Parenting has been described as the most rewarding and incredible yet challenging accomplishment in their life. As a parent/caregiver, it’s important to take care of yourself and take regular time out to refresh, rejuvenate and regroup. If you or your partner are feeling particularly stressed and/or overwhelmed, we encourage you to speak with your CaFHS nurse who can support you and your family.

Australian Breastfeeding Association website
Parenting SA – Parent Easy Guides
Head to Health website
Child and Family Health Service: Breastfeeding Support Services
Raising Children Network website
Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) website
Beyond Blue
Perinatal Anxiety& Depression Australia (PANDA)
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby website
Shine SA

 

Relaxation Exercises

We encourage you to check out Beyond Blue’s website which offers a range of relaxation exercises to help decrease stress and anxiety. Finding a sense of peace and calm in our day-to-day lives can be difficult so it is important to focus on relaxing our mind and body and also manage some of the symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Domestic and Family Violence

For some people, home is not a safe place. Self-isolation and increased stress during COVID-19 may increase domestic violence incidents. Research has found that there is often a spike in violence against women during disasters where we see an increase in self-isolation and increased stress, which we’re seeing with the current COVID crisis.

During self-isolation you may find yourself at home with an abusive partner, and without access to your usual support networks and/or friends. It is important for people to keep in touch with their friends or family members who may be in an unsafe environment.

Safety planning tips

• Identify safe areas of the house where there are less dangerous items and may be ways to escape if possible
• Have a phone charged and accessible, with stored important numbers, and a backup phone if possible
• Call 000 at any time if you are in immediate danger, and teach your children how to call 000 if you are unable to do so. You will have to notify the police if there are COVID19 concerns at your home
• Let trusted friends and neighbours know of your situation and develop a plan (this might include a code word or visual signal if you need help)
• Make a habit of backing into the driveway and keeping the car fuelled
• Look through our Escape Bag checklist and make a note of things you may need to take with you (for example, phone and charger, keys, important documents, key card or cash)
• Download the Sunny or Daisy apps for more information about safety planning and services in your area.

Where to go for help

If you are feeling unsafe and need help, please call 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) who have highly trained and qualified counsellors available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, via phone and webchat, for free, confidential information and support. 1800 RESPECTcounsellors are experienced in dealing with situations where the person using violence is still in the house, and will work with you on a safety plan

Women’s Safety Services SA (WSSSA) continues to operate during COVID-19. WSSSA is an essential service and will continue to provide risk assessments, safety management and access to safe accommodation for those who need it.