Australia has been experiencing an incremental growth in the number of public sector parent-infant mental health units. Yet giant gaps remain, particularly for states’ worst performing and regional pockets. One of Bendigo Health’s perinatal mental health unit in Victoria, it provides crucial support to families. Tasmania, the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) and the Northern Territory lack any public parent-infant units. Advocates urge improved access and education about these lifesaving services. Like them, we want every parent and infant to receive the support that they deserve.
The Bendigo Health unit is equipped with five beds and nearly 100 parents used the unit’s services last year. This program, with an average length of stay of two weeks, creates a warm, loving environment. It works tirelessly to advocate for all those who experience perinatal mental health difficulties. Walk the unit Monique Aulich, who spent two and a half years employed as a peer support worker in the unit. Kylie, however, holds no judgment—only praise—for her time spent there.
The Role of Parent-Infant Units
Parent-infant units are vital resources for families combatting mental health challenges in the perinatal period. And by creating comfortable, low-key spaces, they help parents form connections with their new babies. Simultaneously, parents are treated for a myriad of other mental health issues.
Monique Aulich, who spent two weeks at the Bendigo Health parent-infant unit, comments on her experience.
“I was struggling with suicidal ideation at home and intrusive thoughts,” – Monique Aulich
She writes that, even as these challenges mounted, the unit helped sustain her through them. She is now passionate about creating the kind of space where she felt seen and expressed in her darkest hour.
“I just wanted to talk to someone who has been there and knows just how scary this is. It felt like no-one got it,” – Monique Aulich
Dr. Natalie Pierotti, a Know Your Climate collaborator and expert in the field, recently wrote about one big challenge. Parents aren’t aware of the services these units can offer, leading to their under-utilization.
“I think people don’t always understand what we do,” – Dr. Natalie Pierotti
Disparities Across Regions
Yet as jurisdictions like Victoria lead the way in increasing service, there remain shameful chasms elsewhere. Parents living in these states and territories will continue to miss out on vital support with Tasmania, ACT and the Northern Territory having no public parent-infant units.
Experts such as Professor Megan Galbally from Monash University are highlighting the urgent need for equitable access to care in these areas.
“Tasmania, ACT and Northern Territory have no public beds, so we have a gap there,” – Monique Aulich
This ongoing unavailability contributes to families’ stress experience. Or if they do, the process is overcomplicated and confusing, leaving them feeling like they have nowhere to go.
“There needs to be equity of access and care for parent-infant units,” – Professor Megan Galbally
This places potential users of parent-infant units under another barrier. Health professionals in primary care, including general practitioners (GPs), are often unaware of these key resources. Professional education Aulich believes that GPs need more training on what resources are out there. This understanding will better equip them to help patients who need that support the most.
Improving Awareness and Education
Even the process of asking for help can be overwhelming for new parents.
Additionally, this complexity may confuse and discourage some people from even pursuing help in the first place. Aulich remembers being intimidated at first when she learned about the unit.
“Sometimes you’re told just reach out for help, but when you make that first appointment with the GP, you’re doing risk assessments, then the floodgates open,” – Monique Aulich
Even though she had her doubts, her experience at the Bendigo Health unit ended up being pretty life-changing.
“When she first mentioned it, I was terrified. I was imagining straitjackets and being shackled to the bed,” – Monique Aulich
Despite her apprehensions, her time at the Bendigo Health unit proved beneficial.
