Where to find support for new parents-to-be

Parents-to-be, you are not alone. Support (and friendship) is only a click away.

2 min read 100%

Where to find support for new parents-to-be

Parents-to-be, you are not alone. Support (and friendship) is only a click away.

2 min read 100%

Support for new parents

Whether you are looking for specialist help, medical reassurance, or just a listening ear and a virtual cup of tea, there are always people to help. We’ve curated a list of support for new parents to share.

Parenting classes and communities

Parenting classes can be a great way to meet new people, and also calm those first-time parent nerves we all experience. There’s no shame in asking for a bit of guidance. Here are a few places you can reach out to:

  • National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
    For antenatal courses and the chance to make local friendships that can last a lifetime

  • Action for Children
    Judgement-free advice and emotional support from parenting coaches

  • Bounty
    Pregnancy week-by-week, online support, parenting community and special offers

  • MumsMeetUp
    Connecting mums locally and across the UK

Phone and online helplines for parenting support

If you’re finding it tricky to talk to people face-to-face, why not seek parenting support online or through the phone?

Health Advice for new parents

Health and pregnancy can be scary. But, there is support available for those who need it. Here are a few organisations offering this:

  • Asthma UK
    Advice and support for parents of children with asthma

  • National Eczema Society
    Help and information for eczema sufferers, from newborn to adulthood

  • Pregnancy Sickness Support
    Support network is for sufferers of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and their carers

  • British Skin Foundation
    UK charity funding research into all types of skin disease, offering support and information

  • The Lullaby Trust
    The Trust raises awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, offers support for bereaved families and advice on safer sleep for babies

Mental Health during pregnancy

Taking care of your mental health during pregnancy is just as important as maintaining your physical health. The below organisations can offer you mental health support throughout your pregnancy.

  • Anxiety UK
    Helpline services, courses, groups and free resources

  • MIND
    Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem

  • Maternal Mental Health Alliance
    Expert support with mums and babies in mind

Allergies

Whether you’re experiencing allergies during pregnancy, or it’s your new baby who is experiencing an allergy, there is support and advice available for yout through the following organisation:

  • Allergy UK
    Providing support, advice and information for those living with allergic disease

Bedwetting

Bedwetting can be inconvenient and frustrating, but there are products and information that can help you and your child beat this phase. Or, maybe there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Find out more at the below resources.

  • Huggies® DryNites®
    Head here for product solutions and information about Huggies® DryNites® pyjama pants and bed mats. You’ll also find plenty of articles here that offer support and advice.

  • ERIC
    The children's bowel and bladder charity

Government bodies and benefits

Sometimes, the only thing holding someone back from enjoying their new pregnancy is the daunting wonder of how they are going to afford it. But, there is financial support for new parents. Information and how to apply can be found below.

This content should not substitute medical advice from your personal healthcare provider. Please consult your healthcare provider for recommendations/diagnosis or treatment.

Contributors

Sally J Hall Parenting editor, journalist & author

Was this helpful?

For every step of your parenting journey.

5 min

What is the pregnancy glow?

You’re pregnant and people keep telling you how great you look! Welcome to the pregnancy glow. Learn about the science behind the phenomenon.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 4 min

When can you feel your baby move and kick?

Those first noticeable flutters are magic! Parenting editor Sally J Hall explains when you will first feel your baby move and what to expect.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
78% 5 min

Your 12-week Scan: What to Expect

Your 12-week ultrasound scan is a chance to see your baby for the very first time! Parenting expert Sally J Hall explains what to expect.
Sonya Brear Sonya Brear
100% 4 min

Can You Dye Your Hair During Pregnancy?

Highlights? Waxing? Gel nails? Midwife Sonya Brear discusses which beauty treatments are safe while pregnant.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
91% 5 min

Foods to avoid when pregnant

Need to know what you can and can’t eat during pregnancy? Here’s the latest.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
86% 4 min

10 ways to sleep better in pregnancy

Sally J Hall finds ways to make sleeping with a bump good for both of you.
2 min

When is the best time to tell people you're pregnant?

Whether your pregnancy has been long-planned - or a bit of a surprise - you'll want to tell friends and family. But when and how should you announce your pregnancy news?
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 4 min

Morning Sickness: When It Starts and Why

You’re pregnant. Such joy! Except you can’t move for nausea. Parenting editor Sally J Hall finds the answers to your frequently asked questions about this common pregnancy condition.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 5 min

Skin care during pregnancy guide

It’s not uncommon to find that your skin changes due to pregnancy. Here’s what to expect and how manage pregnant skin.
Carey Burt Carey Burt
100% 4 min

What Vitamins Should I Take When Pregnant?

