PIRI Programs for Depression, Prematurity & Babies
PIRI Programs for Depression, Prematurity & Babies
The team at PIRI has developed a range of evidence-based programs to support parents and families during pregnancy, early parenthood, and infancy. These programs are designed to strengthen parent wellbeing, support early parent–infant relationships, and help families navigate challenges such as depression, anxiety, and premature birth.
Our programs are generally brief and cost-effective, making them accessible to families who may benefit. Many programs are delivered through the Infant Clinic, a specialised service supporting expectant and new parents from pregnancy through to a child’s first two years of life.
An Overview of PIRI’s Evidence-Based Programs
PIRI conducts leading research in parent–infant mental health, prematurity, and antenatal and postnatal depression and anxiety. Based on this research, we have developed a suite of community programs, some of which continue to be evaluated through clinical trials.
Current PIRI programs include:
- Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression: A group or individual cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) program for postnatal depression. This is the only Australian CBT program for postnatal depression evaluated in randomised controlled trials and formed the basis for MumMoodBooster.
- MumMoodBooster: An evidence-based online CBT program for women experiencing postnatal depression, developed in collaboration with the Oregon Research Institute.
- Mum2BMoodBooster: An online CBT program designed to support women experiencing depression or anxiety during pregnancy.
- DadBooster: A world-first online CBT program developed specifically to support fathers experiencing depression or anxiety during the transition to parenthood.
- Beating the Blues Before Birth: A group or individual treatment program for antenatal depression.
- HUGS: A targeted mother–infant intervention following postnatal depression.
- Community HUGS: A community-based adaptation of the HUGS program for vulnerable mothers and infants.
- PRIMER (Promoting Motivation, Empowerment & Readiness): A program designed to improve help-seeking for perinatal depression using motivational interviewing.
- PremieStart: A parent sensitivity training program for families of premature infants, delivered during NICU admission.
- Towards Parenthood: An evaluated self-help program supporting emotional wellbeing and relationship adjustment during the transition to parenthood, available as a book and online program.
MumMoodBooster Programs
MumMoodBooster programs are free, evidence-based online treatments designed to support women during pregnancy or after birth who may be:
- Finding things hard to cope with
- Feeling flat, low, sad, or depressed
There are two MumMoodBooster programs, depending on whether you are pregnant or have already had your baby.
Mum2BMoodBooster (during pregnancy)
Mum2BMoodBooster is a free online program designed to support women experiencing depression or anxiety during pregnancy.
By joining Mum2BMoodBooster, you will:
- Complete six online sessions that can be tailored to your situation
- Access an online library of helpful information and tools
- Have the option to involve your partner through a dedicated support website
- Be asked to complete short online questionnaires
The online program is supported by a personal coach, who will check in with you and provide encouragement along the way.
To join or find out more, visit the MumSpace website.
MumMoodBooster (after birth)
MumMoodBooster is a free online treatment program for women experiencing postnatal depression.
If you take part in the treatment trial, you will be randomly allocated to one of three options: MumMoodBooster, face-to-face therapy, or standard care with your GP or Maternal and Child Health Nurse.
If you are allocated to MumMoodBooster, you will:
- Complete six interactive online sessions that teach skills proven to help improve mood
- Receive a weekly support call from a trained phone coach
- Access an online library and discussion forum
- Have the option for your partner to access a supportive information website
To join or find out more, visit the MumSpace website.
If you would like to speak to someone about MumMoodBooster or Mum2BMoodBooster, please contact us on (03) 9496 4496 or piri@austin.org.au.
If you have questions about PIRI’s research programs, you are welcome to contact our friendly team.
Health professionals can refer clients to MumMoodBooster and Mum2BMoodBooster via the Clinician Portal, or contact us on (03) 9496 4496 or piri@austin.org.au.
DadBooster
DadBooster is a free, online support program designed especially for dads who are feeling stressed, low, or overwhelmed during pregnancy or the first year after their baby is born.
Becoming a father is a major life change. Alongside the positives, many dads experience pressure, uncertainty, and emotional challenges. Around one in ten new or expectant fathers experience depression or anxiety, yet many find it hard to ask for help.
Developed by PIRI, DadBooster is a world-first program based on cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and builds on the proven success of MumMoodBooster. It has its own growing evidence base showing it can support fathers experiencing depression.
