Start with what you want someone to understand
You might want to talk about how you feel, something physically difficult after birth, or the load of everyday care. You do not have to choose the right category before asking for support.
The Cocoon guide library
Parent mental health
Find words for a conversation about mood, anxiety, exhaustion or support after a baby arrives. You can ask a health professional for help without first completing a questionnaire or a diary.
Turn an offer of help into a specific task
Ask what would be useful: shopping, a meal, help contacting a service or transport to an appointment. Let the person receiving support decide what notes, if any, they want to share. A diary is optional.
All parent mental health guides
PumpingBreastfeeding
Exclusively pumping: schedule by stage, supply and weaning
How to exclusively pump breast milk, with sessions per day by stage, night pumping, building supply, avoiding burnout and weaning off the pump.
Mental HealthPostpartum
How a partner can help after the birth: feeds, nights and mood
Practical ways a partner or support person can share feeds, nights and recovery, and spot postnatal depression or anxiety in either parent.
Mental HealthPostpartum
Postnatal depression and anxiety: signs, treatment and getting help
How to tell the baby blues from postnatal depression or anxiety, what treatment involves, how to ask for help, and which signs need help straight away.
Mental HealthPostpartum
Sleep deprivation with a newborn: coping, safety and when to get help
How broken sleep affects new parents, practical ways to get more rest, staying safe with your baby and on the road, and when exhaustion needs help.
PregnancyHealth
Third trimester: movements, checks, strep B and going overdue
What to expect from 28 weeks to birth, including your baby's movements, side-sleeping, antenatal checks, group B strep, pre-eclampsia, getting ready and going past your due date.