Postnatal and antenatal depression are unfortunately quite common experiences for mothers. Postnatal refers to after the baby is born and antenatal is the time before the birth. It is important to recognise if you’re experiencing more than just the “baby blues” or “feeling down in the dumps” for a few days and to seek support.

Roughly 13% of all pregnant women and new mothers experience depression, as reported by the Black Dog Institute.

The extraordinary hormonal changes in your body after pregnancy can cause a new mother to feel miserable, exhausted, stressed and be quick to come to tears. Experiencing these negative emotions can interfere with your daily life and impact the whole family, while triggering some mothers to doubt themselves and their ability to care for their baby.

The good news is that most people with postnatal depression get better with treatment.

Yvonne’s is available for counselling sessions in Mermaid Waters and if this does not suit you in what is sure to be a busy time for you, she also has phone and online options, and can visit you at home or hospital.

Postnatal depression impacts on the whole family, including the baby.

You may feel guilty and “not a good enough mother”, you may lose confidence.

Post natal depression can be treated with counselling, “talk therapy”. A check up with your local Gold Coast doctor is advisable too. If you’re in need of postnatal depression support in Gold Coast please don’t hesitate to talk with me or make an appointment to meet at my Mermaid Waters office my contact details are here.

“Sometimes”, said Pooh “The smallest thing takes up the most room in your heart.”