HealthInfo Canterbury
Support for young parents
Tautoko mō ngā mātua rangatahi
Finding out you are pregnant can make you feel excited, but some people feel overwhelmed. There are lots of people and organisations that can support you during your pregnancy and after your baby is born.
As soon as you know you are pregnant, you need to choose a lead maternity carer (LMC). Your LMC will look after you and your baby during your pregnancy and immediately afterwards. Most LMCs are midwives, trained health professionals specialising in pregnancy and childbirth.
Sometimes a midwife and your general practice team may share your care.
Caring for your mental health
Being pregnant and a new mother can be stressful and make you feel very emotional. During this time, your hormones change a lot, and this can affect how you feel. Talk to your midwife or LMC about how you feel so they can help you. They can refer you for a free mental health consultation with your general practice team. This can be any time during your pregnancy and for six weeks after your baby is born.
You can talk directly to your general practice team if you are worried about your mental health. They can help you find social and lifestyle support with medication (if you need it). They can also refer you to any specialists you may need to see.
Plunket can also support you if you are feeling anxious or depressed about the change from pregnancy to parenthood. You can refer yourself and you can also contact them before your baby is born. You can phone the PlunketLine office for Canterbury on (03) 366‑0765.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- Association of Teen Parent Educators New Zealand (ATPENZ)
This site provides information on how to continue studying at secondary school as a teen parent. It has links to schools in New Zealand.
- Early Start Project
This free, long-term home-visiting service helps support you and your family until your new baby goes to school. If you are under 24 and meet the other criteria, you can enrol any time from your 12th week of pregnancy.
- Family Works
Family Works supports people experiencing challenging or difficult times. It aims to help them make positive changes in their lives.
- St John of Good Waipuna – Young parents development
Their programmes cover things like birth and labour advice, how to breastfeed and how to help your baby sleep. They also cover developing a positive relationship with your baby, and more. If you are under 19, you could be eligible for one-to-one support from a social worker.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed October 2023.
Sources
Review key: HIPRT-53210
