Support & Care for New Parents

There is no shortage of hard moments in parenthood. And there is no shortage of people who want to help you through them.

This page is a carefully considered collection of Australian support services, communities and resources — for the moments when you need more than you have right now. Whether that's someone to talk to, a professional to lean on, or simply knowing what exists — this is a place to start.

Immediate support

PANDA

Perinatal mental health support for parents during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Call 1300 726 306

Lifeline

24/7 crisis support and suicide prevention

Call 13 11 14

Beyond Blue

Mental health counselling and wellbeing support

Call 1300 22 46 36

A note from me

I built this page because I know what it feels like to need support and not know where to find it.

Parenthood can be quietly devastating sometimes — even when you love it. Even when you wanted it. The weight of it can creep up in ways you don't expect, and by the time you realise you're struggling, reaching out can feel like the hardest thing in the world.

I've been there. And I've also been on the other side of it — where the right support changed everything.

If you're here because something feels heavy right now, I hope this page makes that first step a little easier. These are the services I'd point you to. They are here for exactly this.

With love,
Kate x

Support for mum

PANDA

Australia-wide

Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia. Confidential helpline, online resources and professional support for parents experiencing anxiety, depression or emotional overwhelm during pregnancy and early parenthood.

Mum for mum

Australia-wide

A peer support program connecting mothers with other mummas who have walked a similar path. Sometimes it helps most to talk to someone who truly gets it.

Gidget Foundation

Australia-Wide

Free psychological support, emotional wellbeing programs and specialist care for expectant and new parents experiencing anxiety, depression or emotional challenges.

Caring Mums

Melbourne-based

One-on-one support from a trained volunteer mother — gentle, consistent care during pregnancy and early motherhood, in person or virtually.

Support for Parters & support people

PANDA

Australia-wide

Support for parents and partners experiencing anxiety, depression or emotional overwhelm during pregnancy and early parenthood. PANDA is for dads and partners too.

sms4dads

Australia-wide

Free, research-based text message support for dads and partners during pregnancy and the early days — including grief and loss.

DadBooster

Australia-wide

A world-first online program designed specifically for fathers navigating the emotional challenges of early parenthood — practical resources, mental health support and connection.

Worth talking to your GP about

Some of the most helpful support available requires a conversation with your GP first — and that conversation is always worth having. Let them know how you're really going.

  • Mums Matter Psychology — bulk-billed perinatal psychology for mums, dads and partners, from conception to four years postpartum. Telehealth available nationally
  • Early Parenting Centres (Sleep School) — residential and day programs supporting families with sleep, settling and feeding. Ask your GP or maternal child health nurse which centres are available in your state
  • Mental Health Care Plan — if you're struggling, a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP gives you access to subsidised sessions with a psychologist. You don't need to be in crisis to ask for one

Beyond the baby years

Support doesn't stop when the newborn phase does. As your child grows, so do the challenges — behaviour, emotions, routines, and the everyday complexity of raising small humans.

Triple P Parenting

Australia-wide

A parenting program designed to support families through different stages of childhood with practical, evidence-based guidance.

Triple P offers tools and support for managing behaviour, building confidence as a parent, and creating calmer, more connected family dynamics.

Visit Triple P Parenting

Raising Children Network

Australia-wide

A trusted online resource offering practical, expert-backed guidance across every stage of parenting — from toddlers to teens.

Raising Children Network provides support for everyday parenting challenges, child development, routines, wellbeing, and family life in a calm, accessible way.

Visit Raising Children Network

You don't need to have it all together to ask for help.
You don't need to be in crisis for support to be appropriate.
You don't need to carry this quietly.

One conversation. One appointment. One small step.

That's enough for today.

If you're struggling, you are not alone.

With love,

Kate x