APS welcomes recommendations for perinatal mental health reform

Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Perinatal Services

The Australian Psychological Society (APS) commends the Victorian Government for its comprehensive inquiry into Victoria’s perinatal services and supports the recommendations in the Inquiry report, which was tabled in Parliament on 20 June.

In particular, the APS applauds recommendations for a Perinatal Mental Health Plan as an adjunct to the ten-year Mental Health Plan as a matter of priority.

The Victorian Parliamentary Inquiry into Perinatal Services examined availability of perinatal services, capability to deal with high-risk and premature births, access to a qualified workforce, care in rural and regional Victoria, and loss of funding for the National Perinatal Depression Initiative.

APS Manager of Public Interest, Heather Gridley says there is high demand but currently minimal access to psychological services within public perinatal and maternity services across Victoria, particularly in rural and regional areas, leaving families without critical support.  

Ms Gridley says, “Women are at increased risk of mental health difficulties during the perinatal period. It is possibly the biggest transition a woman is likely to make in her lifetime and it follows that during this period she is vulnerable to developing mental health problems.” 

The APS submission to the Inquiry identified the importance of recognising the perinatal period as one where women are often vulnerable and thus high quality, multidisciplinary perinatal services are essential.

Almost one third of women experience postnatal depression and over 14 per cent experience birth-related PTSD.  Fifty percent of postpartum major depressive episodes begin prior to delivery.  Rates of domestic violence also increase in this period.

In the 12 months following delivery, the leading cause of maternal mortality is suicide.

Ms Gridley says, “Motherhood is so idealised in our society that it leaves little room for women to admit to needing help or that they’re struggling with the adjustment. Unrealistic expectations also routinely set mothers up for self-blame and feelings of failure.”

The APS says it is important that the work of the Inquiry is followed by a firm commitment to fund the recommendations.  

In particular the APS supports these Inquiry recommendations: 

• Recognise the social context of the perinatal period, in which social and economic factors such as housing, safety and poverty are addressed as part of care.
• Create a Perinatal Mental Health Plan, as an adjunct to the 10 year Mental Health Plan, as a matter of priority.
• Increase the perinatal mental health workforce in the public health system, including maternity hospitals, mother baby units, and early parenting centres. 
• Support clinical placements for psychologists and psychology students in perinatal mental health. 
• Address the need for universal screening for family violence.
• Increase workforce capacity and service reach to rural women.

The APS also urges the government to work with Aboriginal organisations and communities to better support new mothers and their babies in culturally appropriate ways.

Links

APS submission to the Inquiry, including a summary list of recommendations

Parliament of Victoria Inquiry into Perinatal Services Final Report

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Notes to editors:

Perinatal psychologists currently working in Victorian perinatal mental health services are available for interview.