A program shown in a recent study to help lower postnatal depression symptoms by up to a staggering 75% received a huge boost today with a $300,000 donation from Liptember in partnership with Chemist Warehouse.
The Newborn Behavioural Observation program (NBO), exclusively taught in Australia and New Zealand by staff from the Women’s, is an internationally recognised program helping mothers and newborns to bond and helping parents begin to understand and enjoy their baby.
Dr Susan Nicolson, from the Women’s Centre for Women’s Mental Health (CWMH) runs the NBO training program with Associate Professor Campbell Paul and uses it in her own work with families. She said that although pregnancy and early parenthood can be a time of great anticipation, joy and fulfilment – the early weeks after the birth of a baby can also be a time when some new mums suffer the onset of depression.
“Postnatal depression affects 12-15% of Australian women, often affecting a woman’s ability to cope with the demands of motherhood and to bond with her baby. Preliminary research however, shows that NBO sessions can help reduce depressive symptoms in new mothers five-fold and this makes us keen to spread the knowledge and to do further research” Dr Nicolson stated.
“Depression can get in the way of the relationship new mothers want to form with their baby, especially if the depression is prolonged, associated with anxiety or substance use or with social adversity”
“The NBO offers a preventative measure which helps parents recognise signals from their baby and it really is helping to bring mums and babies together” Dr Nicolson added.
“Fortunately the evidence is there that preventive and targeted expert support from pregnancy onwards can reduce psychological distress among mothers-to-be and enhance the relationship they are able to form with their baby from birth.”
Today at the Women’s Luke Morris from Liptember and the Chief Executive of Chemist Warehouse, Mario Verrocchi, will present $300,000 raised by the Liptember campaign last year.
“This will help the Women’s to continue the national NBO training program,” CEO of the Women’s Dr Sue Matthews said. “Funding from Liptember has already allowed us to train more than 200 professionals across Australia and 30 international specialists in China at the invitation of the Brazelton Institute at Harvard University.
“The Women’s is extremely grateful to be the recipient of funds to support such an important initiative between child and parent. ”
Mr Verrocchi said Chemist Warehouse was delighted to be associated with a campaign that had a national appeal and a focus on women’s mental health.
Luke Morris, the Managing Director of Liptember, said Chemist Warehouse had helped to take the campaign to the next level.
Throughout September Liptember Lipsticks are sold exclusively through Chemist Warehouse outlets across Australia to help raise money for women’s mental health.
For more information or to make a donation please visit the Liptember website.