Championing
Perinatal Wellbeing
in our Communities
Championing
Perinatal Wellbeing
in our Communities
Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EDPS)
The EDPS was developed to identify women who may have postpartum depression
About Us
“We are a national charity that provides advocacy and awareness through training and facilitating connections and tools for health care providers who are supporting families with anxiety & depression due to pregnancy, childbirth and early parenting”
PADA was formerly the Perinatal Mental Health New Zealand Trust (PMHNZ)
There was no national umbrella organisation for perinatal mental health in New Zealand. A brainstorming day was held in Wellington in June 2009. This was attended by 30 representatives from a range of agencies and organisations connected with perinatal distress issues from around New Zealand. They identified interests in, aims and objectives for a national networking group for Perinatal Distress.
Latest News
PADA Hui Ā-Ipurangi – Whakamana Te Whare Tangata
Whakamana Te Whare Tangata - Decolonising Birth and Restoring Traditional Practises PADA Online Hui Ā-Ipurangi 4...
Hākui – Reviving customary birthing practices for Kāi Tahu
New online resource for Kāi Tahu to support the revival of their customary birthing practices A new website has...
Notice of AGM 2021
Notice of PADA Annual General Meeting 2021 Everyone is welcome to attend the PADA Annual General Meeting...
Our Mission
Championing awareness and facilitating best practice in perinatal mental health and wellbeing to ensure all families have access to appropriate information and support.
Eliminating the Stigma Around
Perinatal Mental Health in NZ
Our Supporters
Featured Topics
Antenatal Depression
What is It? When anxiety or depression occurs during pregnancy it is referred to as antenatal depression or antenatal anxiety. Up to 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience antenatal depression. Anxiety is thought to be as common, and many parents experience anxiety and depression at the same time. It is normal to experience a degree of anxiety and…
Postnatal Depression
What is It? Everybody feels down from time to time but depressive illness is more than that. It is when several symptoms occur over the same time period. PND is very similar to clinical depression occurring at any other time except that there is the added complication of a baby (or two!). PND can range…
Depression in Fathers
What is it? The arrival of a baby is a time of huge change not just for mothers, but also for fathers. Fathers can be forgotten as mother and baby can receive most of the attention. A baby can bring great joy but may also add unpredictable stresses to the family. About 10% of men…
Family/Whānau Support
The arrival of a baby into a family can affect many people, not only the parents. The new baby may have special significance for grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings and the extended family/whānau. What is important? The significance of the baby in a family is influenced by many factors such as: The culture the baby is…
Family/Whānau Support – How to support a mother
How to support a mother Listen quietly but with interest. Try to understand – it’s hard for someone who is depressed or anxious to explain how they feel. Avoid judging or getting angry – it’s no ones fault. Be there (this means to be emotionally available as well as physically present)…
Family/Whānau Support – How to support a father
How to support a father. Men are less likely to want to talk but encourage them gently if they seem ready for this. For example, offer some openings for them to talk like asking “It can be tough with a new baby – how’s it going?” Partners need to know that they are not failing their baby or…