A family care centre has opened in Lismore to support parents struggling with the demands of a new baby.
The Tresillian Family Care Centre will provide advice on how to settle their baby, breastfeeding issues and dealing with peri-natal anxiety and depression.
Tresillian’s Operational Nurse Manager, Rural Services, Debbie Stockton said: “It’s not unexpected that parents find the lack of sleep and stress of a crying baby, impacts on their mood and ability to cope.”
‘Our nurses are able to identify and support parents who are at risk of or are experiencing postnatal depression and anxiety, so the family can receive the help they need as early as possible’ she said.
‘The Tresillian Centre in Lismore provides a range of services and programs to help parents with the challenges of an unsettled baby, while importantly focusing on the emotional wellbeing of the family as a whole.’
Dr Nick Kowalenko, President of the Tresillian Council, said it was well documented how effective the Tresillian service was when it comes to supporting new parents.
‘We’re pleased that families in the local area will have access to Tresillian’s early parenting services without having to travel to Sydney,’ he said.
Karen Hogan, wife of Federal MP Kevin Hogan, opened the centre.
Mr Hogan said the new centre was good news for parents in the Northern Rivers who needed advice on how to settle their baby, breastfeeding issues and dealing with peri-natal anxiety and depression.
‘As a father, I know a new addition to the family is an extremely joyous event, but it can also be stressful for some families. This new centre means support will be on hand locally to help families to adjust,’ he said.
The North Coast Primary Health Network and the Northern NSW Local Health District (NNSWLHD) will provide both financial and non financial support to the Centre, which is located at 46 Uralba Street, Lismore, over the next three years.