Some of the following background factors and circumstances can increase the risk of PNDA:

– A personal history of mental illness

– A family history of mental illness

– Pre-existing misuse of alcohol or other drugs

– Vulnerable personality factors such as low self-esteem or perfectionism

– A personal history of trauma, abuse or other adverse experiences

– Having settled in Australia from another country

– Financial difficulties

– Lack of social and/or practical support network

– LGBTQI+ parents, who can face discrimination and have their family or parenting questioned

– An unsupportive employer e.g. pressure to return to work or lack of flexible options

– Relationship difficulties with partner, mother, father or another key person

– Previous pregnancy, baby or child loss

– Birth of twins or multiples

– Pregnancy or birth complications

– Unplanned pregnancy

– Birth mother younger than 18 years old

– Fertility issues, including IVF or surrogacy

– A rural and remote location

– Culturally or linguistically diverse background

– Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander background

– Birth mother older than 35

– A recent or significant bereavement

– Other stressful life events