Drawing attention to the influence of parent-child dynamics on early brain development, the North-East Melbourne Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Network (NEMPI) is making a meaningful contribution to the future of integrative care for expectant mothers and their children. Bringing together practitioners from a wide range of fields for case discussions, guest speaker presentations and vital peer support, it is also reimagining what’s possible in this space.
The Network is co-led by Clinical Psychiatrist, Dr Matthew Roberts, retired Maternal and Child Health Nurse, Lucy Bire, and Infant and Family Mental Health Practitioner, Robyn Ball. Evidence of its growing scale and reach, NEMPI has recently welcomed a fourth coordinator, Lorena Villalon, who is a psychologist and dedicated mental health advocate.
Robyn has shared this leadership position since 2020 and says the experience continues to inspire a confident and connected mental health workforce. Improving outcomes for people seeking support from wraparound services is another crucial, tangible impact.
“It is an ideal way to link in with the local professionals who have a passion for perinatal and infant mental health,” she explains.
“Absorbing and listening to their unique perspectives helps make me a better listener with my clients.”
In the Network’s September meeting, members enjoyed a screening of SEEN at Ivanhoe Library. Featuring the unfiltered stories of real families, the documentary highlighted an unexplored need for parents to process past traumas.
“It prompted great discussion,” Robyn reflects.
“We all felt energised to keep doing our best work within the community.”
There is an open invitation to join NEMPI, with practitioners encouraged to RSVP to the Network’s next meeting via the MHPN website.
For those interested, MHPN, in collaboration with the Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE), is hosting an upcoming webinar on supporting perinatal mental health after loss and eating disorders. To register, please click on this link.
