Perinatal Mental Health

The time during pregnancy and in the first year after birth is a uniquely challenging one, mentally, physically and emotionally.

New parents are at special risk of mental health concerns, which is why at Ramsay Clinic Mitcham we offer specialised care for people experiencing these challenges, through our Perinatal Mental Health Unit.

Perinatal and postpartum mental health conditions are mental health challenges related to pregnancy, birth and early parenthood. These can be new conditions or existing issues that have been made more serious by the new parenthood experience.

Conditions can include, but are not limited to:

  • Depression
  • Mood and Anxiety Disorders
  • Stress and Grief
  • Bipolar Disorders
  • Schizophrenia
  • Post Traumatic Stress Disorders
  • Borderline Personality Disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Our Perinatal Mental Health Unit is available for postnatal stays, with your baby (aged up to 12 months) and for expectant mothers. The average stay is 2-3 weeks but this will depend on each individual case.

Accommodation and services

Our unit has six private rooms, each with ensuite. During your stay you will receive individualised care based on your individual needs and the needs of your baby.

Support for loved ones

Support people need support, too. Significant others are provided care via the unit as well, including a weekly partners’ support group.

Going home

Discharge Planning commences on admission and is an important part of care. This includes a plan for follow up care and building a support network.

How do we treat Perinatal Mental Health at Ramsay Clinic Mitcham?

Day

Managing Mood Disorders

The Managing Mood Disorders is a full day program focussing on Understanding and Managing Anxiety & Depression during the Perinatal Period.

Participants must be under the care of a Psychiatrist accredited to the Hospital, and mothers are welcome to bring their babies.

While it is recommended you have Private Health Insurance to attend this program, we do accept self-funded patients.

Morning tea & lunch provided.

Circle of Security

Our circle of security program is a half day program that runs over an eight week period. This internationally recognised program is a relationship-based early intervention program designed to enhance attachment security between parents and children.

The program is facilitated by fully qualified, caring professionals.

Due to the nature of the program babies are discouraged to attend (special consideration will be made if baby is under the age of 4 months).

Participants must be under the care of a Psychiatrist accredited at Ramsay Clinic Mitcham.

While it is recommended you have Private Health Insurance to attend this program, we do accept self-funded patients.

Morning tea is provided.

Outreach Day Programs

Our Perinatal outreach services is where an experienced Perinatal clinical visits a patient in the home to provide individualised care and treatment.

Our Outreach service caters for individuals who are transitioning from an inpatient admission (hospital stay) to home or individuals seeking treatment in the community in order to try and avoid an inpatient admission.

Participants must be under the care of a Psychiatrist accredited at Ramsay Clinic Mitcham.

While it is recommended you have Private Health Insurance to attend this program, we do accept self-funded patients. Please contact the hospital for admission criteria.

Travel distance criteria apply.

Please contact our perinatal mental health unit by completing the enquiry form below. Alternatively you can call 03 9210 3383 or reach us by fax on 03 9210 3166.

Perinatal Mental Health - Mitcham Private Hospital


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