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A baby holding its mother’s finger. What’s it really like having your first baby? We’d like new parents to tell us.
A baby holding its mother’s finger. What’s it really like having your first baby? We’d like new parents to tell us. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA
A baby holding its mother’s finger. What’s it really like having your first baby? We’d like new parents to tell us. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PA

Have you or your partner recently given birth? Share your experiences with us

This article is more than 5 years old

We’d like to hear about your physical and mental recovery after birth

Most parents will tell you that nothing prepares you for the arrival of your first child. We’d like new parents to help us document the experience of having a baby from the highs to the lows.

The arrival of your first baby is often joyful but it can also bring unexpected challenges. Though many feel that they have prepared as much as they can, the experience for women of giving birth and recovery can be stressful. It’s well known that pregnant women and mothers can experience mental health issues but now there’s also official recognition that partners can be affected too. The NHS is now planning to offer mental health checks for new fathers and fathers-to-be.

Share your experiences

We want to hear from women and men about their experiences – both good and bad – in the days, weeks and months after birth. Did you feel prepared for what would happen after birth? Is the recovery since birth what you expected? What have been the best, worst or most surprising bits?

You can share your views and experiences in the encrypted form below. We’ll feature some of your responses in our reporting.

If you’re having trouble using the form, click here. Read terms of service here.


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