Building your support network as a new parent

Newborn · Parent wellbeing · Reviewed 12 June 2026 · All articles

Building your support network as a new parent

The early weeks with a new baby can feel overwhelming, and no parent is expected to manage alone. Knowing where to turn, who to ask, and what services exist in your area makes a real difference to how you feel and how you cope. This article draws on NHS guidance to map out the people and services that can form your support network.

Your health visitor: a key contact from the start

A health visitor is a qualified nurse or midwife who has had extra training to support families with babies and young children. They may be in contact with you from around 28 weeks of pregnancy, and they will typically visit your home around 10 days after your baby is born.

Health visitors carry out regular health and development reviews for your baby, and they can also be an important source of personal support. If you are struggling with your mood, feeling anxious, or finding day-to-day life difficult, your health visitor can help you access the right services. They can also connect you with local parent groups and point you toward other community resources you may not know exist.

Child health clinics

Child health clinics are run by health visitors and GPs and offer regular baby health and development reviews as well as vaccinations. Many clinics also run parent-baby groups and breastfeeding support sessions. These sessions serve a dual purpose: they give you practical information about your baby's progress and they put you in contact with other parents going through the same stage at the same time.

To find your nearest child health clinic, ask your health visitor or GP surgery. Some clinics are drop-in; others require an appointment.

Family Hubs and Sure Start Children's Centres

Family Hubs are local centres available in some areas of England. They bring together parenting classes, feeding support, postnatal mental health services, and health visitor appointments under one roof. Family Hubs are open to families with children from birth up to age 19, or up to 25 for young people with special needs.

In areas where Family Hubs are not yet available, Sure Start Children's Centres provide a similar range of services, including family health support, early learning, childcare for children aged birth to five, and parenting advice. Your local council website or health visitor can tell you what is available near you.

Making the most of family and friends

People who care about you will often want to help but may not know what you need. Being specific makes it easier for them to step in. Instead of a general "let me know if you need anything," you can ask for something concrete: a cooked meal, a school run, an hour with the baby so you can sleep, or simply company on a difficult afternoon.

If your relationships feel strained under the pressure of a new baby, that is also very common. The NHS notes that relationships change after birth and that talking openly with your partner, family or friends about how you are feeling is a healthy first step. If things feel more serious, your GP can refer you to relationship or talking therapies.

Local groups and community connections

Peer support from other parents who are in the same situation can be especially valuable. Local parent groups, baby classes, and community sessions give you regular contact with people who understand the particular exhaustion and joy of the newborn stage.

Good places to look for local groups include:

Some areas also offer groups specifically for particular communities, including culturally specific parent groups. Ask your health visitor whether any relevant sessions run near you.

National helplines and specialist support

If you need to talk to someone outside your immediate circle, several national organisations offer free support. The NHS signposts the following:

If you have concerns about your own mental health, your GP is always a good first contact. You can also refer yourself to NHS talking therapies without a GP referral in most parts of England.

The Family Information Service

Every local authority in England has a Family Information Service (FIS) that can tell you what childcare and family support is available in your area. This is particularly useful if you are returning to work, if you have a child with additional needs, or if you are trying to find out what financial help you may be entitled to. Search for your local FIS through your council's website.

Frequently asked questions

What does a health visitor actually do?

A health visitor is a qualified nurse or midwife with extra training in child and family health. They visit your home around 10 days after your baby is born, carry out regular development reviews, and can connect you with local parent groups. They can also help if you have concerns about your mental health or feel you need extra support at any point in the first few years.

What is a Family Hub and how do I find one?

Family Hubs are local centres available in some parts of England. They offer parenting classes, feeding support, postnatal mental health services, and access to health visitors. They are open to families with children aged 0 to 19, or up to 25 for young people with special needs. Check your local council website or ask your health visitor whether there is a Family Hub near you.

How can I find local parent groups?

Your health visitor is often the best starting point. You can also ask at your GP surgery, check library noticeboards, and look on your council website. Child health clinics sometimes run parent-baby groups and breastfeeding support sessions alongside appointments, so it is worth asking when you attend.

Is it normal to feel isolated as a new parent?

Yes, many new parents feel lonely or cut off, particularly in the early weeks. Sleep deprivation, a dramatically changed daily routine, and reduced time outside all contribute. Reaching out to your health visitor, joining a local group, or calling a helpline such as Coram Family Lives on 0808 800 2222 can help you feel less alone.

What support is available for single parents?

The NHS specifically signposts single parents to Gingerbread (gingerbread.org.uk), a specialist organisation that offers advice and peer support. Your health visitor can also point you toward local services. The Family Information Service can help you find childcare, including options for parents of children with additional needs.

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