New parents struggling with mental health can now avail free services through the Birth to Five Helpline, particularly when things get too overwhelming or uncertain. According to the Southwest Human Development organization that operates the Helpline, it is a free service open to all families in Arizona who have young children and are seeking information on child development or help from experts.
The Birth to Five Helpline is a free child development support that offers assistance through bilingual early childhood specialists who speak English and Spanish. Parents and guardians can call the Helpline from Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. In addition, the Helpline also has a 24-hour text helpline available daily and offers virtual video consultations.
Postpartum Depression and Parental Stress
The Birth to Five Helpline was introduced in 2005 to assist supportive listening and professional expertise relating to early childhood parenting and caregiving. Some of the services or topics that the Helpline can address include but are not limited to fussy babies, child tantrums, as well as parental mental and emotional care. The Helpline can be an excellent resource for parents, guardians, caregivers, and teachers.
According to Dr. Alison Steier of Southwest Human Development, it is high time for new parents to ask for help and stop feeling that they have to do parenting perfectly and alone. One common misconception is that postpartum depression and parental stress only affect mothers. However, according to a study published in the National Library of Medicine, both parents experience feelings of inadequacy on the harmful effects of postpartum depression and parental stress on a couple's daily life and relationship.
Another piece of advice from Dr. Steier is for couples to talk to each other before the new baby arrives. This form of communication is crucial for partners to set expectations, particularly one who does what and talk about worries or fears.
Sometimes, when new parents experience moments that make them feel uncertain, they usually question themselves or their baby and become helpless, vulnerable, or feel inadequate. According to Dr. Steier, new parents need to reach out and seek help instead of trying to sort the concern on their own.
When new parents experience a few bumps or uncertainties about their parenting or childcare, it only takes a little nudge to have a chat with professionals who can help.
Early Childhood Services and Childcare
Some of the Birth to Five Helpline services include providing information and assistance on specific topics like early literacy, speech or language concerns, disabilities, etc.
A parent or caregiver can also consult on everyday struggles, sleep problems, and even parental challenges. According to the Arizona Department of Child Safety, parenting takes a community. The department also provides resources on ensuring that parenting is not an isolated task and that children grow healthy, safe, and strong.
