The transition to parenthood, even when it's something that you want more than anything, can be rocky. While many anticipate the intensity, the sleep deprivation, and the time it takes to physically recover, few of us can actually grasp the enormity of how birth changes us. And for some, new parenthood comes with an extra challenge; that of mental health.
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA) estimates that up to 1 in 10 women (and 1 in 20 men) struggle with antenatal depression and anxiety. More than 1 in 7 new mums (and up to 1 in 10 new dads) experience postnatal depression. If you think about your group of friends or newly formed Mother's Group, the chances are good that at least one person may be struggling with their mental health, post birth.