Finding the right support
Information to help you find the mental health support you need as a new parent.
New parenthood can be an exciting and challenging time
Here you can learn more about finding the mental health support you need as a new parent.
Getting help
Support after birth
If you’re a new parent worried about your emotional and mental wellbeing, it’s important to seek support from a trusted health professional.
We recommend you see your doctor first, but it’s also a great idea to speak with other health professionals like your midwife or obstetrician for information and advice.
Talking to your doctor
Tips and what to expect
If you're expecting a baby, and you’re worried about how you’re feeling, then talking to your doctor can be a good place to start. Read our tips for finding a doctor, sharing your concerns and what to expect from a consultation.
Articles for new parents
Mental health checklist
How are you going?
Everyone’s experience of pregnancy, birth and parenting is unique and brings different rewards and challenges.
Complete our online mental health checklist to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help.
Information for dads
Childbirth trauma and recovery
If your birth experience has caused you distress
We know that up to 1 in 3 mums experience the birth of their baby as traumatic. This trauma can result from what happens during labour and childbirth, but also how a mum feels about her birthing experience. Learn more at the link below.
Postnatal psychosis
Professional help is available
Postnatal psychosis is a rare but serious mental health condition that occurs after someone has given birth. In many situations the decision to seek treatment for postnatal psychosis will fall to the mother’s partner or family and close support people. It can be hard for a woman’s support people to take this step, but postnatal psychosis requires urgent medical attention.
Wellbeing for LGBTIQIA+ families
Finding safe, inclusive support
All expecting and new parents deserve inclusive, appropriate support for their wellbeing – including LGBTIQA+ parents.
Stories
PANDA CHATBOT
Chat to Dot
Meet Dot. They’re here to support you to explore your mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy and as a new parent.
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).