Look after your wellbeing and be aware of your emotions
Did you know that you can support your child’s growth and development if you:
Look after your wellbeing and be aware of your emotions
Why is this important to you and your child?
This helps with your child's physical development, communication and their personal, social and emotional development
When you are calm and relaxed, your child senses it and relaxes with you (parent-baby group practitioners can model this behaviour).
If you look after yourself first, you’ll have more headspace to look after your child and provide what they need. If you look after yourself, you will be emotionally and physically healthy to look after your child and the challenges that you can sometimes face as a parent
Things you can do
- Everyone has off days, life has its ups and downs. Things sometimes don’t go to plan but there is help and support available to help you manage.
- If you don't feel okay for 14 days in a row, speak to your GP
- Know that if someone in your household is exerting control over you psychologically, physically, sexually, financially, or emotionally, it may be a sign of domestic abuse. Speak to someone you trust immediately.
- Take time for yourself and do things you enjoy
- Have enough sleep
- Avoid alcohol or unprescribed drugs and substances
- Exercise regularly e.g. Go for a walk
- Share your feelings with loved ones and other pregnant people (verbal or written letter)
If you’d like support, talk to
- Your GP
- Health Visitors
- Your Family Hub
- Maternal Mental Health Support Services
- Adult Mental Health Services Information
- MAMTA - Child & Maternal Health Programme for BME Women in Coventry or call 02476 637693
- DadPad
Other support available in Coventry
- Coventry Infant Feeding Team
- Coventry School Nursing Service - Coventry Family Health and Lifestyle Service (0-19 years) - and use the School Nursing tab or email: swg-tr.charteravenueschoolnursing@nhs.net
- Coventry Information Directory: Health and Wellbeing
- One body one life programme – email: BeActiveBeHealthy@swft.nhs.uk
- Stop Smoking in Pregnancy Team - Telephone: 024 7518 9190 or 07904 984260 Coventry Family Health and Lifestyle Services (0-19 years) - click on the Stop Smoking in Pregnancy tab. Facebook: @CSSIPs
- Coventry Libraries – Reading Well for Mental Health