About Lively Lifestyles Psychology
Ana Ristov is a registered Psychologist and accredited Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Clinician with a deep commitment to supporting women through the full arc of the perinatal experience – from preconception, pregnancy, and birth, to the early years of parenting.
Ana understands that becoming a parent is about so much more than having a baby. It’s a profound identity shift – matrescence – as complex and transformative as adolescence, only with far less societal guidance (and much less sleep). She’s passionate about helping you navigate this journey with gentleness, self-compassion, and clarity, so that you can feel more grounded in your evolving self.
She supports clients navigating:
Pregnancy and Birth
- Managing antenatal and postnatal anxiety or depression
- Feeling anxious or uncertain about giving birth
- Recovering emotionally from a difficult or traumatic birth
- Making sense of your birth experience
Postnatal Identity & Adjustment
- Finding your footing in the early stages of parenthood (matrescence)
- Reconnecting with who you are outside of motherhood
- Adjusting to new roles, expectations, and daily rhythms
- Struggling with body image or pressure to ‘bounce back’
- Realigning with your core values in this new season of life
Parenting & Connection
- Strengthening your bond and emotional connection with your baby
- Tuning in to your child’s needs while learning to trust your instincts
- Exploring feelings of frustration, anger, or “mum rage”
Relationships, Roles & Boundaries
- Navigating shifts in your relationship or co-parenting dynamic
- Setting boundaries to protect your wellbeing and your child’s
- Preparing for or settling back into paid work after leave
Ana knows what it’s like to be in the thick of it – she’s navigated many of the same struggles that you might be experiencing right now. Her style is warm, thoughtful, and collaborative. She works from the belief that you are the expert in your own life, and that therapy is a space for curiosity, reflection, and renewal. Her approach integrates attachment theory, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based therapeutic frameworks – all held within a safe and supportive relationship.
Whether you’re preparing for pregnancy, navigating the early postpartum haze, or simply wondering where you went in all of this – Ana offers a space to gently land, reflect, and begin to feel more like yourself again.
Areas of expertise
- Bachelor of Psychology – Deakin University
- Graduate Diploma of Psychology Advanced – Monash University
- Master of Professional Psychology – The Cairnmillar Institute
- Master of Professional Psychology Practice – The Cairnmillar Institute
- Perinatal and Infant Mental Health (PIMH) Intensive Training – Centre for Perinatal Psychology
- Perinatal Non-Directive Counselling – Australian Psychological Society
- Basic Skills in Perinatal Mental Health – Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE)
- Perinatal Loss in Practice: What Therapists Need to Know – COPE & The Perinatal Loss Centre
- Perinatal Mood & Anxiety Disorders – Seleni Institute
- Circle of Security Parenting – Circle of Security International
- Gottman Method Couples Therapy Level 1 – The Gottman Institute
Company values
Women Owned
You may also be interested in...
Telebaby
Telebaby with Dr. Samuel Heitner – Paediatric Help is Just a Click Away! I’m Dr. Samuel Heitner, a paediatrician with over 15 years of experience and the founder of Telebaby. Being a parent is one of the most rewarding, yet challenging, journeys you’ll ever take, and I’m here to support you whenever you need it.
I offer Telehealth video consultations tailored specifically for babies, supporting parents and families Australia-wide, 7 days a week, all from the comfort and safety of your home.
If you’re worried about your baby’s reflux, colic, constipation, poor weight gain, unsettled behaviour, rashes, suspect a milk allergy, or have any other concern, Telebaby is here to provide guidance and peace of mind. My services include a video consultation, one week of email support following your consult, and a follow-up call to check in on your baby’s progress. If needed, I can also provide Escripts, including specialised infant formula for cow’s milk allergy, blood tests, imaging, medical certificates, and more.
In addition to Telebaby, I work as a paediatrician in the Emergency Department at The Children’s Hospital at Westmead and care for babies in the Special Care Nursery and the post-natal ward at Sydney Southwest Private Hospital. I am also a Clinical Associate Lecturer with The University of Sydney and a Fellow of The Royal Australasian College of Physicians (FRACP) – Paediatrics & Child Health Division.
Learn about the support you didn't know you needed.
We have cherry picked the most useful resources for your fourth trimester so that you don't have to waste precious hours searching.
Article - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
How to Use Not Another Onesie: Find the Best Pregnancy, Birth & Postpartum Support in Australia
At Not Another Onesie, we’ve created a beautiful, easy-to-use space to help you access the best pregnancy and postpartum support in Australia, from doulas and physios to lactation consultants, sleep guides, and emotional wellbeing tools. This is your step-by-step guide to using our site, finding your village, and getting the kind of care that truly supports you.
Article - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood
Do I Need a Postpartum Doula? Here’s What They Really Do
"Do I Really Need This?" It’s a question so many new mums ask, often in the quiet chaos of the fourth trimester. “Do I actually need a postpartum doula? Isn’t that a bit... extra?” When your body is sore, your hormones are surging, and you’re running on fragments of sleep, it’s not about luxury, it’s about being held while you hold your baby. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, touched out, or just bone-tired, this blog is your starting point. Let’s demystify the role of a postpartum doula and help you decide if they’re the kind of support you’re craving.
Article - Kylee Shepherd (Ma Wisdom)
Keeping the Village Strong: How Modern Grandparent Workshops Support Families
Becoming a parent doesn’t just change your life; it reshapes the whole family. As new mums navigate sleepless nights, identity shifts, and the steep learning curve of parenthood, their own parents are experiencing a transition too. That’s where modern grandparent workshops come in. Across Australia, these programs are helping families strengthen connection, understanding, and boundaries so that everyone, parents, grandparents, and babies, can thrive together.
eBook - Louise Barton + Elisha Wildblood (Not Another Onesie)
Mama’s Guide to Prepping for Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond
Mama’s Guide to Prepping for Birth, Pregnancy & Postpartum is your ultimate pregnancy and postpartum guide designed to help you feel informed, supported, and ready for every stage of motherhood. Covering key topics for each trimester, birth preferences, a hospital bag checklist, breastfeeding tips, and essential postpartum care, this downloadable PDF is packed with expert-backed advice and practical tools.