Perinatal psychology in Melbourne
Compassionate mental health support through pregnancy, birth and early parenthood
The perinatal period – from pregnancy through to the first years of parenting – can be one of the most rewarding and challenging times in a person's life. Alongside the joy and excitement can come anxiety, overwhelm, grief, identity changes, relationship challenges and unexpected emotional difficulties.
At Hatched House, our perinatal psychologists provide evidence-based support for women and families navigating pregnancy, postpartum recovery, birth trauma and the transition to parenthood. We offer a safe, supportive space where you can feel heard, understood and empowered.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety during pregnancy, recovering from a difficult birth experience, adjusting to life with a new baby, or simply feeling unlike yourself, our team is here to help.
What is perinatal psychology?
Hint… pregnancy & postnatal psychology
Perinatal psychology focuses on mental health and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and the postnatal period.
A perinatal psychologist has additional understanding of the unique challenges that can arise during this stage of life, including changes in identity, relationships, physical recovery, fertility journeys, pregnancy complications, birth experiences and the adjustment to parenthood.
Support can be beneficial whether you have a diagnosed mental health condition or are simply finding this stage of life more difficult than expected.
How can a perinatal psychologist help?
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It’s normal to experience a range of emotions during pregnancy, but if you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or down for an extended period, it might be more than just the typical pregnancy stress. Perinatal anxiety and depression can affect women at any stage of pregnancy. Our perinatal psychologist is here to provide support, offering a safe, understanding space to talk through your feelings and work on strategies to manage anxiety and improve your wellbeing.
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The arrival of your baby is a big life change, and many women experience feelings of sadness, worry, or exhaustion after birth. Postnatal anxiety and depression can make it difficult to adjust to motherhood and connect with your baby. If these feelings persist, you don’t have to face them alone. Our perinatal psychologist offers compassionate care to help you navigate these challenges, providing guidance and practical tools to support your mental health and help you feel more like yourself again.
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If your birth experience didn’t go as planned, it’s natural to feel emotional or even overwhelmed. Whether you’re processing feelings of grief, fear, or loss of control, our psychologist offers compassionate care to help you heal and move forward with confidence.
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Experiencing loss during the perinatal period, whether through miscarriage, stillbirth, or other challenges, can be deeply painful and isolating. Our perinatal psychologist provides a compassionate space to process your grief, honour your emotions, and begin to heal at your own pace.
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Becoming a mother is a big adjustment, and it’s okay to find it challenging. From balancing your new identity to managing expectations and the pressures of parenting, we’re here to help you navigate this life-changing journey with confidence and support.
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Bonding with your baby doesn’t always come naturally, and that’s okay. Whether you’re navigating feelings of detachment, challenges with feeding, or adjusting to your new role, we’re here to help you strengthen your connection and build a nurturing, loving relationship with your little one.
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Strategies to adjust with this change in lifestyle.
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This is common and your psychologist can work with you (individuals only, not couples therapy).
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So many complex emotions to work through with your psychologist.
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Are you experiencing infertility or trying to conceive (TTC)? We know this is an emotionally challenging and time. A psychologist is a great addition to your care team.
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Fear of childbirth is a real thing, and our clinical psychologists can help you work through this.
Birth trauma & Psychology
Birth trauma Support
A difficult birth experience can affect emotional wellbeing long after the physical recovery period has ended. Some women experience distressing memories, heightened anxiety, feelings of grief or loss, difficulty processing what happened during labour and birth, or fear about future pregnancies.
Birth trauma is not defined by the type of birth you had. What feels traumatic to one person may not feel traumatic to another. If your birth experience left you feeling frightened, overwhelmed, powerless or deeply distressed, support can help.
Our perinatal psychologists provide compassionate, evidence-based support to help women process their birth experience, understand their emotional responses and move forward with confidence and self-compassion
Signs you may benefit from seeing a perinatal psychologist
You don't need to wait until you're in crisis to seek support.
Some signs that additional support may be helpful include:
Feeling persistently anxious, worried or overwhelmed
Difficulty sleeping due to racing thoughts
Feeling low, tearful or emotionally flat
Increased irritability or anger
Intrusive or distressing thoughts
Difficulty coping with day-to-day responsibilities
Feeling disconnected from your baby, partner or support network
Ongoing distress related to pregnancy, birth or parenting
Seeking support early can help prevent symptoms from becoming more difficult to manage.
Perinatal psychology services in Hawthorn, Melbourne
Hatched House offers a range of services to support you throughout the perinatal stages, including initial consultations and ongoing therapy sessions.
Each initial consultation begins with a comprehensive assessment, allowing your psychologist to understand your unique needs and build a personalised plan. Our therapeutic relationship with each client is grounded in empathy, support, and respect, ensuring you feel understood and valued.
We provide:
In-clinic appointments at our beautiful clinic in Hawthorn
Telehealth appointments across wider Melbourne and Australia
Individual therapy sessions
Evidence-based treatment approaches
Medicare rebates for eligible clients with a Mental Health Treatment Plan
Our therapeutic approach is grounded in empathy, compassion and evidence-based care.
Frequently asked questions
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No, we provide care for all women, regardless of whether they are in the perinatal period. While we specialise in perinatal mental health, we also support women through a wide range of challenges, including anxiety, depression, stress management, relationship concerns, and life transitions. Whatever stage of life you’re in, we’re here to help.
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Perinatal psychology focuses on supporting mental health during the perinatal period, which includes pregnancy, childbirth, and the early stages of parenting. It addresses issues like anxiety, depression, and stress, helping individuals navigate the emotional challenges of this transformative time.
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If you’re feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling to cope with the changes that come with pregnancy or parenting, a perinatal psychologist can help. They provide support for a range of concerns, from mood changes and relationship challenges to managing the pressures of early parenthood.
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A perinatal psychologist can help with a variety of concerns, including perinatal anxiety and depression, birth trauma, adjusting to parenthood, managing stress, and even relationship dynamics as your family grows.
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Yes, perinatal psychologists are trained to support individuals who have experienced birth trauma. They can help you process your emotions, work through feelings of guilt or fear, and rebuild confidence for the future.
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Our clinic is based in Hawthorn. Our beautiful women’s health clinic has comfortbale lounge chairs for the psychology consults.
If you prefer telehealth, or a phone call, this is also always an option as well.
