Parent shaming is driving new mums towards post-natal depression, with other mums being the worst offenders, according to new research.

The Centre of Perinatal Excellence (COPE) found many mothers battling anxiety are refusing help in fear of being labelled a bad mother, as reported in the Herald Sun.

COPE Director Dr Nicole Highet, said a lot of women have high expectations that things are going to come easily and naturally.

“And when that isn’t their experience they’re feeling feelings of failure and are ashamed that they’re not doing well,” she said.

Dr Highet also noted the impact social media is having on new mums.

“You very rarely see mothers posting the realities of motherhood.”

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New father and 3AW Online Producer Matt Cram shared some of his experiences.

In her first weeks, Matt’s daughter only seemed to fall asleep in the car or surrounded by loud noises, so he and his wife took their baby to Oaks Day.

And they certainly copped some judgment from racegoers!