Ramsay Newsroom

As part of Gidget Foundation Australia’s commitment to expanding their services across the country, this marks the nineteenth service in the state, offering face-to-face and telehealth counselling to support new parents struggling with early parenthood.

New data from Gidget Foundation Australia reveals one in two (51%) Sydney parents are lacking both emotional and practical support from their family and friends, while one in three (28%) felt a loss of identity in most aspects of their life after having a baby.

NSW Minister for Mental Health, The Hon Rose Jackson MLC opened Gidget House at Kareena Private Hospital on Wednesday 9th August, welcoming the service for expectant and new parents to the area.

“Providing mental health support in the community is a top priority for the NSW Government. Becoming a parent can be difficult for numerous reasons, and we must ensure those experiencing perinatal depression and anxiety have access to a quality healthcare options like Gidget Foundation Australia,” Ms Jackson said.

This new service launches as one third (32%) of Sydney parents admit to prioritising their needs last after having a baby and more than a quarter (28%) wish they had more support from their local community.

Gidget Foundation Australia CEO, Arabella Gibson, said “Parenthood can bring both joy and unexpected challenges for expectant and new parents.

“At Gidget Foundation Australia, we value active and open conversations about perinatal mental health. We hope that the more we talk about it, the more parents feel comfortable enough to reach out for help and support if they are struggling to adjust to parenting.

“With one in five new mums and one in ten new dads experiencing perinatal anxiety and depression, we know that getting help can be a lifesaver. We are thrilled to be able to support local families to feel supported through this experience.

CEO of Kareena Private Hospital, Stephen Wigmore, said “We are incredibly excited to be partnering with Gidget Foundation Australia to provide much-needed support to families in the Sutherland Shire. Gidget House Kareena Private will offer vital care to local families when they need it most.”

Gidget Foundation Australia and Kareena Private Hospital acknowledge the obstacles faced by expectant and new parents in Sydney and are dedicated in ensuring they have access to services and support that will assist them with perinatal mental health concerns.