Thinking about getting support

Talking to someone about how you're feeling can help you get the support you need.

Support can help you and your baby

Your emotional wellbeing during and after pregnancy is just as important as your physical health. Feeling good emotionally can help you connect with your baby and help them to grow and develop. It can also help you feel better and improve your wellbeing.

If you're worried about how you're feeling, speaking to someone you trust is a step toward getting the support you need.

What other parents say

Parents and partners share how getting support made a difference.

‘I now have strategies to help manage my anxious thoughts, so they don’t escalate and cause further issues.'

‘I’m more patient since receiving help and enjoy my baby’s company now.'

‘I am able to manage my stress more than before as I have learned some helpful techniques.’

‘I feel more equipped to cope with my mental health issues.’

‘Seeking help has been a very positive experience, has given me motivation to work on my mental health and parenting more proactively.'

Finding the right support

There are a lot of different people who can support parents and babies during pregnancy and in the early years. Finding help that works for you can help you feel better more quickly.

It can help to talk about what you need with:

family, friends or someone you trust in your community such as an Elder or cultural leader
GPs, midwives, obstetricians and psychiatrists
counsellors, psychologists and social workers
allied health professionals, for example a physiotherapist or occupational therapist
child health nurses
other parents who've had early parenting or emotional wellbeing challenges
community organisations that offer cultural or practical support
community or spiritual groups that support parents, for example your local playgroup
helplines and other online resources.

For example, if you need emotional support, you might ask to talk about how you feel. You can also ask for help with something practical or specific, like help around the house.

Many health professionals also offer virtual care and telehealth appointments.

Starting a conversation about how you feel

Being honest about how you're feeling can be scary. You might worry that people will judge you or feel unsure how they'll react.

Talking to someone you trust can help you open up about how you feel. Sometimes you might feel more comfortable talking to someone who doesn't know you. This may help you feel less judged about your feelings.

If you're thinking about talking to someone, understanding the kinds of feelings you might have can help you decide who to talk to. You can also talk to perinatal support services such as PANDA and ForWhen that can connect you with the right help.

It's okay to ask for support as soon as you think you might need it. You don't need to wait until things feel 'bad enough'. Many parents going through emotional challenges often say they wish they'd talked to someone sooner. Talking about your feelings can ease your worries and help you start feeling better.

Talking to a health professional

You, your baby and your family have a right to safe and respectful care when you talk to a health professional. This includes informed consent, privacy and being heard.

This means having someone who:

listens to your concerns and understands your needs
gives you information you understand
explains your options and helps you access the right care
gives you time to make decisions
answers your questions.

It's okay to ask questions and let people know what you need. You can also say no to anything you don't agree with or want.

It may be helpful to write your questions down or bring a trusted friend or family member to appointments to help you share your thoughts and feelings.

If you don't find the help you need at first, it's important to keep trying until you get the right support.

Learn more about your rights as a patient, or get help with finding and talking to a health professional on the PANDA website.

Seeking help early can help you to feel better more quickly and enjoy spending time with your baby.

In a crisis or emergency

If you're having thoughts about harming yourself or your baby, or you feel unable to cope, call:

For help with domestic, family and sexual violence call 1800 737 732. You can also talk to someone online, by text message or video call on the 1800RESPECT website.

Services that can support you

Search our directory to connect with perinatal mental health supports and services.

You can also learn about specific help for your family or circumstances.

Last updated:: 15 September 2026