Mother-Baby Nurture Group: Description and Referral Process
BUSSELTON/DUNSBOROUGH & BUNBURY

-	Mother-Baby Nurture group is a 10-week therapeutic support group for 5-7 mothers and their 0-6 month (pre-crawling) infants hosted by two facilitators. 
-	In a safe and welcoming environment, we invite participants to gently explore their thoughts and feelings towards their new role and relationships. 
-	We include the infants in the sessions, observing how they engage with their environment and reflecting on what they may be thinking or feeling. 
-	Our practice is informed by parent-infant psychotherapy and mentalisation based treatment.

It’s attachment-focused like Circle of Security, however it is delivered in an experiential way, with the infant participating in the process. Outcomes The group aims to promote infant mental health by: 
-	strengthening maternal sensitivity and attunement, 
-	decreasing symptoms of maternal distress, anxiety, and depression, 
-	developing parenting capacity and confidence, and 
-	lessening the mothers’ sense of isolation. 

Please direct mothers to us that may: 
-	struggle with the transition to parenting (not exclusive to first-time mothers), 
-	express relational or developmental difficulties with baby, 
-	report a history of pregnancy/birth trauma, loss, family of origin/relationship difficulties, or 
-	have elevated symptoms of depression or anxiety.

Mother-Baby Nurture is a targeted support group, which is complementary and not intended to replace psychological, psychiatric, or medical advice or services. Mother-Baby Nurture is government grant funded and provided by PlaygroupWA, Radiance South West, ISHAR Mirrabooka and WA Country Health.

Locations: Albany, Baldivis, Bunbury, Busselton/Dunsborough, Ellenbrook, Fremantle, Gosnells, Kwinana, Medina, Midland, Mirrabooka (Ishar Multicultural), Wellard, Yokine.
Cost: No cost to participants. 
How to refer: We welcome referrals from all perinatal and infant mental health practitioners. 

Please complete the form overleaf.

	

RNSW MOTHER-BABY NURTURE REFERRAL FORM	

Consent received for referral from mother	o                      	
Baby not yet crawling	o	
MOTHER AND BABY DETAILS	
Mother’s name:		Mother’s date of birth:		
Baby’s name:		Baby’s date of birth:		
Mother’s preferred contact details:		
Mobile Number:		
Email Address:		
Residential Address:		
o  Aboriginal                                     o  Torres Strait Islander                                 o  Other	
o  Interpreter Required                 Language: 	
DETAILS	
Relevant maternal mental health history – please include involvement of other health professionals, if known.	

	
Reason for referral – why do you feel this dyad will be suitable for the group?		
REFERRER	
Referrer name:		
Preferred contact details:		
NOTES	
**Please note - this form does not guarantee a place in the program** 

Numbers are limited for each group and places are allocated/prioritised according to need. Please let the mother know that the lead facilitator in her area will conduct a phone interview with her 1-2 weeks before the group start date to assess suitability. 	
Please email your referral and enquiries to: 	

Busselton/Dunsborough
	South West Counselling
08 9754 2052
admin@swcounselling.org.au	
Bunbury	South West Women’s Health and Information Centre
08 9791 3350
nurse@swwhic.com.au