One of the highlights of social media is how easy it feels to keep track of our friends updates. Whose Instagram feed has not been instantly brightened by a friend's new baby or pregnancy reveal?

But while tapping 'like' on a cute close up might be convenient, the support that new mums need goes way beyond that. Knowing what to do to help or – if you're a new mum – how to ask for help is easier said than done, so we've partnered with Maltesers and Comic Relief on their #LoveBeatsLikes campaign.

Through real life stories, relatable experiences and practical suggestions we hope that new mums reading will remember that they should never hesitate to ask for help, and we hope their loved ones discover simple ways they can be supportive during the wild ride that is parenting!

It's good to talk, isn't it? We asked mums to get frank about the challenges of motherhood, as well as the laughs and support they've found along the way.

Our communities and extended support networks are essential to our children’s wellbeing, and even more immediately so, to our wellbeing as parents.

“I cannot do this journey of life alone – or just with my husband – especially with the responsibility of having kids. My village are the people I trust to ask for help or to notice I need help even if I don’t ask.”

We spoke to three mothers from across the UK about what their “village” looks like in and amongst the demands of modern parenthood.

Read their stories here.

More than one in ten of us will experience problems with our mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth and 70% of us will downplay how we’re feeling or try to hide it. But good mental health helps us manage our day-to-day, maintain good relationships with those around us and also has a positive effect on our children as well.

We have put together a guide to offer practical advice on how mums can ask for help and their loved ones can be more helpful. Read the full guide here or click to download the Fast Fives below and save them to your phone.

Maltesers is working in partnership with Comic Relief to fund mental health support projects for mums. See the work they are doing and how to access support by visiting www.comicrelief.com/maltesers.