A free Daddy Bootcamp will be held for new and expecting fathers at LikeMind from 6pm-9pm to teach them the basics of how to look after a baby, how to recognise perinatal depression and anxiety and how to help. 

Perinatal anxiety or depression, which occurs during pregnancy and in the first year after childbirth, affects up to one in five mothers and one in 10 fathers.

Western NSW Local Health District perinatal mental health clinical co-ordinator Christina Hunt said it was only natural to be concerned about how to look after a baby, but it was important to know the difference between worry and anxiety or depression.

“If women are depressed they might experience symptoms including excessive crying, lack of energy, and feelings of guilt,” she said.

“If women have anxiety they might worry excessively about their child and what harm might come to them and have symptoms of panic including an increased heart rate and sweaty palms.

“Dads can experience the same sort of thoughts and feelings but the big one they feel is helplessness, that they can’t help their partner, which can manifest into depression and anxiety.”

Catering will be provided at the event, along with a free Dad Bag filled with a range of baby supplies and resources.

LikeMind is located at 122-124 Kite Street, next to Service NSW.

RSVP to info.likemindorange@aftercare.com.au or 6311 1700.