产后抑郁症 - Postpartum Depression - Complete Australian Support Guide

⚠️ You Are Not Alone: 1 in 7 people experience postpartum depression in Australia, but up to 50% go undiagnosed. Having a baby should be joyful, but if you’re struggling, this is not your fault and help is available immediately through Medicare and specialized services.

🚨 Emergency Support - Available 24/7

Crisis Support (Immediate Help)

• Emergency (immediate danger to you or baby): 000
• PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306 (specialist perinatal support)
• Lifeline: 13 11 14 (24-hour crisis support)
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636 (depression and anxiety)
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

New Parent Support Lines

• Maternal Child Health Line: 13 22 29 (24/7 new parent support)
• Pregnancy, Birth & Baby Helpline: 1800 882 436
• Australian Breastfeeding Association: 1800 686 268
• Tresillian Parent Helpline: 02 9787 0855 (NSW)

Understanding Postpartum Depression in Australia

Australian Reality - The Hidden Crisis

• 1 in 7 people experience postpartum depression (14.3% prevalence)
• Up to 50% go undiagnosed due to stigma and lack of screening
• 1 in 10 partners also experience postpartum depression
• Earlier onset than recognized: Can begin during pregnancy
• Duration varies: Without treatment, can last months to years
• Suicide risk: Maternal suicide is the leading cause of direct maternal death

Who Is at Risk? (Everyone)

Postpartum depression can affect:

• First-time mothers and experienced parents
• People who planned pregnancies and those who didn’t
• People with “easy” babies and difficult babies
• Those with partner support and single parents
• Any age, any socioeconomic background, any ethnicity
• Partners of birthing parents (paternal/partner depression)

Types of Perinatal Mental Health Conditions

1. Baby Blues (50-80% experience this)

• Timing: Days 3-10 after birth
• Symptoms: Crying, mood swings, worry, feeling overwhelmed
• Duration: Resolves within 2 weeks
• Treatment: Support, rest, normal adjustment

2. Postpartum Depression (10-15%)

• Timing: Can start during pregnancy or up to 1 year after birth
• Symptoms: Persistent sadness, hopelessness, loss of interest
• Severity: Interferes with daily functioning
• Treatment: Therapy and/or medication required

3. Postpartum Anxiety (10-15%)

• Symptoms: Excessive worry about baby, racing thoughts, panic attacks
• Physical: Racing heart, shortness of breath, nausea
• Behaviors: Constantly checking on baby, avoiding situations
• Often co-occurs: With postpartum depression

4. Postpartum OCD (3-5%)

• Obsessions: Intrusive thoughts about harming baby (NOT wanting to)
• Compulsions: Excessive checking, avoiding being alone with baby
• Reality: People with postpartum OCD are NOT dangerous to their babies
• Treatment: Specialized therapy very effective

5. Postpartum Psychosis (0.1-0.2% - MEDICAL EMERGENCY)

• Symptoms: Delusions, hallucinations, severe confusion
• Timing: Usually within first 2 weeks after birth
• Risk: High risk of harm to self or baby
• Treatment: Immediate hospitalization required

🧠 Why Does Postpartum Depression Happen?

The Perfect Storm: Multiple Factors

Biological Factors:

• Hormonal crash: Estrogen and progesterone drop 90% within 24-48 hours
• Sleep deprivation: Disrupts all neurotransmitter systems
• Physical recovery: Pain, fatigue, breastfeeding challenges
• Thyroid changes: Postpartum thyroiditis affects 10% of women

Psychological Factors:

• Identity shift: Massive life change and loss of previous self
• Expectations vs reality: “I should be happy and loving motherhood”
• Control loss: Baby’s needs dictate your life completely
• Grief: For your previous life, freedom, body, relationships

Social Factors:

• Isolation: Loss of work colleagues, reduced social contact
• Relationship changes: Strain on partnerships, family dynamics
• Cultural pressure: “Good mothers are always happy and coping”
• Lack of village: Modern parenting without extended family support

Environmental Stressors:

• Financial pressure: Reduced income, increased expenses
• Housing stress: Need for more space, location considerations
• Work concerns: Maternity leave, returning to work anxiety
• Partner support: Level of practical and emotional help

Risk Factors (But Anyone Can Develop PPD)

