Help for mothers experiencing postnatal challenges

The Sunshine Parenting Program is a six week group for mothers who have infants aged up to 12 months, who are experiencing mild postnatal depression or anxiety symptoms.

The program is delivered by Peach Tree Perinatal Wellness in a safe environment and supported by perinatal peer workers. The program focuses on building resilience through understanding postnatal depression and anxiety, managing relationship changes, building parenting skills and confidence and exploring self-esteem and identity.

The program, designed by two Brisbane mums with first-hand experience of perinatal challenges, was first funded by Brisbane North PHN in 2017 to assess its value as a low-intensity intervention for perinatal mental health. The program has been delivered in Caboolture and Wavell Heights and independently evaluated by researchers from Queensland University of Technology, with the results due in mid 2019.

Early results look promising, with parents reporting increased feelings of connection, improved emotional wellness, and feeling less alone.

In 2019 the program will be hosted in both Geebung and Morayfield, with the next workshops starting in late April and early May. For further information on these dates visitthe website.