Westmead Hospital proudly hosted its first-ever Perinatal Mental Health Week, marking an important milestone in supporting women, families, and staff during the perinatal period.
Westmead Hospital plays a crucial role in providing care for approximately 5,000 pregnant women annually, emphasizing its significant contribution to maternal health.
Kavya Balu Clinical Midwifery Unit Manager was one of the organisers of the inaugural event.
“Perinatal Mental Health Week raised awareness among both the community and clinicians that mental health is just as important as physical health during pregnancy and after birth,” Kavya said.
“It highlights the growing impact of perinatal mental health conditions, the need for early recognition, and the shared responsibility to ensure women receive timely, appropriate support and care,” Kavya said.
The week-long celebration was initiated by the Department of Women’s and Newborn, by the Project SIRIUS team.
The SIRIUS team worked in collaboration with a strong multidisciplinary network that included doctors, social workers, perinatal mental health services, academics, researchers, and several community organisations.
Their collective effort aimed to shine a light on perinatal mental health and the importance of early support and intervention.
“Although childbirth and pregnancy are perceived by many women as an empowering journey, involving a range of emotions, it can be complex and complicated to others with some major psychophysiological changes that may lead many women to experience perinatal mental illness,” Kavya said.
Throughout the week, activities and educational opportunities were offered including a young mums panel, where the Young Wellbeing Project team facilitated discussions, and women courageously shared their lived experiences.
The vision of Perinatal Mental Health Week is to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations.
“A common misconception about perinatal mental health is that it only means postpartum depression and only affects mothers. It includes different mental health conditions such as anxiety and depression that can happen during pregnancy or after birth, and it can affect both parents,” Kavya said.
The message of seeking help, talking about mental health openly, and supporting one another resonated strongly across the hospital community.
Lisa Schneider Clinical Midwifery Specialist said it was powerful to be involved in this project.
“Being involved in Perinatal Mental Health Week and Project SIRIUS has been incredibly meaningful. It’s about shining a light on something that affects so many families, often quietly, and making sure parents feel seen, supported, and safe to ask for help,” Lisa said.
“As a clinician, it’s powerful to be part of a project that turns awareness into real, practical support for women and families during such a vulnerable time,” Lisa said.
The week was warmly received and well supported by both staff and the broader community.
“Perinatal mental health problems are common and not a sign of weakness, and getting support is important for both the parent and the baby,” Kavya said.
The team looks forward to continuing this initiative annually, building on the momentum and ensuring ongoing advocacy, education, and support for perinatal mental health for years to come.
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