH) advocates that promoting secure attachment and emotional resilience from infancy is crucial, emphasising that adverse early experiences can have long-term effects on mental health and social development.
The misconception that perinatal mental health has no effect on the infant if the primary caregiver seeks support later.
While receiving support at any stage is beneficial, interventions during the perinatal period are particularly effective because they shape early attachment and emotional stability in infants. Perinatal and Infant Mental Health initiatives like the Circle of Security Program focus on creating secure attachments, which help infants develop a solid foundation for lifelong mental health. Studies suggest that unresolved parental stress and untreated perinatal mental health issues can negatively affect the infant’s development, even if the parent seeks help later.
The myth that Perinatal and Infant Mental Health only affects mothers.
Postnatal depression, postnatal anxiety, and other mental health conditions are often thought to be a maternal issue only, ignoring the impact on fathers and other primary caregivers. The fact is that mental health challenges in the postnatal period can affect all parents, including fathers and same-sex partners. Research shows that fathers can also experience depression, anxiety and stress, which can negatively impact the parent-infant relationship and the child’s development. We know understand it is crucial to provide mental health support for all caregivers.
Where can you reach out for help if you are struggling with Perinatal and Infant Mental Health?
However, just because we are starting to understand Perinatal and Infant Mental Health as a common occurrence, doesn’t mean it is something any new parent needs to put up with or ‘tough it out’. There are plenty of places you can turn to for help, starting with some excellent programs right here at Ngala:
Ngala’s Perinatal and Infant Mental Health services:
- Free Parenting Line – for any challenges facing parents. Talk to a professional 7 days a week between 8am-8pm. 9386 9386.
- Little Minds Matter – a free infant mental health development check. More details here: Little Minds Matter: Free Social and Emotional Development Check for Infants | Ngala
- ForWhen – Guiding new and expecting parents to perinatal and infant mental health supports: Perinatal Depression & Anxiety Helpline – PND | ForWhen