Births - help and advice for preparing to give birth
Not only can we help you with the formalities of having a baby, we can also help you celebrate the birth of a child with a naming ceremony or the use of one of our fantastic venues.
We can also help you with fostering and adoption and childcare options and we can point you at financial assistance available.
Key website sections for you:
Just found out that you are pregnant?
Your first step should be to contact your GP. Your GP can confirm your pregnancy, give you advice and support and arrange your antenatal care. If you do not have a GP you should register with one immediately.
Need information or advice about contraception?
The self-help guide provided by the NHS gives extensive information and impartial advice on the different types of contraception available. Topics covered include 'Which contraception is for me' and 'emergency contraception.'
Your health during pregnancy
The BBC provides comprehensive details on becoming a parent. Including advice about vitamins and supplements; healthy eating; pregnancy and weight; smoking during pregnancy; drinking alcohol; pills, medicine and other drugs; fitness; and dealing with emotions.
Pregnancy complications
You should be able to speak to your GP or midwife at any time, but if you think something may be seriously wrong, contact them or your local hospital immediately for advice and help. NHS Direct offers general information and details of publications about pregnancy complications including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and stillbirth - please see their website, link at the bottom of the page, or call them on 0845 4647.
The Miscarriage Association also provides support and information for those suffering the effects of pregnancy loss.
Antenatal Care
If you have booked a hospital birth, you may be able to go to NHS antenatal classes at the Hospital or at your local clinic. You may also be able to do these if you have booked a home birth with NHS midwives.
NHS antenatal classes are taught by midwives who are very knowledgeable about labour and birth, and also the hospital's policies and procedures. Classes will include information about what labour is like, pain relief, interventions and Caesarean birth. You will also learn about the skills you need as a parent, such as how to bath a baby and changing nappies. If you wish to go to NHS antenatal classes let your midwife know as soon as possible.
The Birth
BBC Online explains what you can expect during labour, how you might deal with it and what will happen during childbirth. A hospital birth is described, but this section will also be useful if you are having a home birth. It may help to have someone present during your labour and this information should also be useful for them.
External Links
www.bbc.co.uk/parenting - the BBCs pages on parenting
www.direct.gov.uk - extensive information for parents covering everything from work entitlements to your child's health
www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit - find out about child benefit on the HM Revenue and Customs website
www.nhsdirect.nhs.uk/ - health advice and reassurance, 24 hours a day
Page last updated: 13/10/2011
