But for many women and some men the reality can be very different.

Perinatal Anxiety and Depression Awareness (PANDA) Week runs from November 10 - 16.

The PANDA campaign aims to raise awareness among new parents about the key signs of anxiety and depression and where to go to seek support.

Up to one in five women and one in 10 men may experience problems with anxiety and depression following the birth of their baby.

This can affect their ability to enjoy parenthood, their capacity to bond with their baby and provide the care and stimulation that babies need for healthy brain development.

Perinatal and Infant Mental Health Coordinator Louise Finnegan said many new parents find the realities of having a baby more challenging than they anticipated.

"Mental health problems in the perinatal period can be devastating for some families," she said.

"It's important to know that there's support available and to ask for help early.

"Talk to family, go online and look at the PANDA website, and contact a health professional if you are concerned.

"Simple activities like regular exercise, healthy food choices, music and singing are all known ways to reduce stress levels and improve mood levels."

Ms Finnegan said there are a variety of reasons someone might experience depression and anxiety around this time.

"There are a lot of changes that take place for women, hormonal changes, problems with sleep, difficulties with breastfeeding, role adjustment in relationship, 24/7 demands of a new baby" she said.

"If people are having a stressful time in their life anyway, there might be things going on, relationships problems, financial pressures, grief and loss, all these things can be exacerbated by a new child coming into your life.

She said men are less likely to get help.

"A lot of men don't recognise it as a mental health issue that they can get help with," Ms Finnegan said.

The Mid-North Coast is home to Australia's first regional Tresillian Residential Unit to help new parents in the area struggling with caring for their baby.

The service is based in Macksville but a mobile 'Tresillian 2 U - Early Parenting Service' - purpose-built van travels to homes and health centres to offer further personalised care and support.

"Mostly what we want to say to people is if you find yourself feeling more anxious or upset at this stage of life talk to someone early and seek support because quite often with some reassurance and help it can make the difference," Ms Finnegan said.