Support during pregnancy and after having a baby

Becoming a new parent can be a wonderful time but can also be a really difficult time. It is natural for mothers and birthing parents to experience a range of emotions during pregnancy and after giving birth.

For some, these feelings pass but for others these difficult feelings might start to impact on day-to-day life.

We know that as many as 1 in 5 women and birthing parents experience a mental health difficulty during pregnancy or after the birth. Just like any other time in your life, you can experience different types of mental health difficulties and severity can vary. It may be a new difficulty or an episode of a difficulty you’ve experienced in the past.

If you are finding things difficult, you are not alone. Whatever the stage of your journey, there is lots of support available and a range of professionals to support you to find the right help for you. Click on the boxes below for information.

Planning for a baby

Support for people with severe mental illness who are planning to have a baby or have recently found out they are pregnant.

Pregnancy

Support for expectant mums who are feeling anxious about their pregnancy. It’s normal to feel different emotions.

Around the birth

Advice around preparing for birth, as well feelings you might experience about, before and after your baby is born.

After your baby is born

Support for women who have recently given birth or have children up to two years old, and are struggling with their emotional wellbeing.

Getting to know your baby

Support for new parents or carers who are struggling to get to know their baby and want to build a positive relationship with their child.

Videos available

Fathers, partners and co-parents

Support for dads, partners and co-parents’ mental health and the range of support available during pregnancy and after your baby is born.

Reproductive, pregnancy or neonatal loss

Mental health support for parents dealing with reproductive, pregnancy or neonatal loss, including miscarriage, still birth and fertility difficulties.

Tips for expectant and new parents

Finding ways to look after yourself, that fit in with your new responsibilities as a parent can be hard but can make a big difference to your mental health.

Videos available

Tips for family and friends

Tips for supporting those closest to you if they’ve recently find out they are expecting or have had a baby, and might be struggling with their mental health.

Marta Federczyk sat in a chair talking to Hayley Cook

Marta: From Poland to Portsmouth

Marta moved to Portsmouth 12 years ago, and gave birth to her son soon after. She talks about the emotions she felt as a first-time mum, being in a new country, meeting other mums, and the advice she would give to other parents who might be struggling with their mental health.

In English and Polish.

View Marta's story

Lacey's return to work

Lacey Ingleby is mum to 6-year-old Jenson.

She talks about the emotions she felt as a first-time mum, being diagnosed with postnatal depression after returning to work after maternity leave, and the advice she would give to other parents who might be struggling with their mental health.

View Lacey's story

Families In Mind wellbeing service

Families In Mind is a free and confidential service that supports parents in the transition to parenthood. It aims to support families experiencing mild to moderate difficulties who would like to improve coping and overcome challenges, and improve emotional wellbeing, parenting confidence and early relationships with baby.

View service