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Caring for the whole family

Family care is worth the effort and can have immediate and long-term health and well-being benefits.

Multigenerational family sitting around pregnant mother

Beyond the parent-baby bond, many of us have lots of relationships to manage during the journey to parenthood.

These might include:

  • Your relationship with your partner (if you have one) may be adapting to your new roles as co-parents
  • Older children who are excited, yet needing support adjusting to a growing family
  • Family members with their own hopes and expectations of life with your baby
  • Family who live interstate or overseas who want to connect with you and your baby
  • Close friends (some people like to call close friends their ‘chosen family’)
  • Work colleagues and people in your broader social network

Humans are social by nature. We crave connection with others, but sometimes need a break and time alone. Finding the balance can be hard.

When you’re caring for a baby day and night, it can be hard to find time in the day to be part of all family activities. 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. 

Family care is worth the effort and can have immediate and long-term benefits for the health of your relationships.

How family care helps

1

Sole parents and co-parents

2

Partners

3

Older children

“Now that I communicate my needs with my family and loved ones, they show up for me in ways above and beyond what I ask.”

Jessica, PANDA Community Champion

Family care ideas

1

Communicate

2

Write it down

3

Ask for and accept help

4

Consider other ways of looking at things

5

Work in shifts

6

Write a To Do list

7

Family care ideas for older children

If you’d like to explore more ideas about supporting all members of your biological or “chosen family” to adjust during pregnancy and early childhood, PANDA is here.

We can help you explore many options and ideas for your family’s wellbeing.

Articles

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PANDA Community Champion story

How family care helps Jessica

"When I become aware that I need help, I will take action immediately by calling or messaging family. I take a deep breath and use the affirmation 'I give myself permission to ask for help'”.

Read more
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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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.