Mental health support for new and expectant parents

While having a baby is thought of as a happy and exciting time, it can also feel quite overwhelming. As a new or expectant parent, you may be anxious, stressed, struggling with sleep or feeling more tearful than usual. You may have a long term health condition that is being impacted by pregnancy. Or you might be someone's partner and just need someone to talk to.

Difficulties new and expectant parents may experience

It's completely normal to not be feeling as happy and able to cope as you thought you would. During pregnancy and as new parents you may be feeling:

  • Sad and low, or tearful for no apparent reason
  • Anxious
  • Hopeless about the future
  • Tired and unable to cope
  • Irritable and angry
  • Guilty

You may also have intrusive or worrying thoughts and be struggling emotionally at this time, which can happen to anyone. It's important for you to know that experiencing these feelings doesn't mean that you are failing as a parent. You're dealing with a life-changing event and we all need some support sometimes. 

How can TALKWORKS help?

TALKWORKS is Devon's NHS talking therapies service, and our services are available free of charge to adults (age 18+) across Devon. All of our therapists are accredited NHS clinicians, who are here to listen and help.

We offer a wide range of treatment and therapy options for new and expectant parents, as well as their partners. Our NHS clinicians will listen to what you are going through, and work with you to help you to feel better. You do not need to hit 'rock bottom' or see a GP to access our services. The sooner that you contact us, the quicker you'll begin to feel better.

"I felt incredibly isolated, and at some points, angry at my husband and my baby because of what was happening to me. I knew that TALKWORKS offered support for expectant mums who might be struggling. Being able to speak to someone who wasn't trying to offer unsolicited advice and wasn't judging me felt like a huge relief."