Free support

• National Depression Initiative Postnatal Depression and Anxiety and other resources such as this Guide for people experiencing stress, depression and anxiety.
• New Zealand College of Midwives – Mental Health in Pregnancy.
• Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Aotearoa.
• Mental Health Foundation.
• The Getting Through Together website has great tips and advice on how to cope with the stress of COVID-19.
• Sleep and mental health.
• Sleep for parents and babies
• The Journal is a free, personalised programme to help you manage anxiety or depression.
• Try the new Mentemia app from All Blacks legend Sir John Kirwan.
• The health journal app Melon  provides a health journal, resources and self-awareness tools to help manage your emotional wellbeing.
• An eTherapy programme called Staying on Track teaches practical strategies to cope with the stress and disruption to everyday life.

You’re not alone if you’re feeling stressed or worried. Parenting can be lonely at the best of times, and this is a time like no other. Other māmā are a great support. Whether it’s online or real life, finding your people to help you get through the ups and downs of parenting is one of the best things you can do for your mental health,

Here are some great communities for connecting with other māmā:

• Pregnancy and birth during COVID Aotearoa- lots of positive ‘birthing during COVID-19 stories’ to be found here.
• Kia ora Māmā Facebook group
• Breastfeeding NZ Facebook page, Breastfed NZ Facebook group.
• Kelly Child Birth Educator Waikato – lots of birthing stories to read.

Around 1 in 5 women experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy or after birth. It says nothing about you as a parent, and you can still be an awesome mum even when you’re feeling down. But the sooner you get some help, the sooner you’ll feel better. If you don’t get help the first time you ask, ask again, or find someone else who will listen.

If your partner is experiencing these feelings, it is also important they reach out to someone for support too.

If you’re worried about postnatal depression talk to your doctor, midwife, Well Child provider or Plunket nurse. There is support available for you. If you want, you can take along someone you trust, like your partner or a friend.

If you think you are going to harm yourself or your baby call 111 immediately.

• Call Healthline 0800 611 116. 
• Call Plunketline 0800 933 922.
• If you want to talk (kōrero) to a trained counsellor about how you’re feeling, or you’ve got any questions, you can call the Depression Helpline 0800 111 757

Here is key information about how pregnancy and birthing services will be provided at this time.

• Ministry of Health: This website has information for women and whānau who are pregnant or recently given birth. Includes information on care during pregnancy, care of older children during birth and labour, maternity facilities and postnatal care as well as advice for breastfeeding.
• New Zealand College of Midwives: This website has frequently asked questions about COVID-19 and messages from midwives to women and whānau who are currently pregnant or have recently given birth. It includes information on labour, social distancing, being unwell with COVID-19, breastfeeding and other general information.
• Kids Health: Key information about COVID-19 and pregnancy 
• Plunket: This website has information on COVID-19 that relates to Plunket services, as well as advice for parents and whānau. It has a list of resources and support services available for parents including helplines and Facebook Live Chats.
• Te Rōpū Whakakaupapa Urutā - National Māori Pandemic Group: This website has information for hapu māmā, unborn pēpē and newborn pēpē. It includes advice and tikanga about pregnancy, labour, delivery and caring for your newborn pēpē during COVID-19.
• World Health Organisation: This website has frequently asked questions on COVID-19 about pregnancy, childbirth and breastfeeding.

• Call PlunketLine 0800 933 922. PlunketLine is a toll-free parent helpline and advice service available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Available to all parents who need help.
• Hāpai te Hauora SUDI Prevention:  A range of information for parents or whānau during the COVID-19 pandemic including safe sleeping, breastfeeding and local or regional health advice across New Zealand.
• Ministry of Health: General information about health and pregnancies.
• SmartStart: A range of information and services for pregnancy and for parents of young children.
• Family Violence - If you feel unsafe in your home or are experiencing family violence, reach out to someone or visit this website to find the right organisation to call. In an emergency call 111.
• Family Services Directory - The Family Services Directory aims to connect people with local providers who can help them to cope with common issues and problems locally.
• Relationship Counselling – Find a counsellor in your area
• Birth during lockdown (The Spinoff)
• Anxiety/mental health (The Spinoff)