Becoming a parent is wonderful — and hard. It’s normal to feel happy and overwhelmed, tired, teary or unsure. This page is here to help you look after yourself as well as your baby, and to connect you with local support
Your postnatal wellbeing: small things that help
Sleep (in bites): nap when the baby naps; share nights if you can; keep lights low and screens off before bed.
Food & fluids: quick wins count — a sandwich, fruit, yoghurt, nuts; keep a water bottle by your feeding chair.
Move gently: a short pram walk, light stretches, pelvic floor exercises.
Ask for help: let family/friends cook, clean, or hold the baby while you shower.
Be kind to yourself: it’s normal if routines aren’t perfect. One small step a day is enough.
Local NHS & Council support
Your one-stop route to local groups, parenting courses, baby activities, and practical help. Find your nearest hub/centre, activities and advice: Buckinghamshire Family Hub Network and Family Centres.
Health visitors offer advice on feeding, sleep, growth, immunisations and family wellbeing.
Bucks Talking Therapies & Perinatal mental health (specialist)
If you’re struggling in pregnancy or after birth with significant anxiety, depression, OCD, birth trauma, there’s a specialist NHS team in Bucks.
Feeding support (breast, bottle, mixed)
NHS infant feeding (Bucks Healthcare): antenatal and postnatal support, positioning, expressing, formula guidance.
Community breastfeeding drop-ins (Aylesbury & Berryfields): weekly sessions alongside child-health clinics. (Check times/venues before attending.)
La Leche League (LLL Chilterns): monthly peer support (High Wycombe/Chilterns).
If feeding is painful, baby is sleepy at feeds, or you’re worried about weight gain, contact your health visitor or a breastfeeding support group above.
Money, food & childcare help
Healthy Start (pregnant ≥10 weeks or with a child <4 and on qualifying benefits): prepaid card for milk, fruit & veg, infant formula, vitamins.
Childcare support & funding (15/30 funded hours, Tax-Free Childcare, UC childcare): Council overview & eligibility routes.
Home-Start (practical home-based help for families with under-5s; check your nearest service).
Groups & getting out with baby
Family hubs/centres activities: baby groups, play & learn sessions, parenting courses.
Walk & talk: even 10–15 minutes with the pram helps mood and sleep.
When to ask for more help
You’re not enjoying anything, feel very down, anxious, or constantly on edge.
Intrusive thoughts about harm coming to you or your baby.
Feeding/sleep issues are making things unmanageable.
Money, housing or relationship worries are piling up.
Please reach out to your Health Visitor, Family Hub, or your us at Westongrove — you’re not alone!