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Are you expecting a baby, are you a new parent, or do you know someone who is?
Pregnancy and parenthood can be an exciting time, but it can also feel challenging.

As a new mum, dad, parent, or carer, it’s natural to feel a range of emotions during this time, but if difficult thoughts and feelings are starting to have a big effect on your daily life, it’s important to talk about how you are feeling.

Although you might feel unsure, there are times in all of our lives where we will need the support of others. Looking after yourself now will help you to be the parent you want to be, for your baby.

❤️ It’s ok to ask for help – your mental health is just as important as your physical health.

You can watch our short video on mental health during pregnancy and early parenthood here:

For some people, becoming a parent is the first time they notice changes in their mental health. For others, especially those who have experienced mental health challenges before, pregnancy and early parenthood can be a time when those feelings may return, or become more intense.

There are some signs that might suggest you, your partner, or an expectant or new parent you know could benefit from mental health support.

This includes:

• Feeling down, depressed, or hopeless, or that you are not enjoying being a new parent

• Feeling argumentative, irritable, or losing control

• Worrying about the past or future

• Finding it hard to sleep

• Struggling to concentrate

• Struggling to connect with, or feeling detached from your bump or baby

• Feeling guilty or blaming yourself for things

• Avoiding going out or seeing other people

• Feeling worried about your own or your baby’s health

• Worrying about food or your body image

• Nonspecific body aches and pains

• Having thoughts of wanting to harm yourself or others

If you are experiencing several of these signs on most days, please talk to someone- you could use this page to help you explain how you are feeling.

You could speak to your Midwife, Health Visitor, GP, someone at your local Family Hub, family member, friend, or find the right support for you in the link below.

If you need urgent help visit 111 online or call 111 - they can help guide you on what to do next.

Barnsley dads can download The Dad Pad app for FREE on iOS or Android to support you on your parenting journey.
DadPad - On the iOS App Store
DadPad – On Android/ Google Play

During pregnancy and early parenthood, as a dad or partner it can be easy to ignore your own needs, especially when so much focus is on your partner and baby.
Parenthood can be a big change and it’s normal to feel overwhelmed at times. You may be adjusting to a new reality or routine that’s different to what you expected, feeling unsure or not ready to return to work, or facing wider pressures such as the lack of sleep, or financial stress.

It’s important to look after yourself and your mental health too. It’s ok for you to ask for support, and you can click the above link to view local support available to you.

Maintaining good physical health before, during, and after pregnancy is very important for both mum and the baby.

🔎 Find out more:

To find out about, quitting smoking during pregnancy, maintaining a healthy weight and nutrition information, visit the

Keep Well Keep Moving page on the Virtual Family Hub here

Learn the Facts About Alcohol and Pregnancy

Curious about the effects of drinking alcohol during pregnancy and want to separate fact from fiction? Watch this informative video on YouTube

Public health have jointly commissioned the film for South Yorkshire in partnership with the Doncaster, Sheffield & Rotherham local authorities.

Having a baby is a big life event and it can be really difficult to feel able to talk openly about how you are feeling when you become a new parent. It’s natural to feel a range of emotions during pregnancy, and after birth. But if difficult feelings start to have a big effect on your day to day life, you might be experiencing a perinatal mental health problem. It's important to ask for help or support if you need it, and you're likely to find that many new parents are feeling the same way.

You can find more information on perinatal mental health from MIND here

Children thrive when they feel safe, loved and nurtured, and bonding with your baby lays the ground for children to grow up happy, independent adults.

For many parents, forming a close bond with their child comes easily, but for many others it can be much more of a struggle. Parenting can be difficult at times, but there is no such thing as a perfect parent.

The good news is that parenting skills can be learned, and Barnsley family hubs offer support to families during and after pregnancy.

You can access a range of free groups and parenting programmes at our Family Hubs. You can also access online antenatal courses for free here.

These can all be accessed by mums, dads, parents, and carers living in Barnsley.

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Mental health during pregnancy and parenthood

What signs should you look out for?

Click here to find Local Support

Information for Dads and Partners

Staying Healthy During Pregnancy

Support To Stay Well Before, During And After Your Pregnancy

Click here to find National Perinatal Mental Health Support

Why is it important to bond with your baby?

Click here to read more about bonding with baby

Click here to read more about building a relationship with your baby

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