Psychologists are calling for Medicare to be expanded so new parents receive better mental health support, which will in turn improve their child's wellbeing.
Ahead of next Tuesday's federal budget the Australian Psychological Society is highlighting the health issues parents face in the period immediately before and after birth.
The society's president Tamara Cavenett says depression and anxiety affects one in seven women in the perinatal period, the time shortly before and soon after birth.
Depression and anxiety for such women is associated with an increased risk of preterm delivery, reduced mother-infant bonding and delay in development for the child.
"Support and intervention in this period has a positive social and economic impact throughout the lifespan of the child," Ms Cavenett told AAP.
"Better outcomes for parents mean better outcomes for children.
"We need to help parents as early as possible for their own mental health, but also the impact that this can have on their child's wellbeing."
She says the coronavirus pandemic and associated social isolation has had a huge impact on the mental health of the already vulnerable group.
The Gidget Foundation Australia has reported a 122 per cent increase in pregnant women and new mums seeking support this year.
Calls to the maternal mental health organisation's national helpline doubled in 2020.
The foundation was set up by the family and friends of an Australian woman nicknamed Gidget, who took her own life while experiencing postnatal depression.
The foundation provides free specialist psychological treatment services for families suffering emotional distress during pregnancy and early parenting.
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Australian Associated Press
