Preparing for your little one’s arrival can be enormously exciting, especially when you’re doing so in Brighton with its amazing beach, vibrant streets and friendly atmosphere.
However, the journey to parenthood can also be challenging, and taking care of your mental health is crucial for both you and your baby’s well-being.
With Parent Mental Health awareness day on 27 January, we at The Parents Class wanted to put together some tips to help expecting parents in Brighton look after their mental health during this transformative period.
Antenatal Classes in Brighton
When you’re struggling with your mental health during pregnancy, one of the best ways to get the support you need is by attending an antenatal class.
These classes will not only help you to feel more prepared for your birth and early parenthood, but will also offer a sense of community and the chance to share your experiences with others.
Our courses at WRAP Space in Brighton, for instance, offer both evidence-led information on a wide range of pregnancy, birth and parenthood topics, while also making sure that you get the opportunity to connect with other like-minded local parents.
This combination of expert teaching and a relaxed, sociable environment means that you can feel confident about asking for the support you need in a safe, welcoming, understanding space.
To find out more about our antenatal classes in Brighton, head to the courses page on our website.
Nature Therapy
Evidence shows that having contact with nature can make a huge difference to our mental health.
As you’re undergoing what’s perhaps the most amazing journey in all of nature, that of carrying a child, feeling like you have connection with the natural world around you can feel especially important.
Luckily, Brighton has lots of wonderful green spaces. From a beautiful spot overlooking the tranquil pond in Queen’s Park to appreciating the beautiful domes and towering minarets of Brighton Pavillion from its surrounding gardens, there are plenty of pockets of green nestled into this amazing city on the sea. Ah! Another one: the beach!
Brighton’s stunning coastline and lush parks provide the perfect backdrop for practising relaxation and mindfulness when you’re expecting.
Brighton and Hove Maternity Services
Making sure you keep in touch with the maternity services available to you can be a really helpful way of getting expert help and support during your pregnancy.
Both The Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton and the Princess Royal Hospital in Haywards Heath offer comprehensive maternity care.
Familiarise yourself with which hospital you’ll be using for your birth (if you’re not having a homebirth) to begin to establish a trusting relationship with your healthcare providers for help with your mental health during pregnancy.
LGBTQ+ Parenting Support
Brighton has a thriving LGBTQ+ community, and LGBTQ+ parents can find specific support networks and resources tailored to their needs.
Organisations like the Brighton Rainbow Families and Queer Parenting Partnership provide safe spaces for LGBTQ+ expecting parents to connect and share their experiences.
Our antenatal courses are also safe spaces for LGBTQ+ parents who want to learn about their options during birth and the early stages of parenthood.
In fact, we specifically ensure that all of the information we deliver is applicable to all single parents and parent couples alike so that no one feels like they aren’t able to access the information they need.
Local Mental Health Services
Whether you’re expecting or not, if you’re struggling with your mental health you should always seek professional help.
Local mental health services such as The Brighton and Hove Wellbeing Service and Mind in Brighton and Hove offer support for individuals experiencing mental health challenges, so don’t hesitate to reach out if you need professional assistance.
In addition to this you can also contact national helplines such as the Samaritans and CALM.
Brighton’s Family-friendly Cafés and Spaces
Brighton is filled with family-friendly cafés and public spaces where you can socialise or simply take a moment to enjoy a cup of coffee.
The Open Market and local community centres often host family-oriented events and activities.
These spaces can be really beneficial for your mental health and may even give you the chance to meet other expectant parents who will be able to offer some help and guidance if you’re going through a difficult patch.
Expecting a baby in Brighton is a unique and exciting experience.
By seeking out local resources, connecting with nature and making sure you get the support you need, you can get back to feeling the joy of preparing to be a Brighton parent.
If you’re looking for more ways to feel prepared and get the support you need while you’re expecting, book onto one of our evidence-led antenatal courses in Brighton.
Friendly, informative and packed full of midwife-led expertise, our classes will give you all the information you need to help you feel ready for your little one’s arrival.
Book your place, today!