Taking care of you

With a newborn, your wellbeing matters too.

Caring for a newborn can be wonderful but also exhausting, emotional and demanding.

Looking after yourself is just as important as looking after your baby. Support is available for you and your partner throughout the early months of parenthood.

Physical recovery

Your body needs time to recover after birth. Make sure you:

book a postnatal check with your GP
ask for help if you have pain, bleeding or concerns
speak to your midwife or GP if something doesn't feel right

Emotional wellbeing

It is common to feel tired, overwhelmed and anxious when you have a new baby.

If difficult feelings last or get stronger, support is available.

talk to your health visitor or GP
specialist perinatal mental health support is available for both parents
the little things can make all the difference - Every Mind Matters and Mind both provide practical advice specifically for parenthood
Oxfordshire's Health Visiting Service has lots of information on parents' emotional health and physical wellbeing

Getting extra support

We all have good and bad days. And remember, It's ok to not be ok.

Video: it's OK to not be OK

Small things can help everything feel more manageable.

accept offers of help
rest when you can
eat and drink regularly
be kind to yourself – you are learning something new

Resources and support

It is normal for some parents to take a while to feel attached to their new baby. If this sounds like you, discuss it with your health visitor, or you can self refer to OXPIP.

Meeting new friends and getting out and about can be a great way to build confidence and bond with your baby. Take a look at the range of activities on the Family Information Service website.

Home-Start supports families, so they don't have to face their toughest times alone. There are regional groups for Oxford, Banbury, Bicester and Chipping Norton, and southern Oxfordshire.

Parentchannel.tv hosts a collection of over 200 videos addressing day-to-day questions and concerns spanning wellbeing, behaviour and learning. Visit the Family Lives website for more support and advice.

Fit and Healthy Mums offer community-based sessions that are fun and friendly, where everyone is welcome. A chance to feel better about yourself, feel stronger and more confident.

Dad Matters provides support and resources for families, a service provided by Home-Start.

Keeping yourself safe

For anyone experiencing abuse or who feels at risk, local and national support services are available. Visit Reducing the Risk to learn more.

Warning

If you are in immediate danger, dial 999.

Pop into one of our Family Hubs

Family hubs provide ongoing support after your baby arrives, including activities, family services and opportunities to meet other parents.

Want to find out more about what comes next?

Toddlers – their development stages and what to expect. From baby to toddler.

Family Information Service

Take a look at the Family Information Service for a list of activities and groups across Oxfordshire to support your family through pregnancy. You can also find very specific support if you feel you need it.

Find parent and toddler groups.