Herald Sun journalist Susie O’Brien has spoken with Director of Clinical Services and Nursing Ms Kirsty Evans and with a Tweddle mum about the importance of early intervention parenting support when it comes to sleep, mental health, secure attachment and brain development.

From March to August this year, Tweddle triaged nearly 800 parents of babies and toddlers, with 85 per cent disclosing feelings of depression ranging from mild to ­severe.

Caroline, from Airport West,  said she was anxious, stressed and “doing everything wrong” when she sought help for sleep issues for her daughter Xanthe.

“A few of the skills that I learned were related to sleep, but I also learned about reading Xanthe’s cues, and being able to adapt to her changing needs,” she said.

“Most importantly, I’ve gained confidence in myself as a parent, which has helped me be more patient and responsive to Xanthe’s needs on the tricky days, and not be so hard on myself either.”

Director of Clinical Services and Nursing Ms Kirsty Evans said the pandemic had left many parents of babies “feeling isolated”. “The typical ­new-parent rituals, like parent groups, coffee debriefing sessions, empathising friends and visits from relatives bearing casseroles, have gone by the wayside,” she said.

Ms Evans said babies needed their parents to be mentally well. “It is especially vital for building the foundations of secure attachment, infant mental health and brain development,” she said.

Join Tweddle’s wonderfully playful Facilitators Liz and Janelle for a special Children’s Week online play session! The virtual group will take place from               10-10.30am on Wednesday 28th of October. Liz and Janelle’s Play Education group will ensure you and your little one feel welcomed and are involved a range a fun activities.

­­­­­We will share a story, have a visit from a puppet, sing songs and enjoy a laugh. Join us and meet other parents and their babies, toddlers and children up to age 2. There will be time for questions after the group.

Children’s Week is a national celebration that recognises the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children.  The theme for Children’s Week 2020 celebrates the right of all children to choose their own friends and safely connect with others. This is based on Article 15 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

To register for ‘Meet Play Zoom’, phone Tweddle on (03) 9689 1577. We will email you a link and password to join Meet Play Zoom! We hope to see you there.