Adjustment to parenthood
Being a parent is very rewarding. But it can also be hard work (especially at first). Dealing with changes in your everyday routine and sleepless nights as you learn to look after your baby can take lots of energy, emotional commitment and patience. There will be many times where you don’t quite know what to do—try and remember that it’s the same for everyone, you’re learning on the job!
You may have doubts as you find yourself constantly learning and adapting in the first few weeks of your baby’s life. We know there can also be a gap between expectations and the reality of parenthood.
If you are having concerns while adjusting to your new role, it’s a good idea to get support from a healthcare professional who can help you with all your parenting needs. Mater Mothers’ Parenting Support Centre is a great place to start and offers early parenting support and guidance.
Lactation Consultants
A variety of appointment options are available with our qualified Lactation Consultants and Child Health Nurses, to ensure we meet the specific needs of your family. We’ll discuss the best appointment type for you personally, and work through any questions or concerns you may have.
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One on one appointments
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Telehealth appointments (online)
Our Lactation Consultant appointments include an assessment of your current concerns with a collaborative approach to problem solving. A care plan will be established and appropriate follow-up appointments will be arranged. Other appropriate services will be discussed and offered on a needs basis. These may include sleep and settling, GP appointments or psychology appointments.
Sleep and settling advice
The support you receive will help build your confidence in responding to your baby. You’ll learn practical skills and knowledge to assist you in sleeping and settling your baby.
You’ll receive an individualised plan with responsive settling strategies about baby cues including, tired and hunger, building healthy relationships, crying, colic, and unsettled behaviour strategies for the home, plus assistance with feeding issues.
Psychotherapy
Our specially trained perinatal psychologists offer counselling to assist parents and caregivers to cope with the challenges of becoming a new parent.
We offer parenting support (individual and group) for families who wish to improve with:
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adjusting to parenthood
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postnatal depression
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coping with anxiety and stress
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parenting confidence
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parent-baby relationship, attachment and bonding
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understanding and responding to your baby’s emotional needs.
Family support from our GPs
Our GPs are trained in women’s health and mental health—they are well placed to support mothers and their babies with feeding issues and sleep and settling concerns in the early days post birth. They are experienced in diagnosing and managing perinatal mental health concerns and can refer on to psychologist if required. Our GPs offer timely, evidence-based, family-centred care during the challenging time of caring for a newborn.