Political parties urged to prioritise delivery of a residential mother-baby mental health unit

CONTENT WARNING: This article mentions mental health difficulties and suicide.

All ACT political parties have been urged to commit to filling what has been described as a “crucial” gap in Canberra’s perinatal and mental health space.

The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre has highlighted the urgent need for a dedicated mother-baby mental health unit in the Territory to address growing demand.

The call came as the ACT Government began community consultation as part of a feasibility study for a new Birth Centre at the northside hospital development site.

The study’s findings will help inform what a freestanding, standalone or alongside midwife-led Birth Centre could look like.

Perinatal Wellbeing Centre CEO Dr Yvonne Luxford said creating more birthing options in the ACT was needed, but that support after birth also needed to be addressed.

“Birthing choices are very important, and so are appropriate options for ongoing maternal care, when required. A strong commitment from all parties to build the mother-baby unit is needed now,” she said.

“This year alone, we have provided mental health support during the perinatal period to over 500 local parents.

“What we have witnessed is that new mothers are unable to receive adequate support for mental health challenges once they arrive home from the hospital and in the year following giving birth.”

A 2019 PwC Consulting report found one in five mothers and one in ten fathers experience perinatal depression and anxiety. It estimated this was costing the Australian economy $877 million in the first year of a child’s life and $7.3 billion over their lifetime.

This is without counting the potential human costs, such as family breakdown, absenteeism, substance abuse, loss of employment and suicide.

The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre has been doing its best to meet the growing demand for support, increasing its counselling and support sessions by 34 per cent and 24 per cent, respectively.

Canberra parents needing inpatient residential mental health care currently have to travel to private hospitals in Sydney.

Siobhan Fischer is one Canberra mum who needed to access the service following the birth of her twins.

“After I was sent home from the hospital, I received no follow-up support from the hospital or allied health services. I felt overwhelmed putting my newborn twins to sleep while my husband cared for our toddler,” she said.

“Guilt and anxiety consumed me as I struggled to manage two screaming babies. I ended up in tears most nights for six months. A lack of support and education left me feeling exhausted.

“I struggled to balance the needs of my family, let alone my wellbeing. The pressure and exhaustion were immense, making me feel alone during a challenging journey.”

Siobhan said a mother-baby residential unit could provide the emotional and physical support some parents needed, along with practical assistance and much-needed advice.

“My babies were my world, and although they were well and always cared for, I was fighting an internal battle, finding it hard to leave the house,” she said.

“A residential unit that provided access to crisis support, mental health resources, counselling and educational materials would empower women and families to confidentially navigate parenting challenges, promoting a healthier, more balanced environment for mothers and children.”

Initial screenings for postpartum depression and anxiety are conducted in the ACT, but Dr Luxford said there was a gap when it came to consistent follow-up and treatment plans for those identified as at-risk.

“The establishment of a Residential Mother-Baby Mental Health Unit in Canberra is crucial and now is the time for Canberra politicians to demonstrate their commitment to helping young families in the ACT,” she said.

The 2022-23 ACT Budget funded a scoping study for a perinatal mental health wellbeing facility, as recommended by the 2020 Inquiry into Maternity Services in the ACT.

An ACT Government spokesperson confirmed the scoping study and options analysis for a residential perinatal mental health service was completed in December 2023, but it was not available for viewing.

“The scoping study and options analysis involved significant stakeholder engagement across government and non-government organisations, the community service sector, consumers and people with lived experience,” they said.

“Leveraging the findings of the scoping study, the design and development of a model of care for the residential perinatal mental health service has commenced and a reference group has been established.”

The ACT Greens have already committed to establishing such a unit at the North Canberra Hospital should the party win the October election.

An ACT Labor spokesperson said the party would outline its election platform in the coming months.

The Canberra Liberals were also contacted for comment.

The Perinatal Wellbeing Centre is a free service located in Weston and can be contacted via 6288 1936.

For support, you can also call Lifeline on 13 14 11 or Parentline ACT on 6287 3833.