Ready Steady Family: Free Support for Expecting and New Parents
Ready Steady Family is a free program by Drummond Street Services offering wraparound support for expecting parents, new parents and caregivers.
Welcoming a baby can be joyful, overwhelming and life-changing all at once. Whether this is your first baby or you are growing your family, it is normal to experience big emotional, physical and practical shifts. Ready Steady Family provides compassionate, inclusive support to help you feel more confident, connected and supported during pregnancy and the early years of parenting.
Feeling overwhelmed after having a baby? You are not alone
Many parents ask themselves things like:
- Why am I crying after having a baby?
- I feel overwhelmed after having a baby. Is this normal?
- I am scared I am a bad mother or parent
- Is my baby crying too much?
- Why is my baby crying and I cannot settle them?
These are very common questions during pregnancy and the early years of parenting. Parenting does not come with a manual, and needing support does not mean you are doing anything wrong. It means you are human.
If you are feeling unsure, anxious, exhausted or overwhelmed, reaching out early can make a real difference. Ready Steady Family is here to walk alongside you and help you make sense of what you are experiencing.
Who We Are
Our multidisciplinary team includes:
- Perinatal Mental Health Practitioners
- Parenting Coaches
- Groups/Seminars/Professional Development Facilitators
- Bicultural Workers
We work with parents and caregivers from all family constellations and cultural backgrounds.
What We Offer
Ready Steady Family provides a wide range of free supports, including:
- Counselling for expecting and new parents and caregivers
- Perinatal and early parenting mental health support
- Parenting coaching for common concerns such as sleep, feeding, routines, relationships and confidence
- Evidence-based group programs for parents and carers
- Practical support and information sessions
- Support for co-parents to strengthen communication, manage stress and work together during pregnancy and after birth
Our approach is inclusive, trauma-informed and focused on strengthening relationships between parents, caregivers and children.
Parenting groups and programs
We offer a range of evidence-based parenting groups, including:
Tuning in to Kids
A parenting program focused on improving parents’ emotion regulation, emotional responsiveness and emotion coaching. This program supports children’s emotional development and helps prevent social and behavioural difficulties. Suitable for families with children aged 3 to 12.
Tuning in to Toddlers (TOTS)
A parenting program designed for families with toddlers. It focuses on emotion coaching, emotional responsiveness and supporting early communication. Parents learn to notice what their child is focusing on and engage them using language to build connection and understanding.
Circle of Security
An 8-week registered, evidence-based group program focused on attachment and the parent-child bond. Based on decades of research, Circle of Security helps parents understand their child’s emotional needs and strengthen secure relationships.
And much more.
To see what groups and programs are coming up, visit: https://ds.org.au/events/
LGBTIQA+ families
Are you LGBTIQA+ and looking for inclusive family support?
You can also reach out to Q Family, a specialist service supporting rainbow families before and after the arrival of a child.
How to Access Support
If you are:
- Adjusting to life with a new baby
- Feeling overwhelmed or unsure in your parenting
- Worried about your baby’s crying, sleep or behaviour
- Looking for support during pregnancy or early parenthood
You do not have to figure it out alone. Get in touch with Ready Steady Family to find out how we can support you and your family.
We offer flexible appointments during the day and evening, in person or online. Some support can take place in your home, at a community venue, or at one of our locations in Melbourne’s North and West.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to feel overwhelmed after having a baby?
Yes. Many parents feel overwhelmed, emotional or unsure after having a baby. Pregnancy and early parenthood involve major emotional, physical and lifestyle changes. Support can help you make sense of what you are experiencing and reduce stress.
Why am I crying after having a baby?
Crying after having a baby is very common. Hormonal changes, lack of sleep, emotional adjustment and new responsibilities can all play a role. If these feelings feel intense or are not easing, reaching out for support can help.
What support is available for new parents?
Ready Steady Family offers free counselling, perinatal and early parenting mental health support, parenting coaching and evidence-based group programs. Support is available in person, online and in some cases in your home.
Is Ready Steady Family inclusive of LGBTIQA+ families?
Yes. Ready Steady Family supports families of all structures and identities. LGBTIQA+ parents and caregivers can also access specialist support through Q Family.
How do I access Ready Steady Family support?
You can call 03 9663 6733, email intake@ds.org.au, or complete a referral form. Our team will talk with you about the best support options for your family.
