Understanding Perinatal Mental Health: Why Awareness Matters for New Parents

Bringing a new baby into the world is often described as one of life’s most joyful experiences—but for many new parents, it can also be one of the most emotionally challenging.
Perinatal mental health refers to the emotional well-being of parents during pregnancy and the first year after birth—a time of major physical, hormonal, and lifestyle change.

What many don’t realize is just how common these struggles are.

The Reality Behind the Numbers

Did you know that 1 in 5 new mums and 1 in 10 new dads experience perinatal depression and anxiety?
That’s around 100,000 Australian parents every year who face emotional struggles during what’s often portrayed as a purely happy season of life.

Perinatal mental health challenges don’t discriminate—they can affect anyone, regardless of age, background, or how “prepared” or “strong” someone appears.

Why Awareness Matters

When conversations about postpartum and perinatal mental health remain hidden, many parents suffer in silence—feeling isolated, ashamed, or as though they’re “failing” at parenthood.
The truth is, these feelings are not a sign of weakness. They are a normal and treatable response to the immense changes that come with pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.

By talking openly and normalizing these experiences, we help break the stigma and encourage more parents to reach out for help sooner.

Supporting Perinatal Mental Health Week

As a MumSafe™ Trainer, we’re proud to support Perinatal Mental Health Week—a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness and encouraging honest conversations about how new parents are really feeling.

Through movement, community, and compassion, we can help create safe spaces for parents to share their stories and access the support they need.

Because no parent should have to go through this journey alone.

If You or Someone You Know Needs Support

If you’re struggling—or you know someone who might be—help is available.
Reach out to your GP, a trusted healthcare provider, or organizations like:

• PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) – 1300 726 306

• Lifeline – 13 11 14

• Beyond Blue – 1300 22 4636

You are not alone, and recovery is absolutely possible.