Higher Risk Factors:

• Personal history of depression/anxiety
• Family history of perinatal mental health issues
• Difficult pregnancy or traumatic birth
• Premature baby or baby health problems
• Lack of social support
• Relationship problems
• Financial stress
• Unplanned pregnancy
• Breastfeeding difficulties

Protective Factors:

• Strong support network
• Previous therapy or coping skills
• Financial security
• Healthy relationship
• Flexible work arrangements
• Access to family help
• Good physical health

📊 Recognizing the Signs - Beyond Sadness

Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS)

This is the standard screening tool used by Australian healthcare providers

Rate each item for how you felt in the past 7 days:

1. I have been able to laugh and see the funny side of things

   • As much as I always could (0)
   • Not quite so much now (1)
   • Definitely not so much now (2)
   • Not at all (3)

2. I have looked forward with enjoyment to things

   • As much as I ever did (0)
   • Rather less than I used to (1)
   • Definitely less than I used to (2)
   • Hardly at all (3)

3. I have blamed myself unnecessarily when things went wrong

   • Yes, most of the time (3)
   • Yes, some of the time (2)
   • Not very often (1)
   • No, never (0)

[Complete scale available from your GP, maternal health nurse, or online]

EPDS Scoring:

• 0-8: Normal range
• 9-11: Mild depression, monitoring recommended
• 12-13: Moderate depression, intervention recommended
• 14+: Severe depression, immediate professional help needed
• Question 10 (self-harm): Any score above 0 requires immediate attention

Warning Signs by Category

Emotional Signs:

• Persistent sadness or emptiness
• Feeling overwhelmed or like you’re failing
• Guilt about not being a “good enough” parent
• Feeling disconnected from your baby
• No enjoyment in things you used to love
• Frequent crying or inability to cry
• Feeling like you made a mistake having a baby

Physical Signs:

• Extreme fatigue beyond normal new parent tiredness
• Changes in appetite (eating too much or too little)
• Sleep problems (can’t sleep when baby sleeps)
• Physical aches and pains without clear cause
• Headaches, stomach problems
• Low energy even with adequate rest

Behavioral Signs:

• Avoiding friends, family, activities
• Difficulty bonding with baby
• Either obsessive worry or feeling detached from baby
• Difficulty making decisions
• Forgetting things, concentration problems
• Thoughts of harming yourself or baby
• Using alcohol or drugs to cope

Cognitive Signs:

• “I’m a terrible mother”
• “My baby would be better off without me”
• “I can’t do anything right”
• “Everyone else makes this look easy”
• “I should be happy, what’s wrong with me?”
• Racing thoughts or mind going blank

🏥 Getting Help Through Australia’s Healthcare System

Step 1: Your First Point of Contact

Maternal Child Health Nurse (FREE)

• Available to all Australian families
• Scheduled visits at 1-2 weeks, 2, 4, 8 months
• Can do EPDS screening
• Can refer to GP or specialist services
• Home visits available in many areas

Your GP - Key Coordinator

• Can diagnose postpartum depression
• Create Mental Health Care Plan (20 subsidized psychology sessions)
• Prescribe safe medications (including for breastfeeding)
• Coordinate care with other specialists
• Provide medical certificates for time off work

Step 2: Specialized Perinatal Mental Health Services

Public Perinatal Mental Health Services (FREE)

New South Wales:

• St John of God Health Care: Burwood, Richmond
• Royal Hospital for Women: Randwick
• Westmead Hospital: Perinatal mental health unit

Victoria:

• Austin Health: Heidelberg perinatal mental health
• Mercy Health: Werribee parent-baby unit
• The Royal Women’s Hospital: Perinatal mental health service

Queensland:

• Mater Mothers’ Hospital: Brisbane perinatal mental health
• Gold Coast Health: Perinatal mental health service
• Townsville Hospital: North Queensland service

Western Australia:

• King Edward Memorial Hospital: Perinatal mental health unit
• Fremantle Hospital: Community perinatal service

South Australia:

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital: Perinatal mental health
• Flinders Medical Centre: Southern Adelaide service

Tasmania:

• Royal Hobart Hospital: Perinatal mental health service

Australian Capital Territory:

• Centenary Hospital for Women and Children: ACT perinatal service

Northern Territory:

