The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI)

A Year of New Beginnings and Emotional Journeys: PIRI's 2024 Reflections and Milestones! As 2024 closes, PIRI reflects on a year of meaningful connections, growth, and challenges. From expanding our digital mental health programs to achieving national accreditation, we've continued to support families navigating the perinatal period with hope and resilience. We celebrate the work of our team, partners, and supporters in raising awareness and providing essential mental health care. Looking ahead, we are more committed than ever to improving perinatal mental health services for families across Australia. Thank you for joining us in making a lasting impact on the mental well-being of parents and infants. Wishing you a safe and joyful Festive Season! View our December newsletter here: https://lnkd.in/gczbrz4w Not on our mailing list? Join here: https://lnkd.in/ggygJ-QY #PIRI #PerinatalMentalHealth #MumMoodBooster #SupportingFamilies #MentalHealthCare #NewBeginnings

🎁 GIVE THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING 🎁 This holiday season, consider giving a gift that makes a lasting impact. By donating to the Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI), you’re supporting families in need, empowering parents, and helping create a healthier future for generations to come. 💙 Every year, 90,000 Australian parents face the challenges of perinatal mental illness. Your donation will help fund vital research and evidence-based programs that support these families during the most critical early years of life. No contribution is too small—every dollar counts. Your generosity helps reduce the long-term impacts of perinatal mental illness on women, men, children, and families. 🌟 Donate Today and Make a Difference: https://lnkd.in/gSYJVW3d Remember: Donations of $2 or more are tax-deductible. Together, we can create a brighter, healthier future. Thank you for your support! 🙏💙 #PIRI #DonateToday #GiveTheGiftThatCounts #PerinatalMentalHealth #SupportingFamilies #InvestInTheFuture

PIRI Achieves National Accreditation for its Digital Perinatal Mental Health Programs. Research shows that digital technology is transforming how mental health care is delivered, providing vital support alongside traditional in-person services. The Parent-Infant Research Institute (PIRI) is proud to announce our accreditation to the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health (NSQDMH) Standards in November 2024. This significant milestone reflects our unwavering commitment to providing safe, high-quality digital mental health services for parents and families. At PIRI, the safety and wellbeing of our community, staff, and volunteers remain at the heart of everything we do. This accreditation highlights our dedication to excellence in supporting mental health through innovative digital tools. Find out more about PIRI's Accredited Digital Mental Health Services here: https://lnkd.in/gpF5RfZN

📢 Calling All Researchers & Advocates for Fatherhood! Abstract submissions for the 2025 Australian Fatherhood Research Symposium close on 16 December—don’t miss your chance to contribute! Parenthood brings joy, but it can also be overwhelming—especially for dads navigating new roles and responsibilities. That’s why we created DadSpace, a national website offering information, strategies, and resources tailored to fathers. Now, we’re taking it a step further with DadBooster—Australia’s first free online program specifically for dads experiencing anxiety and depression. Together, we’re breaking new ground in fatherhood support. Let’s continue the conversation and spotlight the critical role of dads in family well-being. Learn more about DadSpace and DadBooster here: www.dadspace.com.au #FatherhoodResearch #DadSpace #DadBooster #MentalHealthMatters #PIRI #ParenthoodSupport

As we reflect on the significance of Perinatal Mental Health Week, it’s clear that supporting the mental health of parents during the perinatal period is essential to the well-being of families across Australia. From the challenges of pregnancy loss, the impact of trauma to the growing recognition of social isolation faced by new fathers, it’s crucial that we continue to raise awareness and foster a compassionate, informed approach to perinatal mental health. A sincere thank you to the entire team at the Gidget Foundation Australia for organising such a wonderful and meaningful event. We also extend our gratitude to all the organisations and small businesses that form the supportive network surrounding parents during the perinatal period and beyond. Together, we can continue to raise awareness and ensure that every parent receives the care and support they need during one of the most transformative times of their lives. As part of our ongoing commitment to improving perinatal mental health support, PIRI is excited to highlight the work being done by our STePPS CRE Early Career Researcher, Alka Kothari. Alka is currently involved in an important study titled Supporting Fathers and Partners during a Traumatic Pregnancy and Childbirth: Towards Holistic Care. Read the full story at https://lnkd.in/gMgxA-78

Recently, the team at PIRI had the privilege of attending the QEC Annual Learning Event 2024. We were thrilled to present valuable insights on Supporting Parent Wellbeing and Infant Development. It was an honour to be part of this event, alongside a range of organisations dedicated to supporting Australian families. For more information on our work, visit www.mumspace.com.au and www.dadspace.com.au, where we offer free digital resources and support for parents.

