Need to talk? Call 1800 882 436.
It's a free call with a maternal child health nurse. *call charges may apply from your mobile

Is it an emergency? Dial 000
If you need urgent medical help, call triple zero immediately.

beginning of content

Support for parents

4-minute read

Having a baby can be both exciting and overwhelming. Friends and family can offer a lot of advice, but most new parents will also need some outside support. Here are some trusted links to help you navigate the many services in Australia available to you.

How to find trusted advice

There is a lot of advice available for new parents. Often, well-meaning family and friends will tell you that what you’re feeling is normal. But you know if you need help.

If you don’t know what to do or you just don’t feel right, you should seek support. There is no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed.

Parents who often need extra support include very young parents, first-time parents, single parents, or parents whose families are far away. There are plenty of places where you can find advice, support and companionship in these circumstances.

The internet is a good place to find information. However, make sure you only follow advice that is based on evidence or expert opinion and is written by a credible organisation (like a university, government department or health institution). Advice on the internet is no substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.

Some trusted sources you can go to for advice and support include:

  • Your GP or healthcare provider.
  • Your local maternal and child health clinic: The services clinics provide vary from state to state, but they will generally offer free check-ups, specialist services and support. Your GP, library or state health department will advise you on how to find your local clinic.
  • A mothers’ group: You may be assigned to a mothers' group by your hospital, through your antenatal classes or by the maternal and child health clinic. Or you can find a local support group through the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Who can I call for information and advice?

National helplines for parenting and family information and support in Australia.

Visiting a website or calling a phone line

Pregnancy and parenting information and support

Mental health and relationship advice and support

  • Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306, Mon to Fri, 9am - 7:30pm AEST. Support for post and antenatal depression and anxiety.
  • ForWhen: 1300 24 23 22 (Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 4.30pm). Mental health support for expecting and new parents.
  • Gidget Foundation: online and telehealth perinatal depression and anxiety support — 1300 851 758
  • Lifeline: 13 11 14, 24 hours / 7 days. Crisis support and suicide prevention.
  • MensLine: 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days. Telephone and online support for men.
  • Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277. Relationship support services.

State and territory parenting lines

Speak to a maternal child health nurse

Call Pregnancy, Birth and Baby to speak to a maternal child health nurse on 1800 882 436 or video call. Available 7am to midnight (AET), 7 days a week.

Learn more here about the development and quality assurance of healthdirect content.

Last reviewed: September 2023


Back To Top

Need more information?

New parents

New parents can often feel fatigued and overwhelmed. Here are tips to help you navigate your way through parenthood and become the best parent you can be.

Read more on Pregnancy, Birth & Baby website

Support for new parents | NT.GOV.AU

Support groups, useful websites, health services for new parents and general information for mothers-to-be

Read more on NT Health website

Depression and anxiety in new parents

This resource explores depression and anxiety in new parents, it explores prevalence and ways that you can help.

Read more on Emerging Minds website

Pregnancy and new parents

Check out our information for new and expectant parents, covering everything from bonding with your baby to spotting the signs of anxiety and depression.

Read more on Beyond Blue website

Tips for Tired New Parents

Read more on Parent-Infant Research Institute website

Tips for New Parents | Tresillian

Your health and happiness are important for your baby’s health and wellbeing. Read our top tips to help care for yourself and your partner while looking after baby!

Read more on Tresillian website

Tips for new parents

Read more on Relationships Australia website

New parents - COPE

Centre of Perinatal Excellence

Read more on COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence website

New parents | PANDA

Support that's always there for you and your family

Read more on PANDA – Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia website

Emotional health for new parents - COPE

Centre of Perinatal Excellence

Read more on COPE - Centre of Perinatal Excellence website

Call us and speak to a Maternal Child Health Nurse for personal advice and guidance.

Need further advice or guidance from our maternal child health nurses?

Healthdirect Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, sea and community. We pay our respects to the Traditional Owners and to Elders both past and present.

This information is for your general information and use only and is not intended to be used as medical advice and should not be used to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any medical condition, nor should it be used for therapeutic purposes.

The information is not a substitute for independent professional advice and should not be used as an alternative to professional health care. If you have a particular medical problem, please consult a healthcare professional.

Except as permitted under the Copyright Act 1968, this publication or any part of it may not be reproduced, altered, adapted, stored and/or distributed in any form or by any means without the prior written permission of Healthdirect Australia.