Panda - What's New?

The Parent-Infant Research Institute is conducting a study to evaluate a new treatment program for women experiencing Antenatal Depression. This is an 8-session cognitive-behavioural therapy group program, facilitated by a psychologist. All participants will be linked with treating health professionals and provided a resource list of local support services. Half of the women participating will be offered the group program and half will be offered enhanced individual routine primary care. If you are pregnant and feel that you are struggling to cope or experiencing some depression, this program may be of benefit to you. For more information please visit our website www.piri.org.au or contact Charlene Schembri on 9496 4496.

Researchers at Deakin University are conducting an on-line survey to find out more about how women cope with having a new baby to care for. You will be asked to fill in a survey that takes about 20 minutes. You will be asked to fill this survey in 4 times at 6 weekly intervals. To compensate you for your time, at this very busy time, you will receive a $40.00 Myer gift voucher. To find out more, click on one of the links below

If you are preparing to give birth within the next 6 weeks, please click on the following link: go to survey

If you have given birth within the last 3 months, please click on the following link: go to survey

PANDA will be conducting four workshops in 2009, the first titled Cross-cultural issues in PND held on Monday March 16th from 10am – 4.30pm. The purpose of the workshop is to explore the issues and challenges faced when working with women and families from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds through a series of presentations, discussions and workshops.

June 15th 2009 - PND treatment and recovery
September 14th 2009 - Men, families and surviving PND
November 16th 2009 - PND expo

PANDA’s Celebrity Supporters.

Check out the fantastic people who have put their support behind PANDA.

Click here to view PANDA's new supporters. We thank them for backing PANDA.

PANDA is now on FACEBOOK

Click here to check out PANDA's Facebook and all the latest news.

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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.

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.

The next Information Session will be held 26 November 2008, at PANDA in North Fitzroy between 10.30 am to 12.30pm. To enquire about the next Information Session on please phone (03) 9481 3377 or send email to info@panda.org.au.

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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