you are important
As mums we often find it hard to put ourselves first, but research says that looking after yourself can have lasting consequences for your child from as early as conception.
Read more at The Murdoch Children’s Research Centre
your body
health, exercise and nutrition during pregnancy
Looking after your body during pregnancy can have positive effects for you and your child.
Read these articles by The Raising Children Network for information on exercise, nutrition and general health.
sleep, exercise and nutrition after a baby
Sleep, exercise and nutrition can all have a significant effect on your mental health. But it can be particularly hard to fit them all in once you have a baby.
Read these articles by The Raising Children Network for hints on sleep, healthy eating and exercise.
your mind
treating yourself kindly
“With self-compassion, we give ourselves the same kindness and care we’d give to a good friend.” self-compassion.org
It can be hard to treat ourselves with the same compassion we treat others, but there is evidence it can make a real difference to mothers. Read more
Kristin Neff, Ph.D. presents a video of what self-compassion is and how you can learn to practice it.
building your ability to cope
Ever wondered what mindfulness meditation is and how it could help? Watch this video from Black Dog Institute.
For more free meditation go to the Mind the Bump App designed by Smiling Mind and beyondblue. It aims to help you build skills to cope with stress and connect to your child, from day one of pregnancy through to your child’s second birthday.
your soul
staying ‘you’
It is so easy to become wrapped up with your role as a mum. Making time to do the things you love and are passionate about, things that are creative and remind you of who you are as an individual is important.
Watch this video to hear mum’s talk about their experiences.
more support
understanding depression and anxiety
Having a baby can bring a number of different emotions and everyone’s experience is different. PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia) states that 1 in 5 expecting mothers experience anxiety or depression. While they are temporary and treatable, it is important to know the signs and symptoms and when to seek help. PANDA has a free, confidential national helpline for those struggling with becoming a parent in Australia and online mental health checklists.
Mums explain their experiences and how they got help for postnatal depression in this video by The Raising Children Network.