• Royal Darwin Hospital: Territory-wide service

Step 3: Treatment Options

Psychological Therapies (Medicare subsidized):

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Most researched for PPD
• Interpersonal Therapy (IPT): Focuses on relationship changes
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Mindfulness-based
• Mother-baby therapy: Focuses on attachment and bonding

Medication Options (Safe for Breastfeeding):

• SSRIs: Sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac) - first line
• SNRIs: Venlafaxine (Efexor) - for anxiety with depression
• Tricyclics: Nortriptyline - alternative option
• Considerations: All have minimal transfer to breast milk

Intensive Treatment Options:

• Day programs: Attend therapy while baby is in childcare
• Residential programs: Mother and baby stay together in unit
• Outreach programs: Services come to your home
• Peer support groups: Connect with other parents

💊 Treatment Approaches - What Actually Works

Evidence-Based Psychological Treatments

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for PPD:

• Success rate: 60-80% improvement
• Duration: 12-20 sessions typically
• Focus: Changing negative thought patterns
• Techniques: Thought challenging, behavioral activation, problem-solving

Common Unhelpful Thoughts → CBT Reframes:

• “I’m a terrible mother” → “I’m learning, and all parents make mistakes”
• “Other mothers have it figured out” → “Everyone struggles, some just hide it better”
• “I should be enjoying every moment” → “It’s normal to find parenting hard sometimes”

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT):

• Focus: Relationship changes after having baby
• Areas: Role transitions, grief, relationship conflicts
• Particularly helpful for: Partner relationship issues, loss of identity

Medication During Breastfeeding

Safe Medications (Extensive Research):

Sertraline (Zoloft):

• Breastfeeding: Safest choice, minimal transfer to milk
• Dosage: Usually start 25-50mg, can increase to 200mg
• Timeline: 2-4 weeks to feel effects, 6-8 weeks for full benefit
• Side effects: Mild nausea initially, usually resolves

Fluoxetine (Prozac):

• Breastfeeding: Safe but longer half-life
• Good for: People who had success with it previously
• Monitoring: Baby’s behavior and development

What About Stopping to Breastfeed?

• Not necessary for medication treatment
• If you choose to, formula feeding is safe and healthy
• Your mental health is priority - baby needs a well mother

Natural and Complementary Approaches

Evidence-Based Supplements:

• Omega-3: 1000mg EPA daily reduces depression scores
• Vitamin D: Deficiency linked to PPD, test levels first
• Folate: 5mg daily if deficient, supports brain chemistry
• Magnesium: 200-400mg for sleep and anxiety

Physical Approaches:

• Exercise: 30 minutes walking 3x/week as effective as medication
• Light therapy: Especially helpful for seasonal component
• Massage therapy: Reduces cortisol, increases serotonin
• Acupuncture: Some evidence for depression and anxiety

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family and Relationship Support

Partner Support - Essential for Recovery

What Partners Can Do:

Practical Support:

• Take night feeds to allow uninterrupted sleep blocks
• Handle household tasks without being asked
• Take baby for walks so you can shower/rest
• Attend appointments and therapy sessions with you
• Research childcare options and support services

Emotional Support:

• Listen without trying to “fix” your feelings
• Validate that this is hard and you’re doing your best
• Don’t take mood changes or irritability personally
• Encourage treatment and remove barriers to accessing help
• Learn about postpartum depression to understand better

What NOT to Say:

• ❌ “Just be grateful you have a healthy baby”
• ❌ “You should be enjoying this time”
• ❌ “Other mothers manage fine”
• ❌ “Maybe you should try harder”
• ❌ “It’s just baby blues, you’ll get over it”

What TO Say:

• ✅ “You’re not alone, we’ll figure this out together”
• ✅ “You’re a good mother, even when it doesn’t feel like it”
• ✅ “This is temporary, you will feel better”
• ✅ “What do you need right now?”
• ✅ “I’m proud of you for getting help”

When Partners Also Struggle

Partner/Paternal Depression (1 in 10):

• Often develops 3-6 months after birth
• Symptoms include irritability, withdrawal, anxiety
• Same risk factors apply: sleep loss, life changes, stress
• Treatment: Same options available through Medicare
• Important: Both parents can be treated simultaneously

Managing Family Relationships

Setting Boundaries with Extended Family:

• You don’t need to entertain visitors
• It’s okay to ask for help instead of performance
• Helpful visitors do dishes, bring meals, hold baby while you rest
• Unhelpful visitors need to be served and create more work

Sample Scripts:

• “We’d love to see you, but we need you to bring dinner and help with washing”
• “I’m not up for visitors right now, but a grocery shop would be amazing”
• “Thanks for the advice, but I need to follow what my doctor recommends”

🍼 Practical Daily Management Strategies

Sleep Strategies (Most Important for Recovery)

Sleep Deprivation = Depression Trigger

• Every missed sleep cycle increases depression risk
• REM sleep is when brain processes emotions
• Sleep debt can’t be “made up” - you need consistency

Practical Sleep Solutions:

• Sleep when baby sleeps: Not advice, it’s medical necessity
• Night shifts: Partner takes one feed, you get 4-6 hour block
• Day help: Someone holds baby while you nap
• Sleep environment: Dark, cool room, comfortable bedding
• Sleep hygiene: No screens 1 hour before bed, relaxation routine

Feeding Support (Reduce Pressure)

If Breastfeeding is Contributing to Depression:

• Formula feeding is completely healthy and safe
• Combination feeding (breast and formula) is fine
• Fed is best - your mental health matters most
• Weaning can be gradual if you choose

Breastfeeding Support:

• Australian Breastfeeding Association: 1800 686 268
• Lactation consultants: Available through hospitals and privately
• Support groups: Local new parent groups
• Online communities: Facebook groups for specific issues

Daily Structure for Depression

Minimum Daily Goals:

• One meal with protein and vegetables
• One shower (even if quick)
• One interaction with another adult
• One moment outside (even just opening door)
• One small task completed (making bed, loading dishwasher)

Weekly Goals:

• One outing with baby (walk, shops, coffee)
• One phone call with friend or family
• One activity just for you (bath, read, music)
• One load of washing completed
• One social interaction

Baby Bonding When Depressed

It’s Normal Not to Feel Instant Love:

• Bonding is a process, not a moment
• Many people take weeks or months to feel strongly connected
• Depression interferes with bonding hormones
• Treatment improves bonding capacity

Ways to Build Connection:

• Skin-to-skin contact: Even 10 minutes daily helps
• Talking to baby: Narrate what you’re doing
• Eye contact: During feeds, nappy changes
• Baby massage: Gentle, promotes bonding hormones
• Reading: Even to newborns, they love your voice

💼 Work and Financial Considerations

Maternity Leave and Mental Health

Your Rights in Australia:

• Paid parental leave: 20 weeks government payment
• Unpaid leave: Up to 12 months job protection
• Mental health: Can be grounds for extended leave
• Flexible return: Many employers offer gradual return options

Return to Work Considerations:

• Don’t rush back if you’re not ready
• Mental health is valid reason for extended leave
• Gradual return often easier (2-3 days initially)
• Childcare adjustment takes time for everyone

Financial Support Available

Government Payments:

• Parenting Payment: Up to $906.60/fortnight (single)
• Family Tax Benefit: Additional support for families
• Rent Assistance: Up to $186.80/fortnight if renting
• Health Care Card: Cheaper prescriptions and medical care

Other Support:

• Foodbank: Free groceries if struggling financially
• St Vincent de Paul: Emergency financial assistance
• Salvation Army: Practical support and emergency relief
• Local councils: Often have new parent support programs

🌟 Building Your Support Village

Professional Support Team

Core Team:

1. GP with perinatal experience: Coordinates all care
2. Maternal child health nurse: Ongoing baby and parent health
3. Psychologist/counselor: Specialized in perinatal mental health
4. Psychiatrist: If medication needed or severe symptoms
5. Lactation consultant: If breastfeeding challenges

Personal Support Network

Immediate Support (Daily/Weekly):

• Partner, spouse, or co-parent
• One trusted family member or friend
• One other new parent going through similar experience
• Online support group or community

Extended Support (Monthly):

• Healthcare team
• Childcare providers
• Work colleagues who understand
• Neighbors who can help in emergency

Creating Your Support Network

Where to Meet Other Parents:

