Becoming a parent is a big change. It can bring moments of joy, love and connection – and it can also bring feelings of worry, exhaustion, or uncertainty. At The Hummingbird Centre, we understand that every parent’s experience is unique. Our Perinatal Mental Health Clinic in Newcastle provides gentle, evidence-based support during pregnancy and the early years of parenting.
Our clinicians aim to create a safe, welcoming space where you can explore your experiences, care for your wellbeing, and strengthen your connection with your baby.
Sessions are available in-person in Newcastle, Broadmeadow, Warners Bay and Maitland, or online through telehealth.
Understanding Perinatal Mental Health
Perinatal mental health refers to emotional well-being during pregnancy and in the first year after birth. It includes how we think, feel, and adjust to life as a parent.
Many people experience changes in mood, confidence, or relationships during this time. This may include perinatal depression, perinatal anxiety, birth trauma, or perinatal loss.
Support from a psychologist or accredited mental health social worker can help you understand these feelings and find ways to care for yourself and your baby with compassion.
Our team can assist with:
Perinatal depression and anxiety
Birth trauma and recovery
Sleep-related anxiety
Perinatal loss and grief
Parenting adjustment and confidence
Infant attachment and bonding
Couples communication and connection
Infant Bonding and Attachment
The early relationship between you and your baby shapes lifelong emotional development.
Bonding sometimes happens naturally, but at other times it takes time and gentle support – especially after a challenging birth or emotional stress.
Our clinicians use attachment-focused and relationship-based approaches to help you strengthen your bond with your baby. We can explore your baby’s cues, your emotional responses, and ways to build a sense of safety and connection together.
How Therapy Can Support You
Working with a psychologist or social worker during the perinatal period can help you:
Understand and manage changes in mood or anxiety
Process birth trauma or difficult experiences
Strengthen communication with your partner
Build strategies for rest and coping
Develop self-compassion and confidence in your parenting
Support your baby’s emotional and social development
Therapy aims to provide a calm, supportive space to reflect, learn, and find ways forward that feel right for you and your family.
Our Approach
The Hummingbird Centre’s approach is trauma-informed, neuro-affirming, and family-focused.
We believe that care should be compassionate, collaborative, and respectful of your individual needs.
Our team draws on evidence-based therapies such as:
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy
- Schema Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Mindfulness-based strategies
Attachment-based and relational approaches
We aim to support parents in understanding themselves and their babies with curiosity and kindness.
How to Access Support
You are welcome to self-refer to our clinic – simply call (02) 4946 0919, and our reception team will connect you with a clinician who best suits your needs.
If your GP or obstetrician has recommended you make an appointment, please mention this when booking. You may be eligible for Medicare rebates through a Mental Health Care Plan.
Appointments are available in-person or via secure telehealth, making support accessible wherever you are in the Hunter region and beyond.
FAQs
Meet our Perinatal Team
What is perinatal mental health?
Perinatal mental health refers to emotional well-being during pregnancy and the first year after birth. It includes how you feel, cope, and adjust to the changes that come with becoming a parent.
Who can come to the Perinatal Mental Health Clinic?
Our clinic supports parents and caregivers during pregnancy and after birth. Individuals and couples can access the service to talk about emotional well-being, relationships, or adjusting to parenthood.
What kinds of concerns can the clinic help with?
We support people experiencing perinatal depression, anxiety, birth trauma, grief or loss, bonding or attachment concerns, and parenting challenges.
Who provides the support?
Sessions are provided by psychologists and accredited mental health social workers experienced in perinatal and infant mental health.
Are sessions available online?
Yes. Appointments are available both in-person at our Newcastle, Maitland, Broadmeadow, and Warners Bay locations, and through secure telehealth sessions.
Do I need a referral to book?
You can self-refer by contacting our reception team or ask your GP for a referral if you wish to access Medicare rebates.
How long are sessions and how often do they occur?
Most sessions run for around 50 minutes. The number and frequency of sessions depend on your needs and goals.
Is what I share confidential?
Yes. What you share in sessions is private and confidential, except where legal or safety requirements apply to protect you or others.
