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HomeCaring for myself and my baby

Caring for myself and my baby

Information for growing families.

Expecting and new parents in Australia come from all types of family units, and all cultures. Growing families are increasingly blended due to separation and new relationships, and you may be caring for multiple children, grandparents, and other family members.

When you’re caring for a baby, it can be hard to find time in the day to be part of all family activities and find time for yourself too. Coming up with some self-care ideas for the whole family can be a good idea when you have a new baby.

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Self-care
The whole family
Managing sleep
Self-care

Self-care: Parents and infants

Self-care is not just good for you, it’s also good for your baby. Looking after your physical, mental, emotional and social health needs may help you to feel more supported and less stressed as you become a parent.

Self-care: Parents and infants
The whole family

Caring for the whole family

Coming up with some self-care ideas for the whole family can be a good idea when you are expecting a baby or are a new parent. Read some ideas for connecting with your family and supporting your family's wellbeing.

Managing sleep

Sleep and your mental health

Sleep deprivation can be one of the most challenging parts of being a new parent. Read strategies to manage the juggle of early parenthood and your wellbeing.

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PANDA CHATBOT

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Meet Dot. They’re here to support you to explore your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.

Mental health checklist

How are you going?

Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges. Our mental health checklist can help you to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be reason to seek help.

Checklist for

Expecting Mums
Expecting Dads and Non-birth Parents
New Mums
New Dads and Non-birth Parents
Partners and Carers
PANDA National Helpline

Find someone to talk to, Monday to Saturday.

1300 726 306

Call 000 for police and ambulance if you or someone else are in immediate danger

Talk with friends or family

Consider talking about how you are feeling with someone you trust. This might be a friend or family member. Once you starting talking you might be surprised at how many others have had similar experiences and the support they can provide you.

Talk with your doctor

Talking with your doctor can be an important step to getting the help you need. They should be able to give you non-judgemental support, assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing care and treatment. They can also refer you to specialists such as a counsellor, psychologist or psychiatrist.

Get help now

If you are having suicidal thoughts or are feeling disorientated it’s important to get help immediately. PANDA is not a crisis service, if you need immediate support call Lifeline 13 11 14 (24/7).

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While PANDA has exercised due care in ensuring the accuracy of the material contained on this website, the information is made available on the basis that PANDA is not providing professional advice on a particular matter. This website is not a substitute for independent professional advice. Nothing contained in this website is intended to be used as medical advice, nor should it be used as a substitute for your own health professional's advice.

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How are you going?

Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges. Our mental health checklist can help you to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help.