Our approach
‘Perinatal’ refers to the period of time in which a person may be contemplating having a baby, conception, pregnancy, birth, and beyond. It is a unique time of life and as such we believe needs a sensitive and specialist approach. While perinatal / maternal mental health services often end for those who have a baby over a year old we believe that specialised support beyond this point is incredibly important and so we also work with parents who have children throughout the toddler, pre-school, and early school years.
We will work with you in the process of building resilience, joyfulness, and compassion in your perinatal and/or parenting journey, as well as addressing specific challenges that may arise including Mental Health difficulties (e.g., antenatal and postnatal depression, anxiety, OCD), intrusive thoughts, grief/loss, birth trauma, infertility, IVF / fertility treatment, and struggles with attachment. We know that this can be a challenging and sometimes isolating time and it is important to have a validating and supportive space in which to be able to talk through what is happening for you. In addition to our work with parents and babies/young children we also have specialty in working with those experiencing pregnancy loss, termination, and difficulties with conception - we recognise that not all perinatal struggles are limited to those who have had a baby and that the need for specialised care doesn’t end after a loss.
We are a warm, welcoming, and inclusive service that recognises that parents (and potential parents) are diverse in terms of their family/whanau make-up, gender identity, sexual orientation, pathways to parenthood etc. We welcome all parents to work with us and are Takatāpui / LBGTQIA+ and neurodivergent friendly. We are dedicated to providing respectful and affirming care to everyone.