20 Maternity Leave and Postnatal Wellbeing Supports

Whether you're pregnant, planning your maternity leave or are postpartum and possibly planning your return to work, there are lots of transitions involved in having a child and juggling the other parts of your life. As such, we've collated a range of 10 useful online resources* to help you navigate maternity, as well as 10 key sites to support you with postnatal wellbeing.

Maternity 

1. Bounty - apart from receiving actual bumper packs full of freebies, the website is full of useful information and free resources which will support you throughout your parental journey. Their app is also very useful for example for monitoring your baby's sleeping pattern. You can subscribe to receive a regular email updated about your baby development journey. 
2. Emma's Diary - similar to Bounty, focusing on all prenatal journey. Also offers medical advice to help you from their board of GPs and midwives.
3. NCT- offers support for parents through the first 1,000 days to have the best possible experience of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
4. HAPPITY- you can find baby classes and groups near you, giving you an opportunity to meet other parents. 
5. Happy Parents Happy Baby - has a wonderful blog with lots of tips and first hand experiences of new parents as well as their own team of specialists. It also offers free taster sessions for baby classes whether it's baby massage, music or sensory and even a 'Daily Dose of Happiness' with daily live Instagram sessions covering everything from pregnancy pilates, to nursing bra advice, and relaxation sessions.
6. POP UP Pregnancy & Postnatal Support Scotland - this Facebook group is a hugely useful resource for women to share tips, advice and support for what's happening across Scotland.
7. Working Mums - some great resources to look at before you return to work or if you looking to new flexible working opportunities.
8. Maternity Action - provides free advice on maternity and parental rights at work including pay and benefits to pregnant women and new parents.
9. Online peer-support groups have been great to connect with other new mums, you should be able to find one that covers your local area on Facebook.
10. NETMUMS & MUMSNET

Postnatal Wellbeing

It's important to look after your mental wellbeing. It's only natural that as a parent-to-be or new parent, it can sometimes feel overwhelming with new challenges to manage. Just like any physical problem, mental health conditions aren't something that you should just 'snap out of'. Never be afraid to speak to your partner or your midwife, health visitor or doctor about how you feel.

1. NHS
2. Tommy's - you can make post-birth wellbeing plan (within their pregnancy hub) which will help you to look after yourself. There is a plenty of information and advice on the site too.
3. MIND - the mental health charity offering lots of excellent advice and support.
4. House of Light - this charity established in 2007 that has been providing counselling support, advice and information for women and their families affected by peri mental illness.
5. APNI - a charity supporting anyone suffering from or affected by postnatal illness.
6. PSS - a national charity, offering a support to anybody who's been through unsteady times.
7. PaNDAS - is the leading UK charity supporting families through PND and perinatal mental illness.
8. Find your local charity - you'll get the opportunity to meet other parents and have chat over a cup of tea in a more informal environment. Many local charities often organise walks, activities or offer support (either on or offline). 
9. Dads Rock - A Scottish charity that aims to support new dads.
10. Hello Hank - Hank signposts useful information and resources so you can take a deeper dive for yourself.

And if you're expecting:

1. MumsAid - offers specialist counselling and support

If you would like one to one support, contact our Speak to an Expert service. 

*Please note that the above links are general signposting and are not a specific endorsement or recommendation by Bright Horizons. Should you utilise or download any resources, any exchange of data is solely between you and that provider - please note that the resources may be subject to their own terms and conditions and / or privacy notice. (As Bright Horizons has no control of the contents of the external resources, it can assume no responsibility or liability for these resources or the provider's use of any data you share with them.)