Karen O'Mara - Perinatal and Parenting Support

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Karen O'Mara - Perinatal and Parenting Support

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Karen O’Mara is a dedicated clinical social worker specialising in perinatal and parenting support, guiding mothers and fathers through the transformative journey of parenthood.

31/08/2026

Does your baby or toddler fight sleep sometimes?

It happens to all of our kiddies at some point, even when they get big.

A number of years back, my 10 year old Missy Moo played outside on bikes and scooters ALL day, from 9am until 5pm except for moments when she flew through the kitchen for snacks for their picnics!

She made her lunch for the next day, had her shower and dinner and then got emotional. I knew that her sleep pressure was high and she was ready for a well deserved sleep. She sat on my lap and cuddled me like a koala at the dinner table after eating. We laid on my bed and cuddled, as she cried and kept saying 'I don't want to go to sleep'.

I told her I loved her, that she was okay, that I was right there. I never told her she HAD to go to sleep. I didn't offer to get up and do something else with her. I'm her mum, I KNEW she was exhausted and needed sleep. So I held her. Within minutes she was out to it.

It was gentle, loving and there were no fights, even for a 10 year old exhausted girl.

If you need help with sleep, I'm available to support you.

25/08/2026

Such important information 🙌

18/08/2026

Babywearing isn't just for babies!

I wore my daughter on my back until she was over 3 years old. It was an absolute lifesaver because I also had a toddler to wrangle, and she often didn't want to be put down, wanted to be close to me at all times. So I learned to do EVERYTHING with her on my back - household tasks, shopping, day care pick up for my son, even lawnmowing! 🤣

So it was a no brainer when she was 4 years old, very sick with no energy, and couldn't walk into school pick up. Back in the baby carrier! This time snuggled in front, with her long dangling legs hitting my legs as we walked! 😍

What have you loved about babywearing?

07/08/2026

You know those days you want to be over the minute it starts?

I've definitely had those days.

My kids were about 3 and 5 years old and both home sick for days. On this particular day they argued ALL DAY. I had a massive meltdown. It was crap. We went to the bayside for fresh air and water views, and it was nice except I really could still hear the arguing.

Then we went to the GP AGAIN (who so very kindly bulk billed us I'm sure out of sympathy for our frequent visits). We sat in the crowded waiting room listening to every second person cough and splutter and watched Miss 3 punch Mr 5 in the back of the head 3 times in a row for no reason. Ugh. 🤦‍♀️

I then watched the crowded waiting room of people watching a poor mother having a moment with no one doing anything. She was holding a baby, trying to push a double pram out the door while her toddler screamed I WANT ONE and pulled a box of therapeutic balls that were for sale off the counter. The balls go flying and rolling everywhere while the mother calmly talks to him, juggling baby, toddler and pram, with I WANT ONE going on. So then all eyes are on me, as I walk up to the mother and say 'let me help you. I'm going to put the baby in the pram' as I take the baby out of her arms. I look at her and say 'I've been there. You are doing a great job!' And then she is composed as she takes her toddler and pushes the pram out the door. And everyone is watching and I felt GOOD. Because I HAVE been there. And I survived. Just like I survived this hard day.

Can you relate?

01/08/2026

About 5 years ago I had a day that reminded me of the days of babies and toddlers. You see, I wasn't able to get much done.

I had a sick girl, who needed mummy cuddles, even at age 11. 🥰

Her first day of sickness was tougher for her as I had counselling sessions which meant I didn't get home until after 2pm.

But the next day was better as I "worked" from home. It's in quotes because I only achieved about half of what I planned. And you know what? It’s totally okay.

My girl needed me.

There were times we literally laid together and cuddled.

Times we watched the Olympics together.

Times we watched a movie together.

Times I helped her shower because she was so weak I needed to be on point guard.

Times she needed food or drinks.

And to be honest, maybe I needed the slower pace too.

There's always benefits to "getting nothing done", to going slower. The biggest one of all is my sick child not feeling alone and without her mum, who is still her most significant person (especially when sick).

It's totally okay to have days where "nothing gets done" except for taking care of your child.

10/07/2026

Has your relationship with your partner changed since you had a baby?

Most mums find that it changes significantly, especially in the beginning. Romance disappears, emotional connection weakens, arguments often become the norm.

Join us to take a look at what is normal for most relationships after baby, how to bring some closeness back between you and your partner, and how to focus on the person you still are, underneath all the baby caring. Let’s find you again.

More info in bio

09/07/2026

It’s really common for mothers to experience changes in mood during pregnancy or after having a baby. Sometimes it’s really hard to understand whether what you are experiencing is normal, or whether you might need extra support.

Is it baby blues? Is it postnatal depression? Anxiety? Rage - why am I yelling uncontrollably?? Why do I feel like my mental load is so HIGH compared to my partner? When do I get time for meeeeee?

Join the Mama Village mothers group to find out more - info in bio

06/07/2026

At the Mama Village mothers group we talk about good enough mothering.

The great news is the research tells us we only have to be good enough, not perfect. But sometimes our own high expectations get in the way, the high expectations of partners, in-laws, parents, friends, Instagram - the whole world seems to demand perfection and you know what we end up feeling?

Like a failure, judged by others, feeling not good enough, surrounded by mother guilt. Join us to learn the very important skill of not listening to the critical voice so much, and building self compassion.

More info in bio

03/07/2026

Why is birth significant? Birth changes us! In the Mama Village mothers group we discuss the difference between a 'good' and a 'bad' birth to give us a framework to work with and you will be nurtured and supported by me to share whatever it is you feel comfortable doing so. Often mums hold back in their birth stories for fear of how others will handle it, so this is a place of no fear.

Birthing talk quickly moves on to breastfeeding, which sometimes goes beautifully well and other times is pure anxiety driven for mums when things don’t go right.

Mums often say they planned a lot for birth in terms of pain management, but not enough for breastfeeding, bringing baby home and the importance of bonding. This session looks at all three parts.

The next group starts 16th July. Last spots available. See bio for info.

29/06/2026

This is your opportunity to invest in you, to be guided by a mental health professional, where you will find yourself in a place where you have a sense of relief that you are not alone in your feelings, thoughts and experiences.

This is time for you. Your emotional experience matters enormously.

You will feel heard and supported, develop tools and strategies to assist you in becoming the best parent you can be, and most of all, you will build lasting friendships to carry you through the years to come.

More info in bio

Address

Opening Hours

Monday	09:00 - 17:00
Tuesday	09:00 - 17:00
Wednesday	09:00 - 17:00
Thursday	09:00 - 17:00
Friday	09:00 - 17:00

Telephone

+61438184424

Website

http://www.karenomara.com.au/

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