Ways to care for your emotional wellbeing

Learn about how to look after your emotional wellbeing before, during and after your pregnancy.

Your wellbeing is important for you and your baby

Taking care of yourself isn’t just good for you, it also helps your baby. When you feel well and supported, you can give your baby the care and attention they need. In the first few years, your baby is learning so much about the world and how relationships work. They notice how you respond to them and learn from it. When you feel well, it helps you to comfort, play, and connect with your baby in ways that help them feel safe. That's why looking after your emotional wellbeing is important.

You can do small things to help your wellbeing, even when you don't have much time or energy. Whatever works for you and feels manageable is enough.

Ways to support your wellbeing can include:

talking about how you're feeling with people you trust
trying to keep doing the things you enjoy
connecting with others
taking part in activities in your local area or online
staying as active as possible and getting out in nature – even a walk around the block can help
trying to keep your sleep routine as consistent as you can
nourishing your body with fresh food and water
learning about baby care by attending local child health appointments and classes
using the support services available to you, like health professionals and community groups.

You can learn more about some of the emotions and changes you might feel and how to manage them in:

Managing change: A guide for pregnancy and new parenthood on the PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Australia)
the taking care of mum video on the Children's Health Queensland site.

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.'

Getting ready for pregnancy

Getting ready for pregnancy may feel exciting, but it’s also normal to have some worries about becoming a parent – even before you’re pregnant. Looking after your mental health and wellbeing before pregnancy is just as important as during and after.

Things that can cause stress before pregnancy include:

trying to get pregnant or experiencing infertility or pregnancy loss
worrying about your physical and mental health
screening for medical issues you're concerned about
planning for life with a child
worrying about your living situation, money, work and relationships.

There are places you can get support if you're going through these issues.

Support when you're trying to have a baby

The Gidget Foundation has lots of advice to help you manage your emotional wellbeing when you're planning for a baby.

The ForWhen website has help and advice for people trying to get pregnant or experiencing infertility. The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) has information to support families who have experienced any type of pregnancy or infant loss.

You can read about preconception health for women and men on the Pregnancy Birth and Baby website. You can also talk to your GP for advice. They can either answer any questions or concerns you have or refer you to someone else who can help.

You can get specific advice about housing and your finances on the Queensland Government website.

During pregnancy

There's no such thing as a perfect pregnancy. It's normal to feel anxious and unsure at times.

Some things that might impact your wellbeing while you're pregnant can include:

worrying about how you and your partner will cope with a new baby
experiencing health issues and complications
previous pregnancy loss or birth trauma
thinking about your experience of being parented and how you'll parent your baby
changes to your body
worrying about housing, work, childcare and money
changes in your relationships and communication.

These worries might make you feel like you're alone, but it's important to know a lot of other parents feel like you do. If these worries are getting too much, it's important to talk to someone you trust. You can talk to your midwife or GP or call the PANDA helpline. The ForWhen helpline can put you in touch with support services in your area.

Pregnancy wellbeing tips

Learn about what to expect – parent websites can be a good source of information.
Remember that what you see on social media isn't always the same as real life.
Go to antenatal classes and meet other pregnant people.
Talk to your partner and family about plans for support and help once the baby arrives.
Find out about financial support you might be eligible for.

There's more advice about how to look after yourself in pregnancy on the COPE website.

When your baby arrives

Having a baby is a big adjustment. It's normal to feel lots of different emotions, and it can even feel overwhelming at times.

Some things that might impact your wellbeing once your baby's born can include:

worries about your baby's health and safety
having the confidence to know when something isn't right
sleeping, feeding and settling the baby
traumatic memories about the birth
expectations of parenthood not matching how things are
relationship changes
different ideas about how to care for your baby than your partner or family
feeling isolated or lonely
supporting your other children to adjust to their new sibling
ongoing physical impacts from pregnancy and birth.

It can feel isolating to have these worries, but you don't need to feel alone. It's important to talk to someone you trust. The ForWhen helpline can also put you in touch with support services in your area.

Wellbeing tips for early parenting

Think about what type of support is most helpful and ask someone close to you if they can help.
Try to keep doing things you enjoy and resting when you can.
Experiment with trying activities that you and your baby can enjoy together.
Find parent groups in your area or online to connect with parents of similar aged children.
Find trusted sources of information on baby health and wellbeing – the Raising Children Network is a great place to start.

You can read more about adjusting to parenthood and how you might feel on the COPE website.

The Queensland Government has advice about where you can access drop-in services and child health clinics and parent groups and exercise classes.

Talk to someone

If you're at all concerned about any thoughts or feelings you're having it's a great idea to talk to a health professional. They can help you understand and manage how you're feeling. They can also help you find the right support if you need it.

You can get support at any time – it doesn't need to be for a severe problem. It's never too early to talk to someone. Try to be open and honest about how you're feeling so that you get the help that will work for you. Learn more about what to expect if you're thinking about getting support.

You can find a support service on our perinatal service directory.

In a crisis or emergency

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

Last updated:: 15 September 2026