When we think about learning, we often picture formal settings; being back at school, enrolling on a course, or completing a class. While these are all valuable forms of learning, learning during the perinatal period often looks much broader, gentler, and more subtle.
Pregnancy and early parenthood bring a constant process of learning, sometimes without us even realising it. At the same time, many parents feel pressure to already know what they are doing, or to get things “right” straight away. Conflicting advice, social media comparisons, and fear of making mistakes can quickly undermine confidence and create self-doubt.
Learning plays an important role in supporting our mental health during this time. When we learn that what we are thinking or feeling is a common and understandable part of the perinatal journey, it can reduce worry, shame and help us feel less alone. Equally, learning can help us recognise when something doesn’t feel quite right, giving us the knowledge and reassurance we need to reach out for additional support. In this way, learning becomes a protective tool; helping us recognise both reassurance and risk and supporting us to care for ourselves with greater understanding and confidence.
The Five Ways to Wellbeing
Keep learning is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing because it supports adaptability, self‑belief, and resilience; all key things for our wellbeing.
Learning isn’t about perfection, it’s about curiosity, reflection, and growth. Learning is something we can do every day which helps us stay grounded and connected to the world around us.
During the perinatal period, when life can feel more inward and isolating, learning can build confidence and help us feel more equipped to navigate change. It reminds us that we are still growing, evolving, and capable, even during times of uncertainty or challenge.
Learning with compassion, not perfection
Learning during this time does not require perfection or productivity. It is not about doing more or knowing everything. Instead, it is about treating yourself with compassion as you grow into a new phase of life; one small discovery at a time.
For some, learning in the perinatal period means letting go of unhelpful habits or unrealistic expectations. It may mean unlearning advice that doesn’t fit your values, your circumstances, or your family. It can also involve relearning things you may have forgotten things you already carry. Your wisdom, instincts, intuition, and all your lived experience up to this moment are forms of learning that already prepare you for parenthood.
Changing your mind, trying something new, or realising that you need extra support does not mean you have failed. It means you are learning and adapting as you move through a new chapter of your life. Learning is not a straight line; it is responsive, flexible, and will look different each day.
Some of the things you may find yourself learning, include:
- How your baby communicates
- What helps you cope when things feel intense
- Where your limits and boundaries are
- How to ask for help, or how to say no
These moments of learning do not need to be planned or purposeful. Often, they happen naturally through living, noticing, and responding to what is in front of you. Learning in this way supports wellbeing not by adding pressure, but by helping you feel more connected to yourself, your baby, and the life you are gradually settling into.
Support and Resources
Learning through pregnancy and early parenthood
Much of the learning in the perinatal period is relational. We are learning who we are becoming as a parent, often while still adjusting to who we were before.
We are learning who our baby is; how they communicate, how they change, and how their needs evolve from one day to the next. This learning does not happen all at once; it unfolds slowly through observation, mistakes, curiosity, and care.
We are also learning how our relationships may shift and how we operate together as parents, partners, or family members. Roles, expectations, and communication can change significantly, and learning how to navigate these changes with kindness and flexibility is an important part of wellbeing.
Learning might also mean listening to new music, reading a book, or trying a new food or drink. It could be having a conversation with someone new, or reading about the stages of pregnancy, birth, or early parenthood. It might involve researching what help and support is available nearby or simply noticing how your body and emotions are changing from day to day.
Learning from others
Being open to learning from others during the perinatal period can offer reassurance, shared understanding, and new perspectives, reminding you that you don’t have to figure everything out alone.
Midwives, health visitors, GPs, perinatal mental health teams, and other trained professionals can offer evidence-based information, consistency, and a safe space to ask questions without judgement.
Learning from professionals can help cut through conflicting advice and external noise, supporting parents to better understand what is typical, what may be a cause for concern, and what support is available if needed.
Importantly, professional support is not about telling you how to parent or taking over your instincts; it is about working alongside you, building your confidence, and helping you feel informed and supported as you navigate pregnancy and early parenthood.
If information ever feels overwhelming or increases anxiety, it’s okay to step back and return to it when you feel ready.
Remember…
Learning during the perinatal period is about protecting your wellbeing and treating yourself with kindness, not pressure. It’s like reading a map while you’re already travelling; you don’t need to know the whole journey ahead, only where you are right now and what might help you take the next step. You’re allowed to pause, reread, change direction, or ask for guidance along the way. Each small piece of learning can support your confidence, your mental health, and encourage compassion towards yourself.