A conference on perinatal well-being was told that one in five mothers experience mental health difficulties during pregnancy and after childbirth, while between five and fifteen percent of fathers struggle with anxiety or depression. Organised under the Positive Parenting Strategy, the event showcased findings from a pilot project designed to provide mental health support to new parents.
The initiative, which was carried out through a collaboration between the Ministry for Social Policy and Children’s Rights and the Ministry for Health and Active Ageing, underscored the significance of early intervention. The results indicated that psychotherapy and specialist midwifery support greatly benefited mothers’ mental well-being. Fathers, despite initial reluctance, reported that family therapy had a positive impact on their personal well-being, relationships, and family dynamics.
Minister for Social Policy and Children’s Rights Michael Falzon reiterated the government’s dedication to assisting new parents. “This government believed in this journey years ago, and we have continued to invest and offer more services that are easily accessible to new parents,” he stated.
Minister for Health and Active Ageing Jo Etienne Abela emphasised that prevention plays a crucial role in ensuring a better quality of life. “The next step is to work with professionals to implement recommendations and protect families’ mental health,” he said, expressing gratitude to healthcare professionals for their work
Ruth Sciberras, representing Positive Parenting Malta, highlighted the importance of early and research-backed interventions. “Real change happens when different sectors work together,” she remarked.
The Positive Parenting Strategy is focused on expanding support services for new parents, ensuring they receive both practical guidance and emotional assistance. With mental health in the perinatal period gaining more attention, authorities aim to build on these findings to improve long-term care for families across Malta and Gozo.