PANDA's new home

After a review of PANDA's funding we have been able to move PANDA to a new home with more space for our staff and volunteers.  Thanks to the Department of Human Services, Victoria.  PANDA is now in North Fitzroy in Victoria.  Please refer to the Contact Us page for our new details.  We are now operating five days a week including Friday.

PANDA's Toll free Telephone Number

PANDA's new toll free 1300 726 306 telephone number is for all support calls from metropolitan and rural callers in Victoria.  For administration and enquiries please use (03) 9481 3377.

Website link - Overcoming PND

This site is a self help site for sufferers of postnatal depression, launched in the UK.  It shows that women do recover and gives ideas for coping with some of the symptoms of PND such as insomnia.  Go to their Post Natal Depression Survey.  The results will be used to promote greater awareness of the illness and to provide greater understanding of how it affects sufferers and their loved ones.

Events
 

Training

Become a PANDA volunteer

Committee of Management - PANDA is managed by a committee of volunteers who are committed to the sustainability and growth of PANDA.  Specific roles on the Committee are currently being filled and PANDA needs the support of people who have a media or marketing background as well as people who have experienced post or antenatal depression, especially partners.  Roles involve attending the monthly meetings on Thursday evenings. Enquiries to PANDA.

Training for Telephone Support Worker Volunteers

We are about to commence another round of recruitment and training of volunteers as Telephone Support Workers.  PANDA runs two-three Training Courses per annum  for anyone wishing to volunteer at PANDA.     

Training - Stage 1 & 2 - Participation in Stage 1 of training can only follow attendance at the Information Session, an interview and referee and police checks.  This will be at no cost to the participant.  Sessions run from 10.00 am - 1.00 pm.

For more information please go to our Volunteering section.

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Resources

Postnatal Depression and Breastfeeding Booklet

This booklet is the latest title in the well known booklet series distributed by the Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA).  It is a joint effort between PANDA and ABA, a first of its kind.  It provides lots of strategies to help mums who are breastfeeding and also struggling with postnatal depression.  It also aims to support partners, family and friends.

Here’s an excerpt from the booklet…….

“The relationship between postnatal depression and breastfeeding is complex and very individual for each woman.  It is not possible to say hat experiencing postnatal depression while breastfeeding will be either positive or negative for all women.  For some mothers, be the greatest source of stress and anxiety, and it can sometimes breastfeeding can help reduce the likelihood of postnatal depression developing or the duration of the condition.  For others it may be more beneficial for the mother to discontinue breastfeeding.

To successfully breastfeed it is important to seek accurate information and surround yourself with others that will support and encourage you in your decision to breastfeed.  Breastfeeding is important for both mother and baby, for example, breastfeeding can help build a mother’s confidence and wellbeing, which can protect against postnatal depression and it can help protect the baby from the harmful effects of postnatal depression and enhance his relationship with his mother."

Booklets can be purchased from the sales department of Australian Breastfeeding Association Mothers’ Direct for $4.99.  Please call 03 9885 0855 or buy online at www.mothersdirect.com.au.  A percentage of the sales goes to support PANDA.

 
Guide to PND Support Groups

PANDA has compiled the 'Guide to PND Support Groups Manual' covering many aspects of how to go about setting up different types of support groups for women with antenatal and postnatal depression.

Contact PANDA for copy of the Guide or click here to download a PDF version

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