Perinatal and Infant Psychology

04/08/2025

To all those who have been unable to have a child in arms to raise. I see you, you matter and you’re in my thoughts.
Warmest regards
Jen

You can read Anaily's story in full at: https://worldchildlessweek.net/sun-2024-2/at-iguazu-falls

06/07/2025

✨ COMMUNITY SCREENING ANNOUNCEMENT ✨
I’m beyond excited to be hosting a community screening of the documentary SEEN - a film that explores the stories we carry from childhood, how they shape our relationships, and what happens when we are truly seen and heard.

🎥 SEEN is tender, raw, and deeply healing.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, therapist, or simply someone who loves little people this film is for you.

🧠💛 One audience member shared:
"I came as a therapist and left feeling like both the practitioner and the parent in me had been deeply moved. It’s rare to find something that bridges both worlds so beautifully."

Other powerful reflections:
🧠💛 “I’ve never cried like that watching a film.”
🧠💛“Every dad, every mum needs to see this.”
🧠💛 “It reminded me how important it is to be present, not perfect.”

Let’s gather to reflect, connect, and create space for healing — together.

📍 18th July, Mozart Hall, Warrnambool.
BUY tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/seen-the-film-warrnambool-vic-hosted-by-perinatal-and-infant-psychology-tickets-1380170700719 #:~:text=Spark%20the%20healing%20journey%20to%20transform%20your%20family.,%E2%80%93%20spaces%20are%20limited%21%20Babes%20in%20arms%20welcome.

With warmth,
Jenni O’Meara
Perinatal & Infant Psychologist
admin@pipsychology.com.au | www.pipsychology.com.au

02/07/2025

So excited that these have just arrived in time for the film viewing on the 18th. They will be on sale for $20 and a few will be given away as a door prize….. if you haven’t got your tickets yet head on over to eventbrite and search for SEEN Warrnambool

28/06/2025

We have sold two thirds of the tickets for this event so please if you want to see it on the 18 July go to eventbrite and search SEEN Warrnambool and grab your ticket.
We have a few door prizes to draw and there will be tea, coffee, hot chocolate and biscuits.
So excited !!!

11/06/2025

Supporting Fathers During International Men’s Health Week (June 9–15, 2025)
By a Perinatal Psychologist

International Men’s Health Week is an annual reminder that men’s health physical, mental, and emotional matters.

Fathers, and fathers-to-be, your health is not only important for you but also for your baby, and your growing family.

Becoming a father is one of life’s most profound transitions. It can bring joy, pride, and meaning - and equally bring stress, anxiety, and feelings of overwhelm.
Despite this, men’s mental health during the perinatal period is often overlooked. As a perinatal psychologist, I see firsthand how common (and treatable) these challenges are.

Approximately 1 in 10 men experience perinatal depression and anxiety. Yet many suffer in silence due to stigma, lack of awareness, or the belief that “I just need to be strong.” The truth is: asking for help is strong.

Men’s Health Week is a great opportunity for dads and partners to engage in conversations, connect with community, and prioritise their health and wellbeing.

Here are a few ways to get involved:
🔹 Visit the Men’s Health Week Events page to find activities near you.
🔹 Explore the free 'Know Your Man Facts' toolkits, including one on Men’s Mental Health and the latest release on Men’s Health Checks—a valuable guide to what checks are important at every life stage.
🔹 Talk about how you’re feeling. You don’t need to carry the load alone.
🔹 Look after your physical health. Exercise, sleep, and nutrition directly impact your mental health. Even small daily changes matter.

You are a vital part of your family’s wellbeing. Taking time to care for your own health is not selfish - it’s essential.

This Men’s Health Week, let’s celebrate the role of dads and father figure in all the forms they take, challenge outdated ideas about masculinity, and ensure that support for men’s mental health includes every stage of fatherhood.

09/06/2025

🧠👶 Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2025
📅 9–15 June
Theme: "Who is holding the baby?"
This week, we’re asking an important question: Who is holding the baby?
It’s not just about physical care — it’s about emotional presence, connection, and support. Babies thrive in the arms of caregivers who are supported themselves. When we care for the people who care for babies, we’re also nurturing their mental health and development. 💚
Too often, the wellbeing of the parent is overlooked. But to truly support infant mental health, we must also ask:
🔹 Who is holding the baby?
🔹 And who is holding you?
This Infant Mental Health Awareness Week, let’s raise awareness about the importance of strong, supported relationships — from parent to baby, and community to parent.
Because when we support parents, we support babies. 💞

www.pipsychology.com.au

31/05/2025

You can love your baby/child and miss your old life. Both can be true.

Perinatal mental health is full of contradictions.

You might feel deep gratitude and overwhelming exhaustion.
You may feel joy and grief.
You may feel bonded to your baby, while also feeling like you’ve lost parts of yourself.

These experiences don’t cancel each other out. They coexist.
And naming that complexity can be a powerful first step toward healing.

You’re not broken for feeling conflicted. You’re human—and becoming a parent is one of the most profound transitions a person can go through.

If you’re navigating this space of “both/and,” you’re not alone. You deserve support that holds all parts of your experience with compassion.

NB. Images from

24/05/2025

S*x After Birth Trauma: A Journey of Healing and Reconnection

If intimacy feels different—or even painful—after a traumatic birth, you’re not alone.
A Canadian study found that 59% of new parents struggle with s*xual concerns that cause real stress. For those who’ve experienced birth trauma, these challenges can feel even more overwhelming.

But here’s the truth:
Healing is possible. Connection is possible. Intimacy can be found again.
It just might look a little different—and that’s okay.

Here’s how you and your partner can start to reconnect:
• Process your birth experience together: Sharing and understanding each other’s feelings can ease emotional wounds.
• Prioritize emotional and mental wellbeing: Tiny moments of closeness matter more than perfection.
• Adapt and redefine your s*x life: Start slow, communicate openly, and seek help if needed.
• Focus on emotional intimacy: Build emotional safety first—your body and heart both need time and tenderness.

Your relationship deserves care, too.
You deserve to feel safe, connected, and supported

You’re not broken. You’re becoming.

Call Jen at Perinatal and infant Psychology of you would like support with this 0455 492 034

*xAfterBirth

20/05/2025

👶✨ Your baby’s brain isn’t the only one growing—yours is responding too!
From the moment they’re born, babies send signals 👁️👂👄 Science shows these early interactions actually shape long-term development. 🧠💞

🔬 Research has found:
💡 The adult brain reacts to infant cries in under 100 milliseconds
👁️ Special brain regions light up just for baby cues—like faces + voices
🎶 Sensitivity to baby distress can improve with training and practice
🧠 In depression, this response can be disrupted—but targeted support can help

This tells us something powerful:
👉 Parents and babies are wired to connect
👉 And with the right tools, we can strengthen that bond—even more 💪

I also want to acknowledge here that not everyone's first experiences with their baby are smooth, instinctive or enjoyable.

Whatever your unique experience is, it is just that, YOURS and not anyone else's..... If you feel extra support is needed, or you feel worried about these early days feeling different to what you expected, you are not alone.

Perinatal and Infant Psychology can support you and your family through this early stage. Before, during, and after pregnancy.

Let’s support early caregiving—because those first signals matter. 🌱

What to read more check it out here - https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2022-ichgc.6