Which supplements? We asked midwife Carey Burt for pregnancy vitamin advice.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 2 min

Where to find support for new parents-to-be

Parents-to-be, you are not alone. Support (and friendship) is a click away.
100% 2 min

Is it safe to go to the dentist while pregnant?

If you want to avoid tooth decay during pregnancy, you need to get those pearly whites checked by a dentist. Learn about going to the dentist when pregnant.
Sonya Brear Sonya Brear Sonya Brear Sonya Brear + 2 Others
5 min

Depression During Pregnancy: Is it Normal?

You may have heard about postnatal depression, but 12% of women suffer with depression and anxiety during pregnancy too.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 3 min

What Are Braxton Hicks Contractions?

You may have heard about a ‘practice’ contraction known as Braxton Hicks but what is this and how might it affect your pregnancy?
100% 5 min

What Happens in the First Trimester?

All you need to know about your baby, your body, and your hormones during weeks one to 12 of pregnancy.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
10 min

When Can I Start Maternity or Paternity Leave?

You’re pregnant, yay! But when to tell your employer? It’s time to find out about your maternity and paternity leave rights. We asked the questions for you.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
5 min

What Happens at the 20-Week ‘Anomaly Scan’?

The 20-week scan is also known as the ‘anomaly scan’. Find out what to expect from the 20-week scan and what it can tell you about your baby.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 6 min

Baby First Aid Kit: What to Pack and Why

We asked the experts to advise on your baby’s first aid kit essentials to have at home in case of minor injuries or illnesses. Plus, what you can treat yourself and what you’ll need help for.
Lorna Dow Lorna Dow Lorna Dow + 1 Others
89% 5 min

A realistic hospital bag checklist: what do you need to pack?

We asked NHS midwife Lorna Dow for the ultimate hospital bag checklist.
Jo Maggs Jo Maggs
75% 9 min

Preparing for Fatherhood: Advice From Dads

Buckle up dads-to-be, this is some ride! Parenting editor Jo Maggs asked the real experts to share practical and emotional advice on surviving new parenthood
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall Sally J Hall Sally J Hall + 2 Others
100% 4 min

How to nurture and improve mental health during pregnancy

Pregnancy affects heads as well as bodies. Sally J Hall looks into the advice available.
100% 10 min

Your pregnancy yoga starter guide

Whether you’ve tried pregnancy yoga before or are new to the practice, we spoke to our expert for the lowdown on the benefits of this prenatal exercise.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall Sally J Hall + 1 Others
100% 4 min

The Dos and Don’ts of Prenatal Exercise

Confused about exercise during pregnancy? You’re not alone. We did the research.
100% 6 min

Second Trimester Symptoms and Body Changes

Weary from the first trimester of pregnancy? Don’t worry, in your second trimester the chances are you’ll start feeling a whole lot better!
76% 5 min

10 Months Pregnant? Here's What to Expect

You’re in the home stretch. So just what can you expect from the last month of pregnancy? Our expert midwife Anneke Brown from Komu, explains.
100% 6 min

How to choose your birth preferences

You’ve reached the third trimester of pregnancy. Time to start thinking about the labour and birth experience you would like. Here’s how to write a flexible birth plan.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 5 min

How to calculate your pregnancy due date

Your pregnancy has been confirmed—congratulations! So, what’s the best way to work out the date of your baby’s birth?
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 8 min

Are alternative therapies safe during pregnancy?

From acupuncture to reflexology, here’s everything you need to know about alternative therapies for pregnancy.
Sally J Hall Sally J Hall
100% 6 min

Your body after pregnancy: The first six weeks

Nine months of pregnancy will see some incredible changes in your amazing body, with the greatest reward at the end. So, what happens to your body after pregnancy?
100% 3 min

Your first trimester pregnancy milestones

Weary from the first trimester of pregnancy? Don’t worry, in your second trimester the chances are you’ll start feeling a whole lot better!
100% 4 min

How to Bond With Your Baby While Pregnant

You’ve reached the third trimester of pregnancy. Time to start thinking about the labour and birth experience you would like. Here’s how to write a flexible birth plan.

Relevant themes for you

Pregnancy & Planning

Caring for your Newborn

Development & Learning

Playtime & Adventure
View more