I’m a new parent
Becoming a new parent can be full of different emotions and worries, but we are here to support.
We’re here to help with mental health support for new parents. Even if you’re not a Bupa customer, we offer advice on parenting and mental health.
Congratulations on your new baby
While some people barely break their stride when they become a new parent, for many there are real struggles and challenges – and lots of self-doubt. It’s important to realise that these feelings are normal.
But if those feelings become overwhelming, they could lead to a mental health problem like depression or anxiety. We want you to really enjoy being a new parent, so we’ve put together some expert advice to help you look after your mental health. And don’t hesitate to reach out for professional help if you need it.
Mental health support for new parents
Postpartum mental health
New parents during the COVID pandemic may have had less support than they would have had in normal times, contributing to poor mental health. So after the birth of your child, you might experience recognised conditions such as postpartum anxiety, depression, OCD, or even psychosis or PTSD.
Coping with postnatal depression
Just when you feel like you ought to be on cloud nine, you may be feeling miserable. Postpartum depression is a recognised condition and it can be treated successfully with the right support. This article offers information and advice about the causes and symptoms of this condition.
Exercising during and after pregnancy
As long as you’ve been healthy and had no problems during birth, and as long as your doctor or midwife says it's okay, you can go back to gentle exercises within a few days of having your baby.
Don’t try to do too much, though – a gentle walk is a good place to start, and it can help your mental health, too. You can build up from there.
Breastfeeding for new mums
Wanting to breastfeed? If you need help, ask your midwife, health visitor or GP. There’s also lots of advice in our article about breastfeeding. And remember that while it’s good for your baby, it’s also good for you as a new mum.
Relax and be an ‘imperfect parent’
When you have a new baby, it’s not easy to deal with all the demands on your time and energy. Like every new parent, you may feel anxious at times about how you’re doing. No one gets it right 100% of the time, so try to accept that and enjoy being an imperfect parent!
Find Bupa-recognised mental health professionals near you
Our Finder tool lets you browse the directory of Bupa-recognised consultants, psychologists, therapists, counsellors and other professionals.
You don’t need to be a Bupa health insurance customer to see them, just make your own appointment and pay independently.
Mental health support for new parents from Bupa’s experts
You’ll find a wide range of help with parenting and mental health on our website.
If you’re in a crisis or just need some help, don’t hesitate. Here are some really helpful organisations that you can turn to for support.
Samaritans
When life is difficult, Samaritans are here – day or night, 365 days a year. Whoever you are and whatever you’re facing, they won’t judge you or tell you what to do. They’re there to listen so you don’t have to face it alone.
Call free day or night on
116 123 (UK and ROI)
Mind
Mind is a charity dedicated to mental health. They exist to make sure no one has to face a mental health problem alone. They’ll listen to you and offer support and advice.
0300 123 3393
Lines open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday, except for bank holidays
Young Minds
YoungMinds is the UK’s leading charity for children’s and young people's mental health. You can text Crisis Messenger for free 24/7 and get support from trained volunteers who are supervised by experienced clinicians. Texts are free from most major mobile networks.
For urgent help, text YM to 85258
Mental Health Foundation
This charity helps people understand, protect and sustain their mental health. The ‘Your mental health’ section has lots of useful content, including podcasts about mindfulness and overcoming anxiety.
Rethink Mental Illness
Rethink offers crisis and recovery services, advocacy, online resources, support groups and much more. Each year, they help tens of thousands of people manage their mental wellbeing.
0300 5000 927
Lines open 10am to 2pm Monday to Friday
Mental health support as part of Bupa health insurance
I’m already a Bupa health insurance customer
If mental health is included in your Bupa health insurance, we may be able to refer you to a consultant or therapist, and you may not even have to see your GP first†. Or we can put you through to one of our mental health nurses.
0808 296 4375^
^Calls may be recorded and to maintain the quality of our service we may monitor some of our calls, always respecting the confidentiality of the call.
I’m not a Bupa customer, but I’d like to find out more about health insurance
If you’re looking for mental health support as part of a broader health insurance policy, we can look after you, your family, or your business.
†Any onward referrals for consultations, tests or treatment are subject to the benefits and exclusions of your cover. For example, if your cover excludes conditions you had before your cover started, we may ask for further information from your GP. Please check your guide and certificate for further details or contact us to check your eligibility.
Bupa health insurance is provided by Bupa Insurance Limited. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3956433. Bupa Insurance Limited is authorised by the Prudential Regulation Authority and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority and the Prudential Regulation Authority.
Arranged and administered by Bupa Insurance Services Limited, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Registered in England and Wales with registration number 3829851. Registered office: 1 Angel Court, London, EC2R 7HJ.
© Bupa 2024
