Mental health and emotional support
Find support services for the emotional challenges of having a baby, as well as help with your relationships and support if you’ve lost a baby.
Where to get help
It’s common to feel a range of different emotions when dealing with the challenges of having and raising a child, including:
- anxiety
- depression
- frustration
- stress
- a loss of identity.
It’s important to get support if those feelings don’t go away on their own.
Beyond Blue offers emotional health and wellbeing resources for new parents and carers. You can also call their helpline on 1300 22 46 36 for 24-hour support.
You can also get information and support at:
- PANDA on 1300 726 306 if you have postpartum depression or are experiencing anxiety and depression during pregnancy
- ForWhen helpline on 1300 24 23 22 for free mental health support and help accessing local services for expectant and new parents
- COPE for emotional support before and after having a baby
- Mensline Australia on 1300 78 99 78 for 24-hour professional counselling and support for men for family and relationship issues
- Transcultural Mental Health Centre provides translated mental health resources in over 40 languages
- Miracle Babies Foundation or call 1300 622 243 for 24-hour support for families with premature and sick newborns.
Relationship support
Having a baby can put pressure on your relationship with your partner and family. You can find information, resources and services at:
- Raising Children for information on developing and maintaining healthy relationships for parents and partners
- Relationships Australia NSW or call 1300 364 277 for relationship services, including counselling and education programs
- Stepfamilies Australia for information, support and education for step and blended families.
Support if you’ve lost a baby
You can find information, advice and support for families affected by miscarriage, stillbirth or the loss of a child at:
- Red Nose on 1300 308 307 for a 24-hour grief and loss support line
- Sands on 1300 072 637 for 24-hour support
- Stillbirth Foundation Australia for information and resources
- The Pink Elephants Support Network for miscarriage information and support.