Social worker, ultrasonographer, women's health nurse

Ultrasonographer
Women's health nurse

A social worker is a person who has completed a degree at university majoring in counselling and social work. Social workers are usually employed by public maternity hospitals, specialising in assisting, counselling and facilitating community support and financial assistance for pregnant women and new mothers. Some social workers work independently in private practice, usually in areas such as counselling, psychology or similar services.

You may come in contact with a social worker if you:

	Feel you have little practical and emotional support and need counselling or information about support organisations, financial assistance or housing.
	Have a tendency to experience depression, have an eating disorder or a drug addiction or are dealing with a stressful situation.
	Are a victim of (or have in the past experienced) violent or sexual abuse.
	Are experiencing serious relationship difficulties or domestic violence.
	Are experiencing antenatal or postnatal depression.
	Have experienced miscarriages or your baby has died.

NOTE:Social workers are usually employed in limited numbers in the Australian public health system and as you can imagine their services are often in great demand. For this reason, you may need to book ahead for an appointment to see one. However, if you feel you may need the services of a social worker at some stage (for example after the birth), it is often recommended you make contact with them at some time during your pregnancy.

or View All