Katherine Whitby | Registered Paediatric Nurse | Health Visitor | Maternal Well-being Practitioner |
Infant Massage Instructor | Founder of Baby Steps
2025 - It’s time to shape Post Natal Support
Having a baby is one of life’s biggest transitions, but while the experience of becoming a parent hasn’t changed, the world in which we do it has shifted dramatically.
In generations past, new parents relied on a handful of trusted sources - one book, a few close friends, family members who had been there before. Now, new parents are bombarded with a 24/7 stream of advice, opinions, and often conflicting information. The result? Overwhelm, self-doubt, and the constant pressure to ‘get it right.’
In 2024, I noticed parental anxiety dramatically skyrocket. So this year I am on a mission to really find out what services parents need in this new world. Is it back to basics like previous generations or has it really changed more to online? Or a bit of both and what does that look like? It’s a tricky one to navigate as a parent and a professional. People need community support but how we access information is different to decades ago.
Then vs. Now: How Parenting Advice Has Changed
My Grandmothers likely had just one book to refer to, along with the wisdom of their mothers and community.
My Mum had one book by ‘Dr. Jolly’, asked her best friend who had her babies a bit sooner so had some experience and the family GP.
As a Mum myself I had a few parenting books, NCT group and friends. I don’t really remember looking online.
Professionally I noticed a real shift 20 years ago with ‘Dr Google’. This has continued to grow with forums, parenting websites, and online articles, blogs, numerous social media platforms, apps.
Parents Today are bombarded with social media content, algorithm-driven advice, influencers, and a never-ending stream of “must-know” parenting tips that can leave them second-guessing every decision. Along with whatsapp groups, apps, books….and so on! This is in contrast to no visits from the midwife, no Health Visitor baby clinic, no named GP to contact, feeling their own parents’ advice is out of date compared to the stream of advice on social media.
The Social Media Storm: Information or Overwhelm?
Social media has created an entirely new landscape for parenting advice. While there is plenty of great information available, algorithms don’t always prioritise accuracy over engagement. This means that new parents are constantly being fed advice—some of it helpful, some of it questionable, and much of it contradictory.
Recently in my classes parents have shared their worries having seen the following posts on Instagram or TikTok about Weaning. Concerningly none of the parents questioned the source and whether it was giving them anxiety or unrealistic expectations.
A video of a baby choking and another having an allergic reaction - which causes anxiety
A post of a baby eating steak - potentially giving unrealistic expectations of when a baby will be able to properly eat and digest them
An influencer warning of the ‘dangers’ of certain weaning methods - not based on any evidence, just opinion
A comment section filled with passionate debates on the ‘right’ way to Wean - creating confusion
It’s no wonder so many parents feel lost. When you’re constantly bombarded with information, it’s hard to filter out what’s actually best for your baby - and for you.
The Missing Village: Less Support, More Isolation
On top of information overload, today’s parents often lack the support systems that previous generations had. Many don’t have family nearby, and traditional community resources have dwindled.
Midwife Shortages: Postnatal care is stretched thin. The norm now is to have to travel to a Maternity Hub for an appointment rather than home visits. Plus there is less continuity of care.
No Baby Clinics: Drop-in clinics where parents could easily get their baby weighed and ask questions have largely disappeared.
GP Relationships Have Changed: With overstretched NHS services, seeing the same GP regularly is no longer a given, making it harder for parents to feel supported.
In contrast, previous generations had access to regular baby clinics, home visits, and a closer relationship with healthcare providers. The phrase “it takes a village” is well-known, but for many new parents today, that village is missing.
The Pressure to Be a ‘Perfect’ Parent
Social media doesn’t just provide advice; it also sets unrealistic expectations. Perfectly curated images of peaceful, smiling babies and effortlessly put-together parents can make new mums and dads feel like they’re constantly falling short. This ‘comparisonitis’ can fuel anxiety and self-doubt, making an already challenging time even harder.
So What’s the Solution?
If you’re a new parent feeling overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Here are a few ways to cut through the noise and find balance:
Choose a Few Trusted Sources – Instead of trying to absorb everything, pick one or two reliable sources for parenting advice and tune out the rest.
Limit Social Media Consumption – Follow accounts that make you feel supported, not anxious, and take regular breaks from scrolling.
Find Your Village – Whether it’s a local baby group, an online community, or a supportive course like Baby Steps, connecting with others can make all the difference.
Trust Yourself – Parenting isn’t about perfection. Your instincts, love, and care matter more than any trending tip.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
I know how overwhelming modern parenting can feel. That’s why I offer professional, practical, and emotional support to help parents feel confident and relaxed. Whether through courses, events, or one-on-one guidance, I am here to be part of your village - helping you navigate this new world of parenting with confidence and calm.
With my 30 years of experience as a Paediatric Nurse, Health Visitor, Maternal Wellbeing Practitioner and Mum of two myself, I am the voice of reassurance in the overwhelm. Ideally putting step by step advice in place to prevent the overwhelm in the first place!
Because while the world has changed, one thing hasn’t: you deserve support on your journey. Katherine x
Why not start with the FREE resources I have on offer here:
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