Coping with Baby: Overview : SBS Insight

Overview

Why does having a baby push some couples to the brink?

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The risk of depression and anxiety are heightened for women after birth – and can have devastating results.

Web extra: PND information and support

But what is less known is that about one in ten men also suffer from mental illness directly after the birth. Hormones don’t play as much of a part in peri natal depression (PND) as previously thought.

Men can feel overwhelmed by new fatherhood – a world that is completely unfamiliar. They are often unprepared for the demands of supporting their partners, being the sole economic provider, combined with sleeplessness and coping with a new born.

There aren’t any services for new fathers, should there be?

The federal government is injecting $85 million into screening and treatments for depression in pregnant women and new mothers. But will it fix the problem? And are women who suffer severe PND helped by this injection?

Are we doing enough to support men and women in the first year after a baby is born? What affect does depression have on the newborn?

Meet the Guests

Cathie Knox and Vijay Roach

Cathie suffered from severe post natal depression with her first two children which led to her being hospitalised. At the time, her obstetrician husband Vijay didn't realise what was happening and he became very frustrated with her. The couple speak openly about their experiences of coping with PND. Cathie and Vijay are the Chairman and CEO of the the Gidget Foundation, which promotes awareness of Perinatal Anxiety and Depression.

Robert Almond and Brooke Bullock

Robert and Brooke have a 1 year-old son named Noah who is their first child. Noah was born prematurely and since his birth Brooke has been battling post natal depression. Robert finds the strain of working and looking after his wife and child is taking its toll on him.

Professor Marie-Paule Austin

Professor Marie-Paule Austin is a perinatal mental health psychiatrist. She is the Chair of Perinatal and Women’s Health, as a part of a partnership between St John of God Hospital in Sydney and The University of New South Wales. She was also lead researcher for Beyond Blue’s 2007 Perinatal National Action Plan.

Dr Nicole Highet

Dr Nicole Highet is the deputy CEO of beyondblue, the national depression initiative. Nicole holds a doctorate in clinical psychology. She has a particular interest in post natal depression.