Building a loving relationship with your new baby will give them the best start in life and help them grow up happy and confident, as part of the 1001 critical days.
New babies have a strong need to be close to their parents, as this helps them feel safe and loved. When babies feel secure, they release oxytocin, sometimes called the “cuddle hormone”, which supports their brain development, making them happier and more confident. Holding, smiling, and talking to your baby also releases oxytocin in you, helping you feel calm and happy, and promoting the bond between mother and child.
The Doncaster health visiting service offers a universal core service from the antenatal period up to your child’s second birthday. Health visitors or nursery nurses can provide support and information to help with your child’s intellectual, social, and emotional health, as well as your own wellbeing.
How can new fathers get involved?
Dads play a crucial role during pregnancy and after birth in supporting their partner’s wellbeing and maintaining healthy behaviours that benefit both their partner and baby. Fathers who are sensitive, supportive, and engaged have a significant positive impact on their baby’s life and contribute to social, educational, and economic benefits in the future. Positive interaction from fathers not only benefits the baby but also supports the emotional stability of mothers, strengthening the bond between both parents.
Doncaster health visiting offers antenatal parenting classes over a five-week period in family hubs across Doncaster. These classes are available to all pregnant women and their partners or supporters living in Doncaster.
Babies are remarkable, and showing dads how amazing their babies are and how they communicate from birth can help build their confidence in early parenting. The new born behavioural observation (NBO) tool is used to help parents observe their infant’s early capabilities. This tool helps parents understand their baby’s cues and strengthens their confidence in their parenting role. Doncaster health visiting clinicians currently use the new born behavioural observation tool with new parents to encourage dads to be more involved in caring for their baby.
For more information, please see how can dads get involved (opens in new window).
Emotional health and wellbeing, fathers
New parenthood can be stressful and exhausting for both mums and dads. Fathers may feel isolated as attention focuses on the baby and their partner, and the lack of quality time with their partner can impact their emotional wellbeing. Postnatal depression isn’t just for women; between a quarter and half of dads whose partner is depressed also experience depression themselves.
For more information, please see looking after yourself when your child’s behaviour is difficult to understand (opens in new window).
Emotional health and well being, mothers
Pregnancy and the post-childbirth period can bring emotional changes for both parents and other family members. While many experience this positively, it can also lead to mental health challenges.
For more information, please see looking after yourself when your child’s behaviour is difficult to understand (opens in new window).
The baby blues
After the first week, many mums experience the “baby blues,” feeling weepy, irritable, emotional, or anxious. This is caused by hormonal and emotional changes, along with adjusting to new routines and less sleep. It usually improves by two weeks post-birth. If symptoms persist, it may indicate postnatal depression.
For more information, please see:
- feeling depressed after childbirth (opens in new window)
- looking after yourself when your child’s behaviour is difficult to understand (opens in new window)
What is postnatal depression?
Postnatal depression, affecting around one in 10 women, has similar symptoms to general depression and may develop within the first six weeks but often becomes apparent around six months after birth. It can sometimes go unnoticed, with many women unaware of their condition.
If you are feeling this way, contact the health visiting team, your GP, or Doncaster Talking Therapies if you’re registered with a GP in Doncaster. They offer prioritised treatment during the perinatal period, from pregnancy up to two years after birth.
Around one in five women and one in ten men experience emotional changes during pregnancy or after childbirth. These changes can go undiagnosed and untreated, impacting wellbeing. It is essential to seek help early to avoid long-lasting effects. Doncaster Talking Therapies offers non-judgemental psychological support, including one-to-one therapy or online courses.
When to seek help
Pregnancy and childbirth bring many changes, and it can be hard to know what’s normal. Most women experience the “baby blues” three to four days after giving birth, feeling weepy, anxious, or irritable due to hormonal changes and milk production.
These symptoms usually pass in a few days, but if they persist or you or your partner are experiencing any of the following, seek help.
These symptoms are:
- low mood, tearfulness
- anxiety or panic attacks
- worries about health or your baby
- feeling worthless, low self-esteem
- feeling guilty
- poor sleep
- changes in appetite
- loss of interest in activities
- feeling irritable and agitated
- poor concentration
- thoughts about suicide or harming yourself
- distressing, unwanted thoughts that pop into the mind
What to do next
If you are aged 18 or over and registered with a GP in Doncaster, contact Doncaster Talking Therapies to arrange a phone screening. You will be prioritised for treatment during the perinatal period, from pregnancy up to two years after birth. Alternatively, speak with your GP, midwife, or health visitor for support in referring you to the service.
Our telephone lines are open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm:
- Phone: 01302 565650
- Phone: 01302 565556
First friends group
An alternative is first friends, a community-based health group offered in various venues across Doncaster, such as schools, family hubs, community buildings, and churches. It provides support, advice, and information to new parents in the early postnatal period, from birth to when babies begin moving around the floor. The group focuses on fostering positive attachment, helping parents recognise early cues, encouraging early interactions, and supporting parents’ confidence. It also aims to identify low mood and reduce the risk of postnatal depression.
For more information, please see:
- emotional health and wellbeing, fathers (opens in new window)
- emotional health and wellbeing, mothers (opens in new window)
Useful contacts
Page last reviewed: February 06, 2025
Next review due: February 06, 2026
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