Looking after yourself

Although you will find yourselves very busy, especially during the first months of the birth of your child, emotional health during pregnancy and early parenthood is very important.

Try to exercise, relax and set aside time for yourself.

All the changes in pregnancy and early parenthood may lead to emotional distress and/or mental health problems.

You may experience a variety of emotions and your experience may be different to your partner’s. It’s important to recognise emotional changes early so you can do something about them.

Being a new father can be an opportunity to make friends with other fathers and share experiences.

If lack of sleep is affecting your work, talk to your employer and try to arrange your work hours to suit family life.

See Healthy Families.