Lifeline
Confidential crisis support and someone to talk to, any time, day or night.
Phone
13 11 14
Support Resources
Australian support resources for new and expecting parents
A calm, practical list of trusted services if you need support during pregnancy, after birth, or while adjusting to life with a new baby. You deserve care, and these services are here to listen and help.
If you or your baby are in immediate danger, call Triple Zero (000)
If someone is in immediate danger, needs urgent medical help, or you believe a life is at risk, call 000 now. This is the fastest way to reach ambulance, police or fire services anywhere in Australia.
Life After Labour is not an emergency service, a medical service, or a mental-health service. These resources are provided to help you find appropriate care, not to replace emergency services or professional medical advice.
Crisis and emotional support
If you are feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or low, reach out. These services are free, confidential, and available across Australia.
PANDA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Australia)
National Perinatal Mental Health Helpline, supporting expecting and new parents through anxiety and depression.
Phone
1300 726 306
Health advice and information
Talk to a nurse or explore reliable information about pregnancy, birth and caring for your baby.
Pregnancy, Birth and Baby
Free advice from maternal child health nurses on pregnancy, birth and your baby’s first year.
Phone
1800 882 436Healthdirect
Free 24/7 health advice from registered nurses, anywhere in Australia.
Phone
1800 022 222
Perinatal mental health pathways
Trusted organisations offering perinatal mental health information and support pathways.
COPE (Centre of Perinatal Excellence)
Perinatal mental health information and clear support pathways for expecting and new parents.
Gidget Foundation Australia
Perinatal psychological support for expectant and new parents experiencing emotional distress.
Sleep, settling and early parenting support
For practical, family-centred help with sleep, settling, feeding and the pressures of early parenthood, these NSW services may be able to help.
Tresillian
NSW family care centres offering practical support with sleep, settling, feeding and early parenting.
Karitane
NSW support for families with sleep, settling, feeding and the challenges of early parenthood.
Residential and inpatient perinatal mental health care
Some families need more intensive support through a residential mother-baby unit or an inpatient perinatal mental health service. Access and availability vary by state and territory, and these services commonly require a referral from a GP, midwife, psychiatrist, perinatal mental health service, or hospital emergency department.
Life After Labour does not arrange referrals and cannot guarantee availability. To find mental health help in your area, including residential and inpatient options, visit Healthdirect’s mental health help page.
If you are worried about your own or your baby’s health, please contact a GP, midwife, maternal child health nurse, or your local hospital.
Reaching out for help is a sign of strength. These services are here to support you, your baby, and your family.
