Being a mum can be extremely difficult at times and if you're feeling the strain, (and let's face it - who isn't?) that's totally normal. While we all do our best to get through the tough days, it's okay if you feel like you might need some extra help and support right now and there's plenty of support available to you.
You don't have to struggle with difficult feelings alone. Here are all the helplines available, whatever your worries.
Mum support:
Whether you've just had your baby or you're a mum finding yourself going through a rough patch of motherhood, there are numerous phone lines, websites and people who will listen and understand what you're going through.
Tommy's organisation
Tommy's fund research into miscarriage, stillbirth and premature birth, and provide pregnancy health information to parents. They support parents to have the best possible pregnancy outcomes and to take home happy, healthy babies.
Sands
Sands, stillbirth and neonatal death charity offer support to those who have been affected by the loss of a baby for both families and professionals. You can call them on 0808 164 3332 or email them at helpline@sands.org.uk.
The Association For Postnatal Illness
APNI provides support for mums suffering from postnatal illness. Volunteers have experienced and recovered from postnatal illness. Call 0207 386 0868, 10am-2pm Mon-Fri, or use the online chat box.
PANDAS Foundation
PANDAS provides support and advice for any parent experiencing perinatal mental illness. Call 0808 1961 776, 9am-8pm Mon-Sun.
APP (Action on Postpartum Psychosis)
APP offers a peer support network online, including one-to-one support.
Birth Trauma Association
Birth Trauma Association supports women who have had a traumatic birth experience and offers emotional and practical support to those suffering post-traumatic stress disorder, and their families. It has a Facebook support group.
Maternal OCD
Maternal OCD charity that provides information and support to mums experiencing perinatal obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For peer support email info@maternalocd.org.
Non-mum specific organisations:
Your problem might not be mum-related and you may just need some support with your general mental wellbeing. If this is the case, here are some mental health support organisations for you.
Mind
Provides advice and information to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem. Call Mind on 0300 123 3393, 9am-6pm Mon-Fri, email info@mind.org.uk.
No Panic
No Panic provides step-by-step programmes and support for those with anxiety disorders. Call 0844 967 4848, 10am–10pm daily, or receive email support at info@nopanic.org.uk.
Samaritans
Samaritans offers emotional support if you’re feeling distressed or despair. Call 116 123 24 hours, daily.
Family support organisations:
Times can get tough for everyone and relationships can be strained. Here is some support for any family issues you may be going through.
Family Action
Family Action provides services for families experiencing poverty or social isolation, including mental health support. Its National Parent Support Service helps those struggling with the challenges of parenthood and can help you find out about the services available: call 0808 802 6666, Mon-Fri 9m-10pm, text: 07537 404 282, or email: NDPSS@family-action.org.uk.
Family Lives
Family Lives offers information and support in all aspects of family life. Call 0808 800 2222 9am-9pm Mon-Fri, 10am-3pm Sat-Sun or email askus@familylives.org.uk. The website has advice on baby sleeping, eating and health.
Home-Start
Home-Start is a family support charity that helps families with young children deal with the challenges they face, such as money issues, mental health, isolation and illness.
Gingerbread
Gingerbread provides advice, information and practical support for single parents – from dealing with a break-up to going back to work or organising financial issues. Helpline is 0808 802 0925, 10am-6pm Mon, 10am-4pm Tu, Thu & Fri, 10am-1pm & 5pm-7pm Wed.
Relate
Offers counselling and workshops on relationships and family issues. Book a counselling appointment with Relate on 0300 003 0396, 8am-10pm Mon-Thu, 8am-6pm Fri, 9am-5pm Sat, or have a live online chat on the website.
Feeding:
UK National Breastfeeding Helpline
Run by the Breastfeeding Network and the Association of Breastfeeding Mothers, volunteers on the end of the line are mums who have breastfed and have been trained in giving breastfeeding support. Call 0300 100 0212, 9.30am-9.30pm daily. Live online service also available at nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk
La Leche League
Offers breastfeeding support and information. Look online at laleche.org.uk/get-support for your local helpline. If not available, call the national line on 0345 1202918
National Childbirth Trust
The NCT gives practical and emotional support with bottle feeding or breastfeeding your baby, and can help with any concerns or questions. Call 0300 330 0700, daily, 8am-midnight, or see nct.org.uk.
Sleep:
Not getting the quality sleep you need can have a very negative impact on your mental health. Here's some advice to help with your baby's sleep problems.
Cry-sis
Offers advice and information on how to cope with a sleepless and/or crying baby. Call 08451 228 669, 9am-10pm daily. Or see cry-sis.org.uk
Premature birth:
Bliss
Provides support for parents of babies born premature or sick. Call 0808 801 0322, Mon-Fri 1am-12pm and Mon-Wed 7pm-9pm. Or see bliss.org.uk
Work:
Maternity Action
Offers advice for mums and dads regarding their rights at work and to benefits and healthcare. Call 0808 802 0029 or visit maternityaction.org.uk
Multiples:
Twins and Multiple Births Association
TAMBA runs Twinline, staffed by parents of multiples, to listen and offer support, on concerns including feeding, sleeping or managing the day to day. Call 0800 138 0509, 10am-1pm, 7pm-10pm daily, or email tambabreastfeeding@gmail.com, or visit tamba.org.uk.