Free service offers support to explore and heal your birth experience.
Welcoming a new baby can be one of life’s most profound experiences, but it can also bring up unexpected emotions. Dhelkaya Health is now offering a free Birth Story Counselling service, designed to support new parents in making sense of their birthing journey, with the guidance of trained counsellor Sky Simpson.
Whether your experience was joyful, challenging, or somewhere in between, you are invited to take time for yourself in a safe, supportive space to reflect and heal. The sessions are flexible and person-centred, with multiple ways to express your story; through guided conversation, open storytelling, or simply being heard without judgment.
“This is about making space for people to process what they’ve been through, whether they want to talk, cry, or just sit with it,” says Sky Simpson. “Birth is transformative, and everyone deserves the chance to explore how it’s shaped them.”
The service offers space to:
• Share your birth story
• Process your feelings and emotions
• Explore your early parenting experience
• Connect with appropriate supports if needed
Mental health changes around birth are completely normal and early conversation can make a big difference. One participant shared:
“Prior to having counselling, I was aware that my first negative birth experience was not resolved emotionally and mentally. Following just a couple of sessions I could already see that counselling assisted me to process those unresolved feelings and feel less anxious and upset about my birthing experience.”
Birth Story Counselling is open to all parents and birthing partners, regardless of gender. Fathers, non-birthing partners, and LGBTIQA+ parents are warmly welcomed.
To access the service contact our counselling intake team on 5479 1000 or email counsellingintake@castlemainehealth.org.au.
