Perinatal Mental Health Consultations with Amy
I enjoy supporting women’s experiences of perinatal mental health.
I support depression, anxiety, stress, trauma and overwhelm that commonly occur while trying to conceive, in pregnancy, approaching birth, early postpartum and the significant years that follow.
I want to share a glimpse of what that looks like. About my approach to perinatal mental health as an Acupuncturist, Chinese Medicine and Motherhood Studies Practitioner. About the research supporting what I do.
Firstly, I actively encourage early help seeking
We know mental health concerns in pregnancy are underreported.
We know depression in pregnancy is the greatest risk factor for depression in postpartum.
We know shame and stigma have no place here. You deserve support.
Don’t minimise the way you feel, and don’t let others to minimise your experience either.
I encourage you to open up the conversations early and to reach for the support you deserve.
Painting a picture of what that looks like in clinic:
I prioritise the development of trust, active listening and empowerment. Safe, comfy communication improves outcomes. I aim to bring a kind and warm, honest and open, curious nature to our consultations.
This looks like:
Compassionate, active listening - allowing your truth to be shared. Your honest reflections welcomed and held.
Meeting any shame you feel about your experience with compassionate holding.
Not judging your feelings or your experience.
Not dismissing or minimise anything you feel or say.
I am comfortable sitting in the truth of your experience with you, and our long appointments allow time to build trust, feel supported, and explore what works for you.
We’ll discuss what lifestyle supports could scaffold your current situation.
We’ll develop your support team. I can refer you into incredible healthcare practitioners - I’m fortunate to work with compassionate, values aligned Perinatal GPs and Perinatal Psychologists at Juno Specialists. Multiple modalities allows the laying of a solid foundation of care and support. If it’s helpful, I can communicate with practitioners I refer you to prior to your consultation with them to ensure you feel supported in that introduction.
I will not:
Expect you to hide your distress or mask with gratitude about being pregnant / having a healthy baby or kiddo(s)
Minimise your lived experience of trauma, depression, stress, overwhelm or anxiety.
Invalidate the severity of the moment you’re standing in.
We’ll do Acupuncture
I’ve found this to be an incredible tool for perinatal mental health support. To regulate the nervous system and get women back in their bodies. To reduce stress and overwhelm and promote clear thinking. To make the days more do-able and create pockets of contentment and stillness.
There’s current pregnancy specific research to support what I’m seeing too.
A 2020 randomised control trial by Simone Ormsby et al here in Australia concluded that ‘individually tailored depression orientated acupuncture significantly reduced depression, stress and distress in pregnant women displaying disturbances to mood.’
In this study the needles were only retained for 10-15 mins, and even with this short retention treatment produced a statistically significant reduction in depression, stress and psychological distress scores.
The cohort receiving acupuncture had their depression scores reduce to below the cut off for probable depression and parenting distress.
If it’s of interest, you can find that study here: The feasibility of acupuncture as an adjunct intervention for antenatal depression: a pragmatic randomised controlled trial
A 2022 study concluded acupuncture lead to a significant improvement in perceived stress in pregnant women with each session performed. This study also demonstrated a significant improvement in perceived stress levels after three weeks of follow-up.
You can find that study here: Acupuncture for perceived stress in pregnant women: an intervention study
Outside of the perinatal period, research also shows:
But it’s also more than Acupuncture. We’ll consider:
The option of including herbal medicine.
What’s helped you in the past?
Who’s on your healthcare team? (GP, Perinatal Psychologist, Counsellor, PANDA and other helplines)
Who’s on your support team? (Friends, family, community)
How can support and care be pulled towards you?
More about My Approach to Maternal Burnout & Maternal Mental Health
It’s important to know that I am not:
A counsellor, psychologist or GP. I am an Acupuncturist, Chinese Herbalist and Motherhood Studies Practitioner.
I can and will refer you into the most appropriate care for multifaceted support that meets you in what you’re traversing.
And remember you’re worthy of accessing Helpline support. That’s what they exist for:
PANDA 1300 726 306
Gidget Foundation 1300 851 758
Centre For Perinatal Excellence
Lifeline (available 24hrs) 13 11 14
Emergency Response 000
I’m unable to provide support during a crisis. Please dial 000 or present to your nearest emergency department if you have concerns about your safety, the safety of your baby, or others.
More about My Approach to Maternal Burnout & Maternal Mental Health. Reach out with any questions you have about receiving perinatal mental health support.