Expectant and new parents may need help adjusting and dealing with existing anxiety and depression. These can feel worse during pregnancy and after birth. 

Parents struggling with their mental health and wellbeing often go unrecognised leading to high rates of maternal suicide, maternal and infant mortality, parental depression, relationship difficulties, intimate partner violence and problems bonding with baby. The main caregiver may feel irritable and hostile towards the baby. The infant may present with attendant issues such as poor sleep, problems feeding and toileting.