Last updated: March 2024

Having a baby is life changing. It may change the relationship you have with your partner, your work, or the routines you keep. If you are raising your child as a single parent, financial pressures and conflicting priorities can be draining.

It’s normal to feel anxious about taking care of your new baby.

Reach out to family, friends and healthcare professionals for added support. This may help you feel less overwhelmed.

In this section, you’ll learn information that can help you as a new parent.

Babies have natural habits that they follow. Establishing a predictable daily schedule can provide them with stability. Keeping your baby safe is also important. In this section, learn more about how to care for your newborn.

• Advice to New Parents - staying calm
• Baby's Daily Needs: What to Expect        
• Bonding With Your Baby
• Child Care Advice - New Parents
• Coping Strategies to Avoid Harming a Baby                       
• Making Sure Your Will Includes Your Baby
• Quick Tips: Babyproofing Your Home
• Support Teams for New Parents

All babies cry - some more than others - and while it may be stressful, remember it’s natural. Crying doesn't mean there's something wrong with your baby, or with you as a parent. Learn more in this section.

• Coping When Your Baby Cries A Lot
• Coping with Crying
• Crying: Tired or Overstimulated
• Infant Crying
• Tips for Soothing Babies
• Ways to Comfort a Crying Baby

You and your partner will be facing new challenges once your baby arrives. Learn more about relationships after birth, in this section.

• Parenting With Your Partner
• Sex After Childbirth

Your body undergoes many changes during pregnancy. Some changes happen after birth. You may experience postpartum depression or, “the baby blues.” Speak to a health care professional to determine what type of treatment is right for you.   

• Alcohol and Smoking After Pregnancy
• Baby Blues
• Depression: Managing Postpartum Depression
• Support for Single Parents During the First Year
• Taking Care of Yourself When Your Baby Is Fussy

You will experience many physical changes following the birth of your baby. Staying active and maintaining a healthy weight can be a challenge. Learn how to maintain a healthy weight after pregnancy and beyond.

• Fitness: Staying Active When You Have Young Children
• Maintaining a Healthy Weight After Pregnancy
• Your Body After Pregnancy

The BC Healthy Connections Project ensures that all pregnant and parenting women receive the care that they and their families need.

Vancouver Coastal Health provides a list of financial resources and programs for people during pregnancy and after birth.