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Support for new parents

Becoming a parent is one the biggest physical and emotional transitions you will ever make in your life.

Adjusting to parenthood.

Looking after a newborn is a steep learning curve, and even parents who find the transition relatively straightforward can experience feelings of stress, exhaustion and overwhelmed.

Adjusting to the changes in your normal routine and sleepless nights as you learn to look after your baby are difficult both emotionally and physically. Many parents also experience mixed emotions as your sense of identity changes and feelings of loss at losing your old life. Losing things like career, exercise, free time and spontaneity.

However, if you’re experiencing a low mood, overwhelming, or distressing thoughts and feelings that affect your wellbeing and ability to function in daily life, you may be experiencing perinatal anxiety or depression.

Talking to others about what you’re experiencing, reaching out for help or seeking treatment or advice from a health professional can help you adjust to the changes of parenthood and really enjoy life with your new baby.

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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.

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Information and support for Dads

Your relationship with your partner will change as you adjust to becoming parents. Many new dads experience some trouble adjusting to parenthood, and you might be unsure if the mental and emotional load of parenthood has become something more serious.

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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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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.