Whether you’re an expecting parent, a new parent, or growing your family, you’re probably facing a tidal wave of new emotions and experiences. To navigate the exhilarating highs to the complex lows, it’s important to have tools in place to support your mental well-being through it all. In this post, we’ll talk about how to build your own village of support, engage compassionate professionals, and who to call when things get tough.
01 Build your village
Who makes up your village? List out any family members, friends, colleagues, and community groups that you can rely on for emotional support, advice, or just to grab a (decaf) coffee with when you’re feeling isolated.
Regular dates in your diary can also give you vital connection points — think local mother’s groups or fitness classes. At The Wellness Boutique, we offer welcoming Pregnancy Pilates and Mums & Bubs Pilates classes led by a trained women’s health physio. Our classes offer a strictly no judgement zone and are a great way to connect with other mums in the same boat as you.
No one should go through the monumental journey of pregnancy and parenthood alone. Your mental health will thank you for setting up a network of people who genuinely care for you and are there when you need a helping hand or a listening ear.
02 Engage compassionate professionals
Mental health isn’t just about emotional wellbeing — it’s also linked to your physical state. For this, you’ll want the guidance of professionals who specialise in women’s health, pregnancy, and postpartum.
At The Wellness Boutique, we’re proud to support women through each stage of the journey in our Bump & Beyond program. This service offers women three one-to-one appointments strategically scheduled at critical milestones in your pregnancy and postpartum journey.
From preparing your body for birth to navigating the changes that come afterwards, we’ve got you and your blossoming belly covered! It’s all about helping you manage changes and recover with confidence. To learn more, check out Bump & Beyond.
03 Don’t hesitate to ask for help
We know that asking for help can be tough. But ignoring signs of stress, anxiety, or depression won’t make them go away. It’s okay to seek professional support beyond your immediate circle.
Amazing organisations like PANDA are always on hand to support the mental health and well-being of expecting, new, and growing families. PANDA offers a range of information, services and programs to support you through pregnancy and your baby’s first year.
Honest and compassionate conversations about perinatal mental health are life-changing. If you have concerns about yourself or someone you love, call the PANDA National Helpline (Monday to Saturday) 1300 726 306 or explore free resources via panda.org.au.
The journey of becoming and being a parent is a beautiful one, but it’s also perfectly normal to find it overwhelming at times. Remember, you can’t care for others if you’re not caring for yourself—no one can pour from an empty cup. Build your village, don’t shy away from seeking professional guidance, and know when to ask for specialised help.
