Perinatal Program

Perinatal Infant Unit

Our ground breaking Parent-Infant Unit, St Benedicts, is NSW's only unit entirely specialising in perinatal psychiatry. Unique in that mothers and babies remain together during treatment. Research shows this is an important part of treatment, helping to promote the recovery process. The evidence-based treatment program is flexible and includes individual and group counselling focusing on family relationships, infant attachment, sleeping problems, anxiety and anger management, medication use and parent-craft skills.

Group therapy facilitates self-exploration and encourages bonds with other women experiencing similar difficulties. The groups are also psycho-educational, providing a context for learning skills in overcoming emotional distress. Material for group discussion is presented in varied and interesting ways, for example, using cartoons, documentary DVD’s, music and scenes from movies.

Ultimately our aim is to to re-establish in mothers a sense of well-being and control over their lives, and to help create the basis for their children’s healthy emotional development.

Partner support

Unique to our Perinatal Inpatient Program, a partners’ support group meets weekly to discuss and ventilate emotions and learn more about the changing roles of parenthood. Overnight accommodation and meals are offered to partners at a reasonable rate. Partners who choose to stay overnight can actively continue their parenting role and receive counselling, education regarding PND and other mental health issues as well as skills training while maintaining regular work hours.

Find out more information about beating the baby blues