Building Strong Foundations: Nurturing Connection in the Critical Early Years

Simple actions, like eye contact, gentle touch, and responsive care, build trust and security. Parents don’t need to be perfect, just present. Seeking support for perinatal mental health ensures caregivers have the emotional resources to nurture connection, creating a safe and loving foundation for their child’s future.

The Importance of a Secure Attachment Style

A secure attachment develops when caregivers respond consistently to a child’s emotional needs. This helps children feel safe exploring their world, knowing they can rely on their caregivers for comfort and protection. Secure attachment creates:

• Confidence and emotional regulation

• Resilience in stressful situations

• The ability to form trusting relationships

• Higher self-esteem and a positive outlook on life

  
  

As children grow, they are more likely to develop healthy, fulfilling relationships and maintain emotional stability in adulthood.

Recognising Perinatal Mental Health Challenges

Perinatal mental health issues can occur during pregnancy and up to a year after birth. Many parents feel isolated and ashamed of their emotions, yet these experiences are more common than expected, affecting 1 in 10 fathers and 1 in 7 mothers across Australia.

Common symptoms include:

• Challenges with identity, body image, and relationships

• Difficulty adjusting to parenthood

• Increased stress and anxiety

• Low parental confidence

• Depression

Why Seeking Support Matters

Untreated perinatal depression and anxiety can make it difficult for parents to fully engage in and enjoy early parenthood. These challenges can have lasting effects on a child’s ability to form secure attachments, trust others, and regulate emotions.

With therapeutic intervention and support, perinatal mental health conditions can be managed and overcome. If you are struggling with perinatal depression or anxiety, remember, It’s not your fault, and you don’t have to go through it alone. Reaching out for professional support and allowing yourself to experience your emotions without guilt, is the first step toward a positive perinatal journey.

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Vanessa Allen is an accredited mental health social worker, psychotherapist, and clinical supervisor with over 15 years of experience supporting individuals and families across southern Sydney. She holds a Master of Social Work, Graduate Diplomas in Psychological Science and Counselling, and a Graduate Certificate in Developmental Trauma.

A Credentialed Eating Disorder Clinician (ANZAED), Approved Butterfly Foundation Clinician, RO-DBT Practitioner, EMDR therapist (Levels 1-3), and Gottman-trained therapist, Vanessa is passionate about providing evidence-based, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirming care. As the founder of Evolving Minds Counselling and Psychology, she leads a multidisciplinary team committed to helping people build understanding, connection, and lasting change.