This early motherhood service is a free, home based service for women and families experiencing emotional difficulties during pregnancy and after childbirth.
The service provides assessment, education, counselling and facilitation of support groups.
Download PHEP brochure here
Download "Getting Ahead" group program flyer here
For most women, pregnancy and motherhood is a time of intensified emotions. While motherhood can be a time of great joy and fulfilment, it can sometimes be exhausting, lonely and frightening. When this happens it can be confusing and distressing for both you and your family.
Some common distressing feelings can be:
- Sad or low mood
- Stress and worry
- Frequent tearfulness
- Lack of motivation
- Feeling tired, lonely and/or overwhelmed
- Problems with eating and/or sleeping
- Feeling frustrated and irritable
- Having trouble managing household tasks
- Poor concentration and memory
- Having fears about harming yourself or your baby
- Feeling like you have no control
- Difficulty adjusting
The PEHP service provides services to women and their families in the areas of:
And surrounding areas: Mt Beauty, Corryong, Beechworth, Chiltern, Rutherglen, Corowa, Holbrook, Henty
How you can help yourself:
- Ask for help and assistance, don't try and be superwoman
- Seek our assistance from a health professional, friends and family
- Have some time out from the baby and do something you enjoy
- Learn to manage stress and worry using relaxation strategies
- Try to eat well and sleep whenever you have the chance
- Remember that you must care for yourself in order to care for your baby
For Partners and Family:
If someone you care about is experiencing emotional distress during pregnancy or after childbirth it is important that you:
- Listen to her and believe what she is saying and feeling
- Respect her experience and ask her what she needs from you
- Assist with household tasks and childcare
- Encourage and support her to get professional support and assistance
Where to find support...
- Talk to someone you trust
- Talk to your maternal child and family health nurse
OR contact
- Perinatal Emotional Health Program: 02 60517950
- Parents and Babies Service: 02 60 517174
- PANDA support line: 1300 726 306
- 24 hour Maternal & Child Health Line Victoria: 132 229
- Victoria 24 hour Mental Health Crisis Line: 1300 881 104
- NSW 24 hour Access Line - Mental health: 1800 011 511
Useful Websites:
For Dads:
Useful Apps: