Wellbeing and self-care
Self-care tips for new parents
We know that the stress, interrupted sleep and 24-hour demands can take their toll. But they become more manageable when we are able to care for and nurture ourselves too.
Some aspects of self-care are covered here, including sleep, diet, exercise, time out and social supports.
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.
Connecting with your baby
It takes time to build a connection
Becoming a parent is one of the biggest changes you’ll ever experience. Like any new relationship, it can take time to build a connection with your baby.
Parent and baby care plan
Practical tools for stressful moments
If you find yourself getting frustrated or overwhelmed whilst parenting, this parent and baby care plan will give you some simple but effective tools to manage stressful moments.
Articles for new parents
Information for new dads
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.
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.
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).