Social and emotional wellbeing during pregnancy and after birth is shaped by many things including family, culture, community, Country and life experiences. It's normal to experience shifts in your wellbeing now and seeking support is okay.
Past experiences, including intergenerational trauma, can affect wellbeing.
Strong cultural connections, resilience and community support can also play an important protective role.
Support is available in ways that respect culture, choice and self‑determination, and you can seek help at any time.
Culturally safe support options
Culturally safe, strengths based support is available through:
- Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisations (ACCHOs)
- Koori Maternity Services
- Hospital based Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander models of care
Seeking support early can strengthen wellbeing for you and your baby from the very beginning of pregnancy.
Organisations that provide support
- Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) – supports Aboriginal community controlled health services across Victoria
- ForWhen – A helpline that connects families with perinatal mental health support
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service (VAHS) – provides culturally safe health and wellbeing services
Urgent support
In a crisis, you can contact 13YARN at 13 92 76 to talk with an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Crisis Supporter or call Tripe Zero on 000 if someone is in immediate danger.