Support Links
Please find the links below for various support organisations which you might find useful for anything pre-conception to parenthood. Please note that we do not reciprocate links with businesses in our links directory.
Anxiety & Depression
PaNDa is a not for profit organisation which supports women and their families affected by ante natal and postnatal mood disorders. Formed in 1985 and restructured in 2000, PaNDa offers confidential support, education and information to callers. PaNDa’s support network is run by dedicated staff and volunteers, some of whom have experienced PND or psychosis.
beyondblue
‘beyondblue’s’ major goal is to increase community awareness of depression. Currently, very few people have access to reliable information about causes, symptoms or treatments. Even people who have commenced treatment are often not adequately informed about the nature of their illness and the likely benefits and possible side-effects of treatment.
depressioNet is an independent resource for information, help and support. They offer a 24 hour email service to answer any depression related questions and help locate resources available in your area. There is also the opportunity to communicate with others via the chat room and message board.
Breastfeeding
Australian Breastfeeding Association
The Australian Breastfeeding Association (ABA) is an organisation of people interested in the promotion and protection of breastfeeding. Amongst these are breastfeeding women and their partners and health professionals such as doctors, lactation consultants and midwives.
Australian Lactation Consultants Association
This link is a locator for Australian Lactation Consultants. Most are IBCLC (International Board Certified Lactation Consultants) and abide by a code of ethics and have many hours of training and experience.
Caesarean
Birthrites
An Australian site with lots of information on caesareans and VBAC. In depth articles on before, during and after a caesarean with all the FAQ’s you can think of. Includes birth plans, reading list etc.
Caesarean Birth & VBAC Information
Includes a caesarean birth plan (making caesarean birth special), pictures of caesarean scars, reading lists, book reviews etc.
Endometriosis
Endometriosis Association of Victoria
The EAV is a self help organisation which provides support and information for women with endometriosis.
Infant Massage
Infant Massage Australia
Infant Massage Australia is dedicated to empowering parents through the nurturing touch of baby massage.
Infertility
ACCESS
ACCESS, Australia’s National Infertility Network is a consumer based, independent, not for profit organisation, committed to providing whole of life support for women, men and their families suffering from infertility. ACCESS strives to raise community awareness about infertility by being a national voice to bring the social, psychological and financial concerns of couples to governments and the medical and scientific communities.
IVF
Sydney IVF
Miscarriage & Loss
SANDS
SANDS promotes awareness, knowledge, support and understanding following the death of a baby from the time of conception through to infancy.
SIDS and Kids
This resource contains SIDS information and publications on Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) for researchers, health professionals, parents, school teachers and children.
PCOS
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association
An American non-profit website operated by women with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome. Lots of information, chat and discussions.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia
POSAA is the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association of Australia Inc – their website is aimed at raising awareness of PCOS and to give support to PCOS cysters.
Multiple Birth
Multiple Births Families
This website offers information regarding multiple births. It includes pregnancy and post-natal information and, from the point of view of new parents, it attempts to address some of your questions and concerns. Although a joyous time, there are sometimes risks in multiple births. Hence this website also offers bereavement support for parents who have lost one, more or all of their multiple birth children during pregnancy or in infancy.
Lynda P Haddon has been a multiple birth educator for fifteen years, as a mother of three daughters, including dizygotic twins and a singleton 22 months their elder.
Premature Babies
Providing support to families and carers of prematurely born babies and children. Through Austprem families who have experienced the complex challenges of parenting a premature infant reach out to other families facing this journey, and offer friendship, information and support.
VBAC (Vaginal Birth After Caesarean)
VBAC.com
Provides childbearing women and maternity care professionals access to research-based information, resources, continuing education and support for VBAC
Birthrites
An Australian site with lots of information and stats on VBAC. Includes birth plans, reading list etc.
Caesarean Birth & VBAC Information
Includes a collection of articles, reading lists, book reviews etc.
Cares-SA
Includes a collection of articles, reading lists, contacts etc.