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People will forget what you say, people will forget what you do, but people will never forget how you made them feel.

– Maya Angelou

Hi there, I’m Dr Edna Lekgabe.

MBBS (Hons), BSc (Biomed) (Hons), MCE, DRANZCOG, MP, FRANZCP, PhD

And I’m a perinatal and reproductive psychiatrist.

I believe in a collaborative and evidence based approach to mental health care that lets you guide your treatment and feel confident throughout the process.

My technique considers your unique story, self and space; and how it contributes to issues you experience whether that’s navigating reproductive health to embarking into pregnancy and motherhood. Women see me for a range of challenges from infertility, PMS, anxiety relating to childbirth, to perinatal loss and adjustment to parenting.

With a focus on early identification and prevention, my holistic treatment explores how we optimise care, reduce stress and approach medication for all stages of the perinatal journey. Together, we can better understand what you’re experiencing and create a plan that nurtures your transformation.

Outside of my private practice, I hold a consultant position with The Royal Women’s Hospital and Frances Perry House in Melbourne/Naarm.

Education and training
  • Bachelor of Medicine and Surgery, Monash University
  • Master of Psychiatry, University of Melbourne
  • PhD, University of Melbourne
  • Diploma of The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
  • Specialist medical training:
    ⁻ The Royal Melbourne Hospital
    ⁻ The Royal Children’s Hospital
    ⁻ The Royal Women’s Hospital
    ⁻ Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital
  • Fellowship of the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists
Common conditions women see me for
  • ADHD
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
  • Preconception planning and medication advice
  • Pre-conception counselling
  • Infertility
  • Fears, stress or anxiety relating to fertility treatment
  • Perinatal mood and anxiety disorders
  • Fears relating to childbirth
  • Birth trauma
  • Adjusting to parenthood
  • Perinatal loss
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • PTSD
  • OCD
  • Panic Disorder
  • Bipolar Affective Disorder
  • Postpartum psychosis
  • Schizophrenia
  • Schizoaffective Disorder
FAQ's
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Principles I stand by and value

Health and rights for all women

Ensuring women have access to quality care and rights observed will lead to closing the equity gap as well as improved health and wellbeing for children, families and communities.

Holistic wellness, from physical to spiritual

We prioritise and nurture all dimensions
of wellness: physical, intellectual, social, spiritual and emotional.

A safe and secure space — always

Creating a safe environment is fundamental to how we work together. It cannot, and will never be compromised.

The power of feeling heard

When we are listened to, we feel seen,
valued and cared for. Which in turn fosters openness in communication.

Telling the stories of who we are

Everyone’s perspective deserves to
be heard.

Providing an integrated approach to care.

 

A holistic view coordinates care around your needs, values and understanding of your mental health that also considers early intervention, prevention and treatment. My goal is to ensure you receive support that creates security, connection and collaboration throughout the journey

Assessment and diagnosis

I provide a calm, secure and supportive environment to conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your mental health status, which incorporates your unique biological, psychological, social, cultural and spiritual factors contributing to your difficulties, with a focus on early identification, prevention and treatment.

Medication management

I provide evidence-based information regarding the risks and benefits of treatment to help you make a decision around the use of medication in pregnancy and in the postpartum period. I also monitor medication usage throughout your pregnancy and in the postpartum period ensuring you and your baby are safe at all times.

Psychotherapy

I place emphasis on evidence-based therapies, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance commitment therapy (ACT), interpersonal therapy and psychodynamic psychotherapy to help you build on your resilience and coping strategies, address negative thoughts and behaviours, along with improving your overall mental health and wellbeing.

Collaborative care

I can work with your team of healthcare professionals, including obstetricians, paediatricians, psychologists, social workers, maternal and child health nurses to provide collaborative care. This team approach ensures that you receive the comprehensive care you need to achieve optimal mental health.

Mental health birth plan

A mental health birth plan should be a part of every woman’s birth plan. It is especially important to have this plan if there are risk factors for the development of mental illness. This includes your own history of mental health difficulties, a family history of mental health concerns, a history of trauma, grief, loss and/or a lack of practical, social and emotional support.

Education and prevention

I can provide you and your family with information about the risks and symptoms of perinatal mental health disorders. From guidance on how to promote mental health during pregnancy through to the postpartum period.

Prevention efforts may include screening for depression and anxiety during routine prenatal care and providing support to you especially if you have experienced previous mental health difficulties, a family history of mental health concerns or history of trauma, grief and loss.

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