Better Health Channel
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
betterhealth.vic.gov.au Department of Health
  • Self-care strategies are activities and thoughts that help you stay in good physical and mental health. Practise self-care anytime, including when your child is sleeping or when they are being cared for by a trusted friend or family member.
  • The birth of a baby is a special time – it can enhance and strengthen the bond between parents and carers. However, having young children can often bring up different emotions and relationship challenges for parents and caregivers.
  • One in 6 mothers and one in 10 fathers experience postnatal depression, and one in 5 women experience postnatal anxiety in the first year after the birth of their baby.
  • There are lots of supports out there to help dads take care of themselves, understand their role and relationship changes and bond with their baby.
  • There are some helpful things you can do to reduce your chance of getting postnatal depression.
  • If you are experiencing anxiety and depression you are not alone. You should talk to your maternal and child health nurse or doctor as soon as possible or contact mental health services. 

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Content on this website is provided for information purposes only. Information about a therapy, service, product or treatment does not in any way endorse or support such therapy, service, product or treatment and is not intended to replace advice from your doctor or other registered health professional. The information and materials contained on this website are not intended to constitute a comprehensive guide concerning all aspects of the therapy, product or treatment described on the website. All users are urged to always seek advice from a registered health care professional for diagnosis and answers to their medical questions and to ascertain whether the particular therapy, service, product or treatment described on the website is suitable in their circumstances. The State of Victoria and the Department of Health shall not bear any liability for reliance by any user on the materials contained on this website.

Reviewed on: 27-03-2023