💙 Fathers and partners, we see you! You want to be involved in your partner's pregnancy, birth, and postnatal journey – and you're not alone in wanting to support your family and be an engaged parent. However, barriers still exist. Healthcare services often focus primarily on mothers and babies, leaving fathers feeling excluded. Many fathers may struggle with their own mental health or trauma from pregnancy or birth experiences. Yet, they are rarely asked about their wellbeing during the transition to fatherhood. This #PerinatalMentalHealthWeek, we want to highlight how important it is for healthcare professionals to engage fathers and partners in conversations about their health and support options. Fathers also need social connections to maintain their mental health and relationship satisfaction. Research shows that when dads stay connected with friends, they report better relationship satisfaction with their partners. Men can connect through online chats, podcasts, in-person groups, or activities that support their role as fathers. Fathers and partners, there are communities here for you. Visit pmhweek.org.au For valuable resources, visit: 🌐 piri.org.au 🌐 mumspace.com.au 🌐 dadspace.com.au @pmhweek #pmhweek2024 #mentalhealth #earlyparenting #fathers #partners #support

🌸 This #PerinatalMentalHealthWeek, we want to acknowledge the strength and resilience of mums under 25 who bring a little one into the world. Young mums face unique challenges and are at greater risk for mental health struggles, with postnatal depression being twice as likely for mums under 21. The challenges can include: Lack of age-specific peer support ❥ Isolation from non-perinatal peers and experiences ❥ Interruptions to education and future plans ❥ Stigma and judgement from society, culture, or loved ones ❥ Financial dependence and lack of control over life choices ❥ A feeling of being unprepared for this life stage Support for young mums is essential to help them navigate this life transition and feel validated, understood, and empowered. Here are some things to consider: ❥ Be mindful of who you follow on social media ❥ Surround yourself with loved ones who make you feel safe and strong ❥ Find role models, whether from your family or public figures ❥ Join parenting support groups or courses ❥ Keep regular check-ins with health professionals If you notice more hard days than good, don’t hesitate to reach out for help (Lifeline is available) Young mums, remember, you are not alone. There are communities here for you. Visit pmhweek.org.au For valuable resources, visit: 🌐 piri.org.au 🌐 mumspace.com.au 🌐 dadspace.com.au @pmhweek #pmhweek2024 #mentalhealth #earlyparenting #youngmums

🌏 This #PerinatalMentalHealthWeek, we’re proud to stand alongside 57 partner organisations, working together to support and uplift multicultural families on their perinatal journey. For many, cultural traditions, ethnic identity, and language play a crucial role from conception through early parenting. Person-centred care means understanding and respecting these influences while providing compassionate support. Multicultural families can face additional barriers to mental health and wellbeing during this vulnerable time. Adapting to a new health system, balancing two cultures, and managing pre-migration trauma can make the journey challenging. As a community, we strive to offer inclusive, culturally sensitive support by: 1. Respecting each family's unique cultural practices 2. Providing clear, compassionate communication at every step 3. Offering flexible, culturally appropriate services, including referrals 4. Ensuring access to interpreters and high-quality translated resources 5. Recognising the impact of trauma and identity in a new country To all multicultural families, there are communities here for you. Visit pmhweek.org.au For valuable resources, visit: 🌐 piri.org.au 🌐 mumspace.com.au 🌐 dadspace.com.au @pmhweek #pmhweek2024 #mentalhealth #earlyparenting #culturallysensitivecare

💙 This #PerinatalMentalHealthWeek, we acknowledge the unique experiences of parents with disabilities on their perinatal journey. For many, becoming a parent offers connection and visibility, yet people with disabilities—especially those with non-visible disabilities—can encounter assumptions, judgments, or lack of understanding. This can lead to feelings of isolation and hesitation to seek support. With 1 in 5 Australians living with a disability, let’s reflect on how we can make our communities inclusive, accessible, and client-centered. A few ways to support inclusive perinatal care: 1. Consider the intersectionality of each experience – understanding how gender, culture, sexuality, religion, and disability intersect for each parent. 2. Prioritise accessible spaces in all services, from medical rooms to mental health and parenting support areas. 3. Offer resources in multiple formats—written, audio, visual, etc. 4. Embrace and involve carers or support persons in the parent’s journey. 5. Design services with lived-experience feedback to ensure they truly meet diverse needs. If you notice a friend, loved one, or member of a parenting group becoming withdrawn or overwhelmed, they may be experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression. Reach out with understanding and empathy. For community support, visit pmhweek.org.au Valuable resources are available at: 🌐 piri.org.au 🌐 mumspace.com.au 🌐 dadspace.com.au @pmhweek #pmhweek2024 #mentalhealth #earlyparenting #disabilityinclusion