Perinatal and Infant Psychology

14/02/2026

Your habits are not fixed. Your personality is not permanent. The patterns that feel like prisons can become platforms for growth.

This is the promise of neuroplasticity and the foundation of Dr. Dan Siegel's work in Interpersonal Neurobiology. We are constantly shaped by our relationships, our experiences, and our awareness. And when we understand how these patterns form, we are empowered to transform them.

Join PESI and renowned neuropsychiatrist Dr. Dan Siegel at Blue Spirit Retreat, Costa Rica for ✨Unlocking Freedom✨ | March 7–14, 2026.

This immersive retreat explores how temperament and attachment create persistent patterns of emotion, thinking, and behavior. Through Dan's groundbreaking Patterns of Developmental Pathways (PDP) framework and the Wheel of Awareness practice, you'll learn to access the freedom that comes from truly knowing yourself.

Clear your mindsight lens. Cultivate integration across the nine domains. Experience the transformation that happens when you stop living on autopilot and start creating yourself with intention.

Secure your spot today through the link in the comments. 🪷

20/12/2025

As we swiftly approach the silly season, sometimes silly things come out of people’s mouths 🤭

Here’s 4 phrases to use for assertive communication and boundaries when dealing with unsolicited advice or comments from friends, family, colleagues or even strangers!! (The worst).

🌀 What an odd thing to say out loud

🌀 I’m surprised you feel comfortable saying that out loud

🌀 Did you mean to share that with the group?

🌀 Would you mind repeating that?

Credit Gina Hatzis , for the tips ❣️

18/12/2025

Just adore these Speaking for the Baby illustrations for Dads.

I’M CHILLING OUT, DAD!

👉 Right from the get-go, your little one is learning how to settle themselves down. Of course, they can’t do this without plenty of help from you, Dad. Newborns usually need lots of close contact, cuddles, rocking and gentle shushing, singing and talking to help them find calm.

👍 Babies often suck their thumb or hand to help them calm, it is one way babies can chill out themselves. Learning your baby’s cues for when they need some help to settle down will make life easier for both of you.

🙌 When your baby is looking stressed, before they get upset, you can support them by:
• Helping them find their hand or thumb
• Holding their hands together at centre of their body, around the chest area
• Helping them find their ears, which they might stroke for soothing

🌿 How much support your baby needs will depend on their age, their temperament, and even the time of day.
🌱 Some babies have more sensitive nervous systems and so react more to fabrics touching their skin or noises. These babies usually get upset more easily and need more support to regain calm.

✅ Download your own copy of this illustration, and the Handout too, from our website. Written, developed and created by Bronwyn Leigh for Centre for Perinatal Psychology, and Richard Fletcher for SMS4dads.

Check out the full series of resources in our Speaking for the Baby x SMS4dads campaign on our website:
Centre for Perinatal Psychology:
🔗https://www.centreforperinatalpsychology.com.au/resources/speaking-for-the-baby-campaign/

🫶 Illustration by Jess Racklyft of Jesses Mess - Illustrations

10/12/2025

✨ Christmas Message & Holiday Closure Notice ✨

As we come to the end of another year, I want to extend my deepest gratitude to every parent, parent-to-be, hopeful parent, and every family walking their own unique path. This season can bring joy, tenderness, longing, and everything in between. However your heart is feeling, may you find moments of gentleness, connection, and rest.

For some, this time of year highlights the miracle of a growing family. For others, it brings memories of what has been lost, hopes still unfolding, or the weight of a journey that hasn’t gone to plan. Please know that all of these experiences are welcome, valid, and seen. You don’t have to feel any one way during the holidays. Your story matters, and your emotional landscape is yours to honour.

Thank you for trusting Perinatal & Infant Psychology throughout this year, whether in healing, reflection, preparation, or rebuilding. It is a privilege to walk alongside you.

Our office will be closed from 19 Dec 2025 and will reopen on 8 Jan 2026. During this time, I hope you are able to carve out small pockets of rest and nurture, even in a busy season.

If this time of year feels hard, please reach out to the relevant supports if needed (see below). You deserve safety and care.

Wishing you a gentle Christmas and a peaceful start to the new year.
May the coming season hold compassion, connection, and moments of hope however they may arrive for you.

Warmly,
Jenni OMeara
Perinatal Psychologist

Perinatal & Infant Psychology

PANDA-1300 726 306
24hr Mental Health Service - 1800 808 284
Lifeline - 13 11 14
Maternal Child Health Line - 13 22 29

01/11/2025

I am so very excited to share with you all that this week we welcome Zoe to Perinatal and Infant Psychology. Zoe will be providing admin support a few hours a week so you may hear from her in response to your enquiries, referrals and appointments.…. Woo hoo !!!

17/10/2025

❤️❤️‍🩹❤️

16/10/2025

Australia is considered one of the safest places in the world for a woman to give birth with universal access to publicly-funded maternity care, robust healthcare infrastructure and a highly skilled and regulated health workforce (COAG Health Council, 2019). Yet, despite this, First Nations women an...

27/09/2025

Centre for Perinatal Psychology has over 100 dedicated psychologists around Australia who are trained specifically to work with the many presenting issues during the perinatal period.

🙌 We support the emotional development of all members of the family; we support the quality of relationships between all members of the family; and we provide treatment for mental health concerns.

👉 In-person appointments available across Australia
👌 Telehealth appointments available servicing all of Australia

💛 Help is at hand, reach out to us for support and treatment: https://www.centreforperinatalpsychology.com.au

04/08/2025

To all those who have been unable to have a child in arms to raise. I see you, you matter and you’re in my thoughts.
Warmest regards
Jen

You can read Anaily's story in full at: https://worldchildlessweek.net/sun-2024-2/at-iguazu-falls

06/07/2025

✨ COMMUNITY SCREENING ANNOUNCEMENT ✨
I’m beyond excited to be hosting a community screening of the documentary SEEN - a film that explores the stories we carry from childhood, how they shape our relationships, and what happens when we are truly seen and heard.

🎥 SEEN is tender, raw, and deeply healing.

Whether you're a parent, grandparent, educator, therapist, or simply someone who loves little people this film is for you.

🧠💛 One audience member shared:
"I came as a therapist and left feeling like both the practitioner and the parent in me had been deeply moved. It’s rare to find something that bridges both worlds so beautifully."

Other powerful reflections:
🧠💛 “I’ve never cried like that watching a film.”
🧠💛“Every dad, every mum needs to see this.”
🧠💛 “It reminded me how important it is to be present, not perfect.”

Let’s gather to reflect, connect, and create space for healing — together.

📍 18th July, Mozart Hall, Warrnambool.
BUY tickets at www.eventbrite.com.au
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/seen-the-film-warrnambool-vic-hosted-by-perinatal-and-infant-psychology-tickets-1380170700719 #:~:text=Spark%20the%20healing%20journey%20to%20transform%20your%20family.,%E2%80%93%20spaces%20are%20limited%21%20Babes%20in%20arms%20welcome.

With warmth,
Jenni O’Meara
Perinatal & Infant Psychologist
admin@pipsychology.com.au | www.pipsychology.com.au

02/07/2025

So excited that these have just arrived in time for the film viewing on the 18th. They will be on sale for $20 and a few will be given away as a door prize….. if you haven’t got your tickets yet head on over to eventbrite and search for SEEN Warrnambool