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Help and Support

Everyone has increased needs after the birth of a baby. These can be thought of in two groups: the increased practical workload and an increased need to confide our feelings and experiences. We usually turn first to the people near us: our partners, our parents and our friends.

Compare Dad's Answers Mum's Answers Shade the boxes to indicate how well supported you feel you are at present. Click anywhere in the rows below to indicate how well supported you feel. Practical assistance Opportunities to confide      Unsupported  Well Supported       Unsupported  Well Supported      Partner   Own parents   Friends The emptier boxes give you a hint as to what to do first to have these needs met better. Shade the boxes to indicate how well supported you feel you are at present. Click anywhere in the rows below to indicate how well supported you feel. Practical assistance Opportunities to confide      Unsupported  Well Supported       Unsupported  Well Supported      Partner   Own parents   Friends The emptier boxes give you a hint as to what to do first to have these needs met better. Shade the boxes to indicate how well supported you feel you are at present. Click anywhere in the rows below to indicate how well supported you feel. Practical assistance Opportunities to confide      Unsupported    Well Supported       Unsupported    Well Supported      Partner   Own parents   Friends The emptier boxes give you a hint as to what to do first to have these needs met better.

Learning from your answers

Families and old friends are vital, but we also need new friends. Mothers' groups or playgroups can increase your sense of connection to others and help your baby learn how to make friends.

You may also need to think about professionals whom you might not have needed before, such as a family doctor, a maternal and child health nurse, and a local pharmacist, as well as someone who might care for your baby so that you can do some separate adult activities. It's often easier to pay for practical assistance like household cleaning or babysitting than for emotional support.

However, consulting a professional person who specialises in the emotional needs of parents of young children can be helpful in this new life phase. This is most likely to be needed if your own early life was difficult and you do not want to repeat these patterns with your own children. Your family doctor is the best person to ask about who provides this service in your area.