Prioritise Rest
Sleep when you can. Housework can wait. Accept help from anyone offering—whether it's holding baby so you can shower, bringing a meal, or hanging up washing.
For UK Mums
A Huge Life Shift.
You're Doing Great.
The first few weeks are a whirlwind of love, exhaustion, and endless questions. Prioritise rest, accept help, and be kind to yourself. You've just done something incredible.
600,000+
babies born in England yearly
1 in 10
mums experience PND
12 months
free NHS prescriptions
24/7
support available
Get the app experience.
The Fourth Trimester
Navigating the First Few Weeks
Your midwife visits at home on day 1, around day 5 (heel prick test), and until 10-14 days when care transfers to your Health Visitor. Lean on them and ask every question.
Back to Basics
Focus on essentials: feeding, changing, bonding. Skin-to-skin contact is wonderful for you both. Don't worry about routines yet—just get to know each other.
Be Kind to Yourself
Feeling stressed, tearful or overwhelmed is common. Hormones and lack of sleep add up. Short walks, talking to someone you trust, and connecting with other mums helps.
6–8 Week GP Check
This is YOUR appointment. Bring a list: mood, pain, contraception, sex, pelvic floor. NHS guidance now ensures GPs cover mental and physical health.
Visitors on Your Terms
It's fine to limit visitors. Say "just 30 minutes" or "not today". Ask people to bring food, stick a wash on, or pop the hoover round instead of just holding baby.
Health Visitors
Every UK family is assigned a Health Visitor. They take over from the midwife around 10–14 days and support you until your child is 5. They're there for the whole family.
Physical Recovery
Practical Essentials
Your body has been through a marathon. Recovery is just as important as baby care. Here's what UK mums find helpful:
- The Red Book: Your baby's Personal Child Health Record – bring it to every appointment.
- Free Prescriptions: Ask your midwife for Form FW8 – free NHS prescriptions and dental for 12 months after birth.
- Recovery Kit: Peri-bottle, maternity pads, dark towels, cooling gel pads, high-waisted cotton pants.
- Healthy Start: If on low income, you may qualify for £4.25–£8.50/week for food and vitamins.
Recovery Looks Different for Everyone
Vaginal birth: Stitches, bruising and soreness are common. Keep the area clean and dry.
Caesarean section: Major abdominal surgery requiring 6+ weeks recovery. Avoid lifting anything heavier than your baby. Most insurers require 6 weeks before driving.
Warning signs to watch for: increasing pain, redness, heavy or smelly bleeding, fever. Contact your midwife, GP or NHS 111 immediately.
Try not to compare yourself to others on social media. Their highlight reel is not your behind-the-scenes reality.
— Advice from the NewMums team
Nourishment & Rest
Feeding & Safe Sleep
Feeding Your Baby
Whether breastfeeding, formula feeding, or doing both—you are feeding your baby with love. There's no "right" way, only what works for your family.
Breastfeeding: Cluster feeding is normal in early days. Feeds can feel constant—this is establishing supply.
Formula: Always follow the instructions on the tin and NHS guidance for making up bottles.
Mixed feeding: Many UK families combine both. Your midwife or Health Visitor can advise.
UK Feeding Support Lines
- NCT Infant Feeding Line0300 330 0700
- National Breastfeeding Helpline0300 100 0212
- La Leche League0345 120 2918
NCT line open 8am–midnight daily, including bank holidays.
Safe Sleep (Lullaby Trust)
Newborn sleep is tough. Waking every 2–3 hours is normal. Around 4 babies a week still die from SIDS in the UK—following safe sleep advice saves lives.
The Basics (Updated 2025)
- 1.Always place baby on their back to sleep, on a firm, flat mattress.
- 2.Keep baby in the same room as you for all sleep, day and night, for the first 6 months.
- 3.Room temperature 16–20°C. Babies who get too hot are at higher risk.
- 4.Clear cot only—no pillows, toys, bumpers, loose blankets.
- 5.Never sleep with baby on a sofa or armchair.
Deep Dives
Essential UK Guides
Detailed answers to the questions every UK mum asks.
You Are Not Alone
Postnatal depression affects more than 1 in 10 women. With the right support, most people make a full recovery. Talking is a sign of strength.
Baby Blues
- Affects up to 80% of new mums
- Starts 2–3 days after birth
- Usually fades within 2 weeks
- Tearfulness, mood swings, anxiety
Postnatal Depression
- Affects 1 in 10 women (and partners)
- Can start any time in the first year
- Professional help needed
- Persistent sadness, hopelessness, difficulty bonding
Important: Your baby will NOT be taken away.
Asking for help is a sign of being a good parent. Healthcare professionals want to support you, not judge you.
Help & Support
UK Resources
Free, confidential support from people who understand. Save these numbers.
PANDAS Foundation
Pre and Postnatal Depression Advice and Support: 0808 1961 776 (11am–10pm daily)
WhatsApp support: 07903 508334 (8am–10pm)
NCT Support Line
Feeding support, practical help, local groups: 0300 330 0700 (8am–midnight daily)
Mind UK – Perinatal Mental Health
Detailed guides on postnatal depression and anxiety, plus local support services.
NHS – Postnatal Mental Health
Official NHS information on symptoms, treatments, and local services.
Need urgent help?
If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 999 or visit A&E.
For 24/7 emotional support, call Samaritans on 116 123.
For non-emergency NHS advice, call 111.
Common Questions
Is it normal to feel like I'm not enjoying every moment?
Yes, absolutely. The idea that you should "cherish every second" puts enormous pressure on new parents. It's completely normal to love your baby and still find the days (and nights) hard, boring, lonely or overwhelming. If difficult feelings are constant or getting worse, reach out for support.
I don't feel like myself—who should I talk to first?
You can talk to your GP, midwife, Health Visitor or practice nurse—whoever feels easiest to approach. You can also call NHS 111, PANDAS Foundation (0808 1961 776) or the NCT line (0300 330 0700). You deserve to feel heard and looked after.
Will they take my baby away if I admit I'm struggling?
No. Babies are only taken into care in very exceptional circumstances. Healthcare professionals are trained to help you feel better, not to judge you. Asking for help is a sign of being a good parent. The NHS prioritises keeping families together and supporting recovery.
Can partners get postnatal depression too?
Yes. Research shows that up to 1 in 10 new fathers experience postnatal depression. Partners should also seek support from their GP if they're struggling with low mood, anxiety, or difficulty bonding with the baby.