Feeling Worried?
How to know when to seek urgent help?
Trust your intuition, if you are feeling worried there is usually a reason.
Do not hesitate to call emergency services if you are concerned for the immediate wellbeing of yourself or your child.
Australia call 000
New Zealand call 111
In New Zealand you can discuss non-emergency concerns with Plunketline 24/7 on 0800 933 922.
Some signs to look for in your baby:
Eating or drinking less and having fewer wet nappies than usual
A soft spot on the top of the head that looks sunken
Extremely sleepy or hard to wake up
Skin looks unusually pale or has blotchy patches
Breathing changes, such as noisy breathing or seeming to have to work harder to breathe
Specific feeding concerns?
Your child's Midwife, Well Child Nurse, GP and Paediatrician are options to discuss your concerns with.
You can use the free Feeding Matters Questionnaire to help guide your discussion with medical professionals.
"Please be aware that sudden changes in your child's behavior or feeding could be due to a serious illness. Immediately consult your health care provider if you notice such changes. This questionnaire is not designed to provide guidance on managing these types of problems."
Plunket's website is a great tool to refer to when you are concerned and not in a life threatening emergency.
I recommend reading about "Choking" as your baby starts showing an interest in solids.
Mental wellbeing
Parenthood brings rollercoasters of emotion, and additional stressors such as feeding difficulties risk tipping us over the edge. Please know there is always help available. Speak to a trusted healthcare professional about how you are feeling. A midwife, your GP. Make time for this conversation because mamas and papas, you are the keystones of your family, and we need you cared for so you can care for your babies.
National Helplines
Helpline services are available right now in New Zealand that offer support, information and help for you, and your loved ones. All the services listed here are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week unless otherwise specified.
Please reach out, there is always help available.
Need to talk? Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor.
Lifeline – 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP).
Youthline – 0800 376 633, free text 234 or email talk@youthline.co.nz or online chat.
Samaritans – 0800 726 666
Suicide Crisis Helpline – 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO).
Healthline – 0800 611 116
Disclaimer: Please keep in mind, the information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 111 immediately. This website and its content are provided on an "as is" basis. We make no representations or warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information on the site. Under no circumstances shall we be liable for any direct or indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages that may arise from the use of, or inability to use, this website. Please do your own research regarding any specific tests, physicians, products, procedures, opinions, or other information that may be mentioned. Reliance on any information provided by this website is solely at your own risk. Use your own judgement and seek individualised support for your child.