South Auckland > Public Hospital Services > Te Whatu Ora – Health New Zealand Counties Manukau >
Counties Manukau Health Maternal Mental Health Service
Public Service, Mental Health, Maternity
Today
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Description
Having a new baby can be a challenging time for many whaanau. Although not many people talk about it, it is common for mothers and new parents to experience mental health challenges. If you are struggling with these feelings it is important that you talk to your midwife or family doctor - there are a number of services available that may help.
Who Are We?
Maternal Mental Health are a team of experienced health professionals who provide mental health services for women during their pregnancy or up to a year after having a baby. We are part of Mental Health & Addiction services in Counties Manukau Health.
Who Do We See?
We provide specialist assessment and treatment for mothers with mental health concerns impacting on their day-to-day functioning, which can no longer be managed by services in the community. We are one of a number of mental health services available that can support women during this time. Some women see us on their own, others alongside other mental health services, their family doctor or midwife.
How Do We Help?
Mothers, babies and whaanau exist as a unit – one cannot be considered without the other. We work with women, partners, whaanau and community services involved in their care.
Treatment options are tailored to meet individual and whaanau needs. These may include:
- Psychological or 'talking' therapies,
- Group treatment for anxiety, depression and emotional management,
- Advice on medication,
- Support during adjustment to motherhood / bonding with child,
- Connecting you with relevant community, social or other support services
If you are having anxious thoughts, or feeling 'flat' or down after having a baby one of the most valuable things you can do is talk to others. There are other parents who are going through the same thing. You may also want to talk to a support person, such as a whaanau member, midwife or family doctor, kuia or kaumaatua, faith leader, counsellor, or friend. Try to accept help when it is offered, and get some rest and exercise if you can.
If you are experiencing any of the following concerns talk to your family doctor or midwife. They will talk with you about what's going on, and may refer you to Maternal Mental Health services if appropriate.
- Having trouble sleeping, even when your baby is sleeping,
- Feeling anxious, down, unhappy, guilty or angry most days,
- Your feelings are making it hard to look after or enjoy time with your baby,
- Or other changes discussed in Looking after you and your mental health
Referral Expectations
All referrals to our services should be sent to the Intake and Acute Assessment team. For more information on this process please visit the Counties Manukau Health Adult Mental Health website.
A person from the Intake and Acute Assessment team may contact you and your whaanau to discuss your needs.
Hours
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Mon – Fri | 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
---|
If you need urgent help outside these hours please ring 0800 775 222
Services
-
Need Immediate Help?
If you are having suicidal thoughts, or are worried about someone, there is help available.… More
Document Downloads
- Looking after you and your Mental Health (PDF, 2 MB)
- Maternal Mental Health Service Brochure (DOC, 1.5 MB)
Parking
Free parking is available on-site.
Website
Contact Details
Whirinaki
South Auckland
8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
-
Phone
(09) 265 4000
Email
Website
For urgent support contact our after hours phoneline on 0800 775 222, or phone (09) 265 4000 at any time.
If you need immediate help call 111.
7 Springs Road
East Tamaki
Auckland
Street Address
7 Springs Road
East Tāmaki
Auckland
Postal Address
PO Box 217198
Botany Junction
Auckland 2164
Was this page helpful?
This page was last updated at 9:17AM on December 17, 2021. This information is reviewed and edited by Counties Manukau Health Maternal Mental Health Service.