The arrival of a new baby is usually a happy event but can also be a stressful time for new parents.

Up to one-in-five expecting or new mums and one-in-10 expecting dads experiences perinatal anxiety or depression.

Western NSW Local Health District child and family health clinical nurse consultant Anne Roth said heightened anxiety was also common after the birth of a baby.

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"Unlike the baby blues, perinatal depression and anxiety do not go away after a few days," Ms Roth said.

"If symptoms such as a low mood, feeling unable to cope or difficulty sleeping don't go away or seem to be getting worse, it's important to seek help from your GP, midwife, or early childhood nurse."

Western NSW LHD, in partnership with Murrumbidgee LHD, Charles Sturt University and Parent-Infant Research Institute, have designed a new research project aimed at improving access to treatment for women with post-natal depression in regional areas.

The research is focused on women in the Bathurst, Parkes and Forbes areas with a baby aged under one.

To register or ask any questions women can send a text message to 0428 452 127.

"We want women to sign up so they not only receive the support they need but to help us discover what the barriers are for isolated women in accessing the intervention," Ms Roth said.