Supporting families in crisis during Perinatal Mental Health Week

Belmont Private Hospital, Queensland’s leading provider of private mental health care, is making a powerful statement for Perinatal Mental Health week (17-23 November) which raises awareness for mental health of parents and families during pregnancy and the first year of parenthood.

With the help of patients and staff, the hospital is rallying to raise awareness of perinatal mental health by donating essential items to Baby Give Back, an organisation dedicated to helping families in need. This initiative not only raises awareness but also provides mothers in need across Brisbane and the Gold Coast with critical resources during early parenthood. The drive coincides with Belmont Private’s recent $170 million expansion to enhance dedicated women’s, perinatal, and young adult mental health units, addressing the growing community demand for specialised mental health care.

Belmont Private is home to the Brisbane Centre for Postnatal Disorders (BCPND), which has been supporting mothers and families for over 50 years. Mary Williams, Chief Executive Officer at Belmont Private, expressed pride in the hospital and community’s role in raising awareness of perinatal mental health.

“Through this donation drive, we’re not only supporting families facing challenging times but also highlighting the critical need for accessible mental health care for mothers during the perinatal period,” said Ms Williams.

“Our newly expanded unit provides a safe and nurturing environment where mothers and fathers can access specialised mental health support tailored to their needs, while remaining connected to their babies and each other.”

Ms Williams further emphasised Belmont’s inclusivity: “It’s not just about mums; fathers are involved in this program too, as well as same-sex couples. Perinatal mental health doesn’t discriminate.”

The BCPND at Belmont Private, is the only private perinatal unit of its kind in Queensland and provides individualised care to mothers, parents, and their infants, helping them navigate early parenthood with confidence and support. Over the years, the unit has seen a significant increase in admissions, reflecting the growing need for such specialised services and a dedicated unit.

Dr Enno Taemets Psychiatrist and Director of the BCPND, highlighted the importance of Belmont Private’s approach to perinatal mental health.

“Our unit is designed to address the distinct needs of both parents, providing comprehensive mental health support that enables them to build resilience and confidence,” Dr Taemets explained.

“By offering therapies and programs that are tailored to each patient’s experience, we aim to help them find stability and balance using therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT), creating a strong foundation for both themselves and their families that they can use once they are home.”

For Sarah, a recent participant in BCPND’s  6-week program followed by weekly day sessions, the experience has been transformative.

“I feel like I missed enjoying the first few months with my baby because I was unwell, but the BCPND has helped me come out of a dark place and start to enjoy my baby, who is about to start walking any day now,” Sarah shared.

“Before coming here, I felt guilty about how I was feeling, but talking to other mums going through the same experience made me realise I wasn’t alone, which enabled me to let go of that guilt and heal,” she added.

“I’ve come away with strategies to manage my mental health that will benefit both me and my family. The support I received has helped me feel more confident as a mother.”

“What’s special about Belmont is that once I was discharged home, the care and support didn’t stop.”

“I was entered into their weekly follow up group program. Every Wednesday, I return for group therapy sessions, giving me continued support and connection to other mothers.”

“My advice to other mothers is that if you’re struggling, you’re not alone. Speak to your GP about the options available, get some help, and recover sooner so that you can enjoy the baby milestones.”

Belmont Private Hospital’s partnership with Baby Give Back during PANDA Week reflects its dedication to supporting families throughout Queensland and beyond. By teaming up with Baby Give Back, Belmont Private is reaching out to make a lasting impact, raising awareness of the importance of specialised perinatal mental health care and providing essential resources to those in need.