Perinatal Mental Health Services

Supporting Parents Through the Early Years of Parenthood

paediatric occupational therapy

The perinatal period — from pregnancy to the first year after birth — is a time of profound change and emotional adjustment.

At Early Years Occupational Therapy, we offer specialised occupational therapy services for parents navigating overwhelm and mental health challenges during this critical time.

Whether you’re managing anxiety, depression, overwhelming fatigue, or the pressures of balancing a new baby, we’re here to support you.

Our approach to perinatal mental health focuses on supporting parents to understand the changes they have undergone in their transition into parenthood, and equip them with the knowledge to move forward with a greater sense of hope.

We combine coaching principles with occupational therapy analysis to work towards practical strategies to manage daily life and promote overall wellbeing.

Through individualised therapy and parental wellbeing coaching, we help you build the resilience, routines, and coping skills necessary to thrive in early parenthood.

What We Offer

Perinatal mental health concerns can affect all aspects of life — from physical energy levels to emotional regulation, relationships, and parenting tasks. Our occupational therapists work with you to create a holistic, strengths-based plan that helps you:

✅ Manage Emotional Wellbeing

  • coping strategies for stress, anxiety, and mood changes

  • recognise and notice you internal body cues and learn how to respond to them

  • building emotional regulation skills to handle overwhelming feelings

  • mindfulness techniques and relaxation exercises for mental calm.

✅ Rebuild Routine and Structure

  • creating daily routines that are achievable and supportive of mental health

  • helping you balance self-care, baby care, and other responsibilities

  • strategies for improving sleep hygiene and managing fatigue.

✅ Support Physical Recovery

  • addressing physical strain from birth, breastfeeding, and baby care

  • gentle exercises to aid physical recovery and improve strength

  • support for managing physical symptoms of postnatal depression (such as fatigue and tension)

✅ Enhance Parent-Child Bonding

  • building a strong connection with your baby through activities that promote emotional attachment

  • practical tips for managing infant care in a way that supports both parent and baby’s emotional wellbeing

  • supporting you in navigating your changing relationship with your partner or family members

✅ Create a Sustainable Self-Care Plan

  • helping you identify your personal needs and create a realistic self-care routine

  • setting boundaries and prioritising your wellbeing alongside your baby’s care

  • encouraging healthy lifestyle habits for long-term emotional and physical health

Who Can Benefit?

Perinatal mental health services can support mothers, fathers, and parents in the early stages of their parenting journey, including:

  • parents experiencing perinatal depression or anxiety

  • those struggling with postpartum depression

  • parents dealing with sleep deprivation, stress, and burnout

  • individuals adjusting to new routines and responsibilities

  • parents experiencing difficulty bonding with their baby

  • parents struggling with relationship changes (partner or family dynamics)

  • parents who find themselves unaware of their own identity post parenthood.

We recognise the diverse experiences of parenthood and offer a compassionate, non-judgmental space for you to address your mental health and wellbeing.

Our Approach to Perinatal Mental Health

At Early Years Occupational Therapy, we understand the complex intersection between mental health and parenting. Our therapists take a holistic, personalised approach, considering all aspects of your life — physical, emotional, social, and environmental.

We also provide a collaborative approach, working alongside other healthcare providers such as GPs, psychologists, midwives, and paediatricians to ensure a comprehensive and integrated care plan.

This approach ensures that all your needs are met, whether through therapy, referrals, or additional support networks.

Flexible Service Delivery

We offer a variety of service delivery options to make support as accessible and convenient as possible for you:

🧠 In-Clinic Sessions

  • comfortable and welcoming space designed for parents in the perinatal period.

🏡 Home Visits

  • therapy in your own environment for more personalised and practical support, such as creating home routines or managing baby care tasks.

🌐 Telehealth Services

  • for parents who prefer the convenience of attending therapy sessions from home or live outside of our catchment for clinic or home visits, via secure video consultation.

Financial Support & Funding

Our perinatal mental health services are eligible for funding via:

  • Medicare: If you have a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP (Better Access to Mental Health)

  • Private Health Insurance: Depending on your level of cover.

  • NDIS: For eligible participants (self-managed and plan-managed).

We can assist you with accessing the support you need to make therapy affordable and accessible.

Start Your Journey Towards Wellness

Becoming a parent is a time of incredible growth, but it can also be a period of emotional and mental strain.

At Early Years Occupational Therapy, we’re here to support you through this journey, helping you build practical skills to manage mental health challenges and improve your quality of life. You don’t have to go through this alone.