New Parents

Coping with a new baby can take some adjusting for new parents, you should already be familiar with your Health Visitor who is there to help answer any questions parents may have and offer support if you are finding things difficult.  Please read the information below on common issues following the birth of your baby.

Low mood after childbirth

Following the birth of your baby you may feel down or depressed, many women experience the ‘baby blues’, which can be due to the sudden hormonal changes in your body after childbirth, ‘baby blues’ are normal and will usually last a few days. Postnatal depression can affect women and many women suffer in silence. Postnatal depression usually occurs two to eight weeks following childbirth but can happen up to a year following the birth.  Let your health visitor know if you are feeling low in mood.  Click on the link below for information about the baby blues and postnatal depression.

Sex and contraception after birth

There are no rules about when to start having sex again after giving birth, this guide provides lots of information.

Sleep and tiredness following childbirth

Caring for a new baby can be really tiring as your child is likely to wake several times during the night.

Cry-sis offer experienced advice for crying and sleepless babys.

Coping with stress

Trying to cope with the demands of a new baby and everything else can be stressful, this guide provides new parents with helpful information on how to deal with stress during this time.

Keep fit and healthy

You are likely to not have much free time on your hands following the birth of your baby but it is very important that you keep yourselves fit and healthy, there is support out there to help you.

Hartlepool Children’s Centres

The children’s centres in Hartlepool provide family health and support services, early learning, advice and information for parents on a range of issues.  The Children’s Centres can offer you and your family different services.

Money and finances

If you are having problems with finances and need some support with this let your health visitor know, the following website can offer support and advice to people experiencing financial difficulties:

West View Benefits Advice Service: http://www.wvarc30.org.uk/

Hartlepool Citizens Advice Service:  https://www.citizensadvicehartlepool.org.uk/

Relationships after having a baby

Having a baby can put pressure on a relationship, but can also be a time to strengthen relationships between a couple and bring you closer together, this guide can support you.  Healthy Relationships Partnership Hartlepool can provide support to parents who are experiencing difficulties in their relationships.

If you or someone you know is experiencing abuse support is available:

• Talk to your health visitor, GP or midwife
• Women can contact the National Domestic Violence Helpline free on 0808 2000 247
• Men can contact the Men’s Advice Line free on 0808 801 0327 or ManKind on 01823 334 244
• Harbour can be contacted on 03000 20 25 25, their website is: https://www.myharbour.org.uk/
• If you are in immediate danger always call 999