A future where every family thrives
Imagine being a young first-time parent, facing the daunting challenge of balancing education, work, and raising a child. For many, it’s a stage of life that is filled with uncertainty and worry. But for Maria, it was the nurturing support of the Educators and Therapists at The Infants’ Home that provided comfort during her most difficult times.
At just 20 years old, Maria became a mother for the first time to Nina. Having spent the first 12 months of Nina’s life overseas, Maria returned to Australia, enrolled Nina at The Infants’ Home and to her surprise, she and her family were offered so much more than just childcare.
“I was young and naïve. I had no idea how to raise a child. When Nina started at The Infants’ Home, I realised that I had completely underestimated her abilities. She was running, playing, drawing—she was even helping an educator make vegemite wraps! I couldn’t believe how quickly she was developing.”
At The Infants’ Home, it is our unique integrated approach of having a team of qualified educators and allied health therapists working within our service, that allows each child to reach their full potential. Without this holistic approach, stories like Maria’s would be few and far between.
Maria shares her battle with her mental health
By the time Maria fell pregnant with her second daughter, Nika, Nina was thriving at The Infants’ Home. But shortly after giving birth to Nika, things went downhill for Maria.
“I started experiencing symptoms of depression, but I just thought to myself – I’ve just had a baby, I’m lonely, I’m not sleeping well, it’ll be fine. I kept making excuses. I felt completely alone.”
Thankfully, Maria had the courage to speak to her GP and was soon on a path to recovery, with a treatment plan to support her mental health. While Maria is thankful for the treatment that played a critical role in her recovery, she says it was the ongoing comfort she received from The Infants’ Home that gave her strength during what she describes as her darkest times.
“I didn’t want to connect with people, but I would drop the girls off and Nicky, one of the Educators, would always ask how I was doing. I didn’t open up to her at the time, but her kindness and support was such a comfort to me. I was completely broken, but this was my village. If it wasn’t for this community, I wouldn’t be here today.”
Maria’s story is one of hope
With 1 in 5 mothers experiencing postnatal depression, Maria is advocating for women to speak up and know that it is OK to ask for help.
The Infants’ Home remains committed to being an integrated support system for the whole family, with the wellbeing of parents and carers being a high priority.