Pregnancy & the first year
Perinatal mental health
Pregnancy and the first year with a baby bring big changes. Depression and anxiety at this time are common and treatable. A parent's mental health also shapes a baby's early development, so treatment supports you both.
Conditions in pregnancy and the first year
Mental health conditions around pregnancy range from common and mild to rare and urgent. They can begin in pregnancy or at any time in the first year after birth. Dr Stanganelli also sees partners and fathers for assessment and to support the family's care.
Baby blues
Tearfulness, mood swings and feeling overwhelmed in the first week or so after birth. It is very common, it is not a disorder, and it usually passes within two weeks. If it lasts longer or gets worse, talk to your GP or midwife.
Antenatal and postnatal depression
Depression during pregnancy (antenatal) or in the year after birth (postnatal): lasting low mood, loss of interest, guilt, and feeling unable to cope or to enjoy your baby. It is common, and it is not a sign of being a bad parent.
Perinatal anxiety
Constant worry, often about the baby's health or safety, panic attacks, or being unable to rest even when the baby sleeps. It is about as common as perinatal depression, and the two often occur together.
Perinatal OCD
Unwanted, distressing thoughts or images of harm coming to the baby, often with checking, cleaning, or avoiding being alone with the baby. These thoughts frighten the parent who has them, and they do not mean the parent wants to act on them.
Birth trauma
Distress after a birth that felt frightening or out of control, such as an emergency delivery. Some parents develop post-traumatic stress, with flashbacks, nightmares, avoiding reminders, or fear of another birth.
Postpartum psychosis
A rare but serious illness, usually starting suddenly in the first weeks after birth: confusion, unusual beliefs, seeing or hearing things, or not making sense. It is more likely with a personal or family history of bipolar disorder. It is an emergency: call 000 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Signs to look for
- Low mood or tearfulness that lasts
- Constant worry or panic
- Intrusive, frightening thoughts about the baby
- Trouble feeling close to your baby
- Not sleeping even when the baby sleeps
- Feeling overwhelmed or unable to cope
Assessment
You are welcome to bring your baby and partner. We talk about your pregnancy, birth, mental health history and how things are at home. If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, medication decisions take that into account.
Treatment
Dr Stanganelli assesses, diagnoses, prescribes where it helps, and coordinates your care with your GP and psychologist.
- The mother–baby attachment program
- Medication suitable for pregnancy and breastfeeding, where needed
- Including your partner in care
- Working with your GP, obstetrician and child health nurse
Getting started
Ask your GP or paediatrician for a referral to Dr Stanganelli, then email it to appointments@stanganelli.com.au. Or post it to PO Box 5571, Mackay QLD 4740. All referrals are reviewed and assessed by Dr Stanganelli to determine suitability for the practice. Submission of a referral does not guarantee acceptance or an appointment. If your referral is accepted, we'll contact you with a time in Mackay, Brisbane or by telehealth, usually in under 4 weeks. If we can't accept a referral, we'll let the referring doctor or the patient know.