DadBooster includes six online sessions that you can complete privately and at your own pace. The program provides practical strategies to improve mood, manage stress, and support wellbeing during the transition to fatherhood.
Along the way, you’ll receive supportive text messages and progress check-ins. There is also an optional partner website with information to help your partner understand what you’re going through and support their own emotional health.
DadBooster is an accredited digital mental health program that meets the National Safety and Quality Digital Mental Health Standards.
To find out more or see if DadBooster is right for you, visit the DadBooster program page.
Evidence-Based Support Programs
Postnatal Depression and Anxiety Programs
Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression
Getting Ahead of Postnatal Depression (GAPND) is a structured cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) group program designed specifically for women experiencing postnatal depression.
The program includes:
- Nine weekly group sessions for mothers (approximately 1.5 hours each)
- Three additional couples sessions that focus on the partner relationship and the role of fathers
Across the program, women learn practical cognitive and behavioural strategies to help manage mood, reduce stress, and navigate common challenges of early parenthood. The program also addresses key psychosocial risk factors that can affect both mothers and their partners during the postnatal period.
The GAPND program has been extensively evaluated and shown to be highly effective in improving maternal mood. Click here to find out more or contact us at piri@austin.org.au.
Preparing for Parenthood
Towards Parenthood
Towards Parenthood is designed to support pregnant women and their partners as they prepare for the emotional and practical challenges of becoming parents.
The program covers topics not often addressed in standard antenatal classes, including communication within the couple relationship, managing expectations, and adjusting to major life changes.
Originally developed and evaluated as a self-help program supported by weekly phone coaching, Towards Parenthood has been shown to improve mood and reduce parenting stress during the transition to parenthood.
To order a copy of Towards Parenthood, visit the Towards Parenthood page.
Antenatal Depression and Anxiety Programs
Beating the Blues Before Birth (BBB)
Beating the Blues Before Birth is a structured program designed to support women experiencing depression or anxiety during pregnancy.
Through the program, women learn practical coping strategies to manage mood and address common stressors during the antenatal period.
Pilot studies have shown the program to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety, with positive outcomes for infant development at 9 and 24 months.
To read more about the current BBB trial, click here.
Specialist Mother–Infant Programs
PIRI has developed a range of specialist programs that focus on strengthening the relationship between mothers and their babies, particularly following periods of stress, depression, or anxiety.
These programs include BabyHUGS, CommunityHUGS, and Intuitive Mothering.
BabyHUGS
BabyHUGS is the most well-established of PIRI’s mother–infant relationship programs. It is designed for mothers following treatment for depression and focuses on helping mothers feel more connected, confident, and responsive with their baby.
The program includes four interactive sessions that support mothers to become more attuned to their infant’s cues and needs.
Early findings show that mothers who complete BabyHUGS experience a rapid reduction in parenting stress. The program continues to be evaluated as part of a larger research study.
CommunityHUGS
CommunityHUGS is a 10-session playgroup-based program delivered in community settings.
It brings together elements of BabyHUGS, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), attachment theory, and the Intuitive Mothering approach.
Results to date indicate improvements in mother–infant interaction, as well as reductions in maternal anxiety, depression, and stress.
Intuitive Mothering
Intuitive Mothering is an innovative eight-week program that supports connection between mother and baby through movement, touch, and play.
The program uses natural movement, holding patterns, music, and gentle dance, alongside group discussion where mothers reflect on what they notice in their baby’s responses and play.
For further information about any of PIRI’s programs, please contact us on (03) 9496 4496 or email piri@austin.org.au.
Support for Premature Babies
PremieStart
PremieStart is a specialised program designed to support parents and their premature babies during the early weeks of life.
Developed through PIRI’s long-standing research into prematurity, PremieStart focuses on strengthening mother–baby interactions while babies are still in hospital. The program helps reduce stress and supports early brain development at a time when premature babies are especially vulnerable.
PremieStart is delivered as an intensive 8-session training program with mothers, beginning while their baby is in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Research funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) has shown that programs like PremieStart can improve parent–infant interactions and support early developmental outcomes.
Currently, up to 50% of preterm infants experience one or more developmental difficulties in early childhood. PremieStart aims to reduce this risk by supporting sensitive, responsive caregiving in the earliest months after birth.
To learn more about the PremieStart program, visit the PremieStart program page.
To download the PremieStart – Beautiful Beginnings brochure, click here.