Support, Referrals and Volunteering

Caring Mums is a Melbourne-based community program. It is a confidential, home-based, free-of-charge and non-denominational service that provides emotional support to mums of newborn babies and women during pregnancy.

While pregnancy and motherhood are exciting times, it is normal for new mums to sometimes feel isolated, overwhelmed or unsupported. While these feelings are natural, not all mothers have support systems to help them manage. Many find it challenging to cope with the changing role that motherhood presents.

Caring Mums are trained volunteers and mums themselves, who provide a shoulder to lean-on. Although not health professionals, volunteers are dedicated to giving individual support to mums through weekly visits for up to the first twelve months of their baby’s life. The philosophy is based on ‘attachment theory’ and the empowerment of women, enabling healthy and nurturing relationships. The program promotes linking mums to vital networks and resources within their own communities.

Mums can either contact us directly or be referred through their Maternal & Child Health Nurse, health professionals and community agencies. 

Mums in need of support: Please include your name, suburb, email address and phone number.
Professional referrals: Please include your name, organisation and contact details as well as those of the client you are referring.
Potential volunteers:  Please include your name, phone number and email.

Email caringmums@ncjwavic.org.au
Call or text 0481 081 242
Or call 9044 5405 (Mondays and Tuesdays 9-4)

Postpartum PTSD on The Project

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition usually associated with war veterans but it’s also affecting an alarming number of new mums.

Find out more info via the Australasian Birth Trauma Association here: http://www.birthtrauma.org.au

Raising awareness of postnatal depression in men

Raising awareness of postnatal depression in men

Channel 9: father of two Israel Smith and Associate Professor Dr Richard Fletcher from the 'Fathers and Families Research Program' at the University of Newcastle discuss why we should be bringing more attention to postnatal depression in men.