• New parent groups: Run by maternal health centers
• Swimming classes: Baby swimming from 3-4 months
• Library story time: Free activities for babies
• Prams in the Park: Outdoor exercise groups for parents
• Coffee groups: Organized through local councils
• Online local groups: Facebook neighborhood groups

Apps for Connection:

• Peanut: Like Tinder for new mum friends
• Mush: Connect with local parents
• Meetup: Find local parenting groups
• Facebook: Local parenting groups by area

🚨 Crisis Planning and Safety

When to Seek Immediate Help

Call 000 Immediately If:

• You have specific plans to harm yourself
• You have thoughts of harming your baby
• You’re experiencing hallucinations or delusions
• You feel completely unable to care for yourself or baby
• You’re using alcohol or drugs to cope

Go to Emergency Department If:

• You’re having thoughts of self-harm but no immediate plan
• You feel completely overwhelmed and have no support
• You haven’t slept in over 48 hours despite opportunities
• You’re unable to eat or drink
• You feel like you’re “losing your mind”

Safety Planning

My Warning Signs:

People I Can Call (Day):

• Partner/Family: ___________________ (phone)
• Friend: _________________________ (phone)
• Mental Health Professional: _______ (phone)

People I Can Call (Night/Emergency):

• Crisis Line: 1300 726 306 (PANDA)
• Partner: ________________________ (phone)
• Emergency: 000

Safe Activities When Overwhelmed:

Reasons to Keep Going:

Baby Care During Crisis

Emergency Childcare Options:

• Partner takes time off work
• Trusted family member or friend
• Professional baby-sitting service
• Local council emergency childcare
• Hospital social worker can arrange temporary care

It’s Okay to:

• Put baby in safe place (cot) and take 5 minutes to calm down
• Ask for help immediately if you feel overwhelmed
• Go to emergency department with baby if needed
• Call someone to come help right away

🌈 Recovery and Moving Forward

What Recovery Looks Like

Early Recovery (Weeks 1-8 of treatment):

• Small improvements in sleep and appetite
• Slightly less crying or overwhelm
• Beginning to enjoy small moments
• More energy for basic self-care
• Starting to feel like “maybe I can do this”

Middle Recovery (Months 2-6):

• Clearer thinking and better concentration
• More consistent mood throughout days
• Enjoyment returning gradually
• Better bonding with baby
• Feeling more like yourself again

Full Recovery (6+ months):

• Feeling confident in parenting abilities
• Able to enjoy being a parent most of the time
• Good energy and mood most days
• Strong bond with baby
• Sense of identity as both individual and parent

Preventing Future Episodes

If You Have More Children:

• Start therapy before birth if possible
• Have support plan ready for postpartum period
• Consider medication if you used it successfully before
• Monitor mood closely in first months
• Don’t feel guilty about needing help again

Long-term Mental Health:

• Continue therapy even when feeling better
• Maintain support networks and friendships
• Practice stress management and self-care
• Monitor for depression throughout parenting journey
• Remember you have tools and knowledge now

Helping Others

When You’re Ready:

• Share your story to reduce stigma
• Support other parents going through similar struggles
• Volunteer with organizations like PANDA
• Advocate for better perinatal mental health services
• Remember that your recovery gives others hope

📞 Complete Resource Directory

National Crisis Support

• Emergency (life-threatening): 000
• PANDA National Helpline: 1300 726 306
• Lifeline (24/7 crisis support): 13 11 14
• Beyond Blue: 1300 224 636
• Suicide Call Back Service: 1300 659 467

Perinatal Support Services

• Pregnancy, Birth & Baby: 1800 882 436
• Maternal Child Health Line: 13 22 29
• Australian Breastfeeding Association: 1800 686 268
• Tresillian Parent Helpline: 02 9787 0855

State-Based Services

New South Wales:

• Karitane Helpline: 1300 227 464
• NSW Mental Health Line: 1800 011 511
• Tresillian Family Care Centres: Multiple locations

Victoria:

• NURSE-ON-CALL: 1300 60 60 24
• Maternal & Child Health Line: 13 22 29
• PANDA Support Groups: Multiple Melbourne locations

Queensland:

• 13 HEALTH: 13 43 25 84
• Mater Family Stress Clinic: 07 3163 1703
• PANDA QLD: Support groups Brisbane/Gold Coast

Western Australia:

• Women and Newborn Health Service: 08 6458 2222
• Ngala Parenting Line: 08 9368 9368
• PANDA WA: Perth support groups

South Australia:

• Women’s and Children’s Hospital: 08 8161 7000
• Child and Family Health Service: 1300 733 606
• PANDA SA: Adelaide support groups

Tasmania:

• Child Health Association: 1800 001 123
• Mental Health Services: 1800 332 388

Online Resources

• PANDA Website: panda.org.au
• Beyond Blue: beyondblue.org.au/pregnancy-and-new-parents
• Centre of Perinatal Excellence: cope.org.au
• Postpartum Support International: postpartum.net

Apps for Support

• PANDA App: Free mood tracking and resources
• Beyond Blue NewAccess: Free coaching program
• Headspace: Meditation and mindfulness
• Sleep Cycle: Sleep tracking and improvement

🌟 Real Australian Recovery Stories

Emma’s Story - Melbourne First-Time Mum

“I had the ‘perfect’ pregnancy and birth, so when I couldn’t stop crying and felt terrified of my own baby, I thought I was just weak. My maternal health nurse did the EPDS at 6 weeks and I scored 17. She referred me straight to a psychologist. CBT taught me that thoughts like ‘I’m ruining my baby’s life’ weren’t facts. With therapy and a low dose of sertraline, I started feeling human again by 4 months. Now my daughter is 2, and while parenting is still hard, I love her fiercely and feel confident as her mum.”

Sarah & Mark’s Journey - Brisbane Couple

“When our son was born premature, I (Sarah) developed severe postpartum anxiety and depression. Mark tried to be supportive but was struggling too. We found a couples therapist who specialized in perinatal issues through our GP’s mental health plan. Learning that 1 in 10 partners also get depressed helped Mark realize his anger and withdrawal weren’t just stress. We both got individual therapy and worked together on our relationship. It took 8 months, but we came out stronger as a couple and parents.”

Lisa’s Recovery - Adelaide Single Mum

“As a single mum by choice, I thought I should be grateful and cope perfectly. When postnatal depression hit at 3 months, I felt like I’d made a terrible mistake. The PANDA helpline connected me with a support group of other single mothers. Hearing their stories made me realize I wasn’t alone or broken. I did 6 months of IPT therapy and took medication for a year. The hardest part was accepting help, but now I have an amazing support network and my relationship with my son is beautiful.”

📋 Recovery Action Plan

Week 1: Getting Started

• Complete EPDS screening (online or with health professional)
• Book GP appointment within 48 hours if score >9
• Contact PANDA helpline for immediate support
• Identify one trusted person to help with baby care
• Start basic self-care (one shower daily, one proper meal)

Week 2-4: Building Support

• Attend GP appointment, discuss Mental Health Care Plan
• Book first psychology appointment
• Connect with maternal child health nurse
• Join one new parent group or online community
• Ask partner/family for specific help (meals, childcare, housework)

Month 2: Treatment and Recovery

• Attend regular therapy sessions
• Consider medication if recommended
• Establish daily routine with manageable goals
• Practice sleep hygiene and accept help with night feeds
• Schedule one pleasant activity weekly (coffee with friend, walk)

Month 3-6: Strengthening Recovery

• Monitor mood improvement with regular EPDS scores
• Gradually increase activities and social connections
• Consider returning to work gradually if desired
• Continue therapy until feeling consistently better
• Plan prevention strategies for future challenges

Long-term: Maintenance and Growth

• Maintain support networks and friendships
• Continue self-care practices
• Monitor mood during life transitions
• Consider sharing story to help others
• Remember: you are a survivor and a warrior

Remember: Postpartum depression is not your fault. It is not a sign of weakness. It does not mean you love your baby any less. It is a medical condition with excellent treatment options.

You are not alone. You are not broken. You will recover.

Your baby needs you healthy and well. Taking care of your mental health is taking care of your baby.

Recovery is possible, and you deserve all the support and treatment available to get there.

Last Updated: Aug 2025 | Sources: PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia), Beyond Blue, Australian Department of Health, Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists

This guide provides comprehensive information for educational and support purposes. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals for personalized medical advice. If you’re experiencing thoughts of self-harm or harming your baby, please call 000 or PANDA on 1300 726 306 immediately.