How to find trusted advice

There is a lot of advice available for new parents. Often, well-meaning family and friends will tell you that what you’re feeling is normal. But you know if you need help.

If you don’t know what to do or you just don’t feel right, you should seek support. There is no need to feel ashamed or embarrassed.

Parents who often need extra support include very young parents, first-time parents, single parents, or parents whose families are far away. There are plenty of places where you can find advice, support and companionship in these circumstances.

The internet is a good place to find information. However, make sure you only follow advice that is based on evidence or expert opinion and is written by a credible organisation (like a university, government department or health institution). Advice on the internet is no substitute for advice from a healthcare professional.

Some trusted sources you can go to for advice and support include:

• Your GP or healthcare provider.
• Your local maternal and child health clinic: The services clinics provide vary from state to state, but they will generally offer free check-ups, specialist services and support. Your GP, library or state health department will advise you on how to find your local clinic.
• A mothers’ group: You may be assigned to a mothers' group by your hospital, through your antenatal classes or by the maternal and child health clinic. Or you can find a local support group through the Australian Breastfeeding Association.

Visiting a website or calling a phone line

• Pregnancy, Birth and Baby: 1800 882 436 (free call), 7 days, and video call.
• Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia (PANDA): 1300 726 306, Mon to Fri, 9am - 7:30pm AEST. Support for post and antenatal depression and anxiety.
• Australian Breastfeeding Association: National Breastfeeding Helpline: 1800 MUM 2 MUM (or 1800 686 268), 24 hours / 7 days. Australia’s leading authority on breastfeeding.
• Raising Children Network: Articles and information about all aspects of parenting.
• Lifeline: 13 11 14, 24 hours / 7 days. Crisis support and suicide prevention.
• MensLine: 1300 78 99 78, 24 hours / 7 days. Telephone and online support for men.
• Relationships Australia: 1300 364 277. Relationship support services.
• Parentline ACT: (02) 6287 3833, 9am - 5pm AEST.
• Parent Line NSW: 1300 1300 52, Mon to Fri, 9am - 9pm / weekends, 4pm - 9pm.
• Parentline Queensland and Northern Territory: 1300 30 1300, 7 days, 8am - 10pm.
• Parent Helpline South Australia: 1300 364 100, 7 days, 7.15am - 9.15pm.
• Parent Line Tasmania: 1300 808 178, 24 hours / 7 days.
• Parentline Victoria: 13 22 89, 7 days, 8am - 12am.
• Ngala Parenting Line WA: 08) 9368 9368 (metro) or 1800 111 546 (Regional), 7 days, 8am - 8pm.
• Karitane Careline: 1300 227 464. Education and support.
• Tresillian Parent Helpline: 1300 272 736 (1300 2Parent), 7 days, From 7am.
• Services Australia