Mum mentor program now nationwide

A program designed to strengthen support for first-time mums by pairing them with mentors has expanded nationwide.

James Dimmock, Professor of Psychology at James Cook University, is Research Director for the Bamboo Parenting Program. He said about half of new parents experience adjustment difficulties and about 20 % suffer from Perinatal Depression & Anxiety.

“New mums can face social isolation and many report feeling overwhelmed, lonely, or disconnected from friends and community. Social media and cultural norms can create pressure to appear to be coping, contributing to shame, guilt, or a reluctance to seek help,” said Professor Dimmock.

He said the Bamboo program is designed to connect new mothers with trained community supporters during the perinatal period – from late pregnancy through the early months after birth.

“First-time mothers and prospective supporters complete a survey covering factors such as age, location and perinatal experiences. A customised pair-matching algorithm then generates a ranked list of potential supporters.

“New parents can browse supporter profiles and choose the person they feel best fits their needs,” said Professor Dimmock.

Program Director Kaila Putter said supporters can be nominated by the new mother or from the pool of volunteers.

“The program provides brief, research informed training to both nominated and volunteer supporters. Participants also gain access to a digital resource hub featuring meditations, a podcast series and written materials designed to guide conversations around parenting, wellbeing and self-care,” said Ms Putter.

After a trial in Northern Queensland the program is now open to first-time mothers anywhere in Australia who are in their third trimester or whose baby was born less than one month ago. Experienced mothers, with a baby at least one-year-old, are also invited to register as community volunteers.

More information and registration details are available at www.thebambooprogram.com

Bamboo is supported by James Cook University, the Queensland Mental Health Commission, Act Belong Commit and the North Queensland Primary Health Network.