Emotional Wellbeing Program

At Westmead Private Hospital your maternal wellbeing is extremely important and integral to the maternity services they offer.

Depression and anxiety during pregnancy and the first year of parenting (the perinatal period) affects 20% of mothers and 10% of fathers; almost 100,000 parents in Australia each year. Previously known as Postnatal Depression, it is now referred to it as Perinatal Depression and Anxiety (PNDA) as it is recognised that symptoms of depression and anxiety often occur together and start during pregnancy, rather than just postnatally. Research also shows that if anxiety is treated during pregnancy, the risk of developing depression postnatally is lower.

The Australian National Perinatal Mental Health Guidelines (2011,2017) recommend all pregnant women have a routine mental health check-up and discuss their emotional health. Westmead Private are therefore very proud to be working with, and supported by, Gidget Foundation Australia. Gidget Foundation Australia runs a number of programs to support the emotional well-being of expectant and new parents.

What is the Gidget Emotional Wellbeing Screening Program at Westmead Private?

The Emotional Wellbeing Program provides a one-on-one appointment with a specially Gidget trained midwife for all expectant mothers booked in to have their baby. While most antenatal care is focused on the physical wellbeing of mother and baby, this appointment is an important opportunity to discuss emotional wellbeing.

At approximately 28 weeks of pregnancy, all pregnant women booked for the birth of their baby at Westmead Private Hospital will be invited to make an appointment to meet with a specifically trained Gidget midwife to complete a psychosocial assessment in a confidential one-on-one appointment.

At the appointment, the midwife will ask you some questions that will help them to professionally assess your emotional health – the conversation can be wide-ranging and is an opportunity for you to talk about how you are feeling.

Resources, support, and further help options are offered should you need them – support can include practical help as well as psychological/emotional support.

Westmead Private midwives work in collaboration with your Obstetrician and a summary of your midwife appointment will be shared with you Obstetrician.