Looking after yourself

As a new parent it is important to make time for your own needs, and to look after your emotional, physical, mental and social health and wellbeing. Doing so will help ensure you are in the best position to care for your baby.

For some people, ADHD symptoms may present challenges during pregnancy and early parenthood, while many parents describe positive aspects of neurodivergence.

Using alcohol and drugs can impact on the health, growth, development and safety of your baby and other children in a number of ways.

Some autistic expectant parents report feeling empowered, strong and capable during pregnancy. For others, communication challenges and unmet sensory needs can mean they fail to receive proper care during this time.

Abuse or family violence in early parenthood is known to increase. Learn what this is and where you can go if you are experiencing abuse or violence - particularly if you have a baby or other children in your care.

One of the things we are often unaware of and unprepared for, is loneliness in early parenthood.

Parental burnout falls somewhere between stress and depression, and sufferers can experience symptoms of physical and emotional exhaustion.

Tips to help cope with the emotion that many parents often experience, which might be described as ‘mother’s guilt’, ‘mummy guilt’ or ‘parents’ guilt’. 

The impacts of past abuse or trauma can be significant and long-lasting, and memories can resurface in pregnancy and/or early parenthood.

Strategies to help manage stress in early parenthood that many new parents have found helpful when facing struggles and challenges.

In the early days and months of parenthood, many single parents find themselves feeling more overwhelmed than other new parents.