Wellbeing for families and young people
A baby on the way? See tips for wellbeing at the start of a new life
If you are expecting a baby, you and your family can access a range of services in our wellbeing services county related to planning for parenthood, pregnancy, and the baby’s first months.Early support during pregnancy – security, information and support at the start of a new chapter
Pregnancy and the birth of a child are major life changes that can bring up many emotions and questions. Early support gives parents the opportunity to receive information, someone to talk to, and practical guidance both before and after birth. Maternity and child health clinics, family centres, organisations, and peer-support groups form a support network that can help you feel more confident as a parent, understand your baby’s needs, and find balance in your new daily life. Timely support can prevent overload and strengthen the wellbeing of the whole family.
Find services related to pregnancy, childbirth and the baby’s first months in your area
Omaperhe.fi provides information, support and guidance
Content on Omaperhe.fi can be translated into over 200 languages using Google Translate (cookies must be accepted first).
Omahelpperi – information for young people
Content on Omahelpperi.fi can be translated into over 200 languages using Google Translate (cookies must be accepted first).
Self-help programmes for parents
- Mielenterveystalo.fi offers a self-help programme for mental wellbeing during pregnancy and the baby’s first months(external link). (Note: Finnish only for the time being). The programme includes information, exercises and tools to support parenting, and can be used anonymously 24/7. The website also provides other self-help programmes for families with children and parents(external link). (Note: Finnish only for the time being).
- MIELI Mental Health Finland “Mielivartti” is a short video series for parents and caregivers, offering everyday tips for supporting mental wellbeing.
- MLL Vauvavuoden päiväkirja can help you reflect on and record your thoughts, experiences and feelings throughout your baby’s first year. Later, the diary can help you revisit the stages and nuances involved in forming your relationship with your baby. Its main aim is to support the development of a secure attachment between you and your baby. Building a warm, safe relationship with your baby is also one of the most important and rewarding tasks of parenthood. Download the diary here(external link).
- "Baby Family" - The Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelter The “Vauvaperhe” (Baby Family) website by the Federation of Mother and Child Homes and Shelters (“Ensi- ja turvakotien liitto”) provides information and support to help families with babies. In Finnish, there is also the Vauvapysäkki website(external link) offering practical tools for stressful situations in everyday life with a baby. Explore the Vauvaperhe site here here(external link).
Services provided by organisations and parishes
- Väestöliitto (the Family Federation of Finland) offers materials and games(external link) to support parenting, such as the board game “Tikapuut kannustavaan vanhemmuuteen” and guides on colic, breastfeeding and developing emotional skills.
- The Family Path® online course is for parents who may feel they demand too much of themselves and want to learn more about self-compassion. Learn more here(external link).
- The Mannerheim League for Child Welfare (MLL) offers a parent helpline, chat and online letter service(external link), as well as the “Vanhempainnetti” site with information on child development and challenges in family life.
- Imetyksen tuki ry The Finnish Association for Breastfeeding Support supports parents and babies with breastfeeding and parenting by offering help through peer supporters, the Rinnalla app, a breastfeeding chat, support groups, a helpline, online meetups, and a Facebook group. Learn more here(external link).
- The Helsinki Mother and Child Home Association (Helsingin ensikoti ry) offers the Open Silta meeting-place activities for expectant parents and families with young children(external link).