By Jaydah Alkamil - Every year in New Zealand, more than 60,000 babies are born. While this is a time for celebration, it often means families feel more stress and anxiety while dealing with a new family dynamic.
Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa (PADA) exists to ensure that parents have the resources to face challenges.
An estimated 25% of women and 10% of men in Aotearoa will experience anxiety and depression due to pregnancy, childbirth and the process of adjusting to parenting.
These stats become more confronting when evidence shows that this number is more likely around 50% of parents, because of under-reporting.
PADA works to eliminate the stigma surrounding perinatal anxiety and depression in New Zealand by creating easy access to resources as well as championing awareness in perinatal mental health and wellbeing.
Their work also supports health care professionals, care providers and community organisations, with the ultimate goal of ensuring every family has access to support when needed.
PADA’s work is more vital than ever, as statistics show that between 2006 and 2020 suicide was the leading cause of maternal death in Aotearoa.
Wāhine Māori were the majority impacted, being 2.9 times more likely to die by suicide than women of New Zealand European descent. This illustrates how serious perinatal mental health is, and how vital organisations like PADA are to thousands of families.
The impact of PADA is reflected in the voices of those they help, with statistics showing 90% of participants reporting they felt more confident and competent after attending a PADA seminar.
Despite the importance of perinatal mental health resources, the sector remains hugely underfunded. PADA receives no government funding, relying entirely on donations and grants.
A gift through The Good Registry means PADA can continue to do what they do best: show up for families all over Aotearoa. Giving through The Good Registry helps PADA fund operating costs, resource development, and sector engagement.
PADA is grateful to anyone who donates through The Good Registry. “To everyone who has given through The Good Registry, thank you for choosing to support PADA. Your generosity directly enables our small team to keep showing up for parents, whānau, and the professionals who care for them. Because of you, we can continue our training, resources, advocacy, and connection across Aotearoa. We are deeply grateful to walk this path with you and to be working together toward safer, more compassionate perinatal care for all.”
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