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Children and Families Support - self referral

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Children and Families Support - self referral

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CAPS is a partnership between Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust (MFT), Manchester city council and the voluntary sector, which includes Family Action, Big Life, and Home Start Manchester.  We offer psychological support to both parents in pregnancy and parents of children under 5 years.

The aim of CAPS is to support parents and carers to help their children to develop to their fullest potential and be ready for school. This includes promoting improved quality of parent/child relationships; and supporting parents and carers with their children’s social, emotional development and wellbeing.

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Children and Parents’ Service (CAPS) - MFT CAMHS

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The aim of CAPS is to support parents and carers to help their children to develop to their fullest potential and be ready for school.

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Low cost nutritious recipes and cooking guide

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Low cost nutritious recipes and cooking guide

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Care of the Next Infant following unexpected loss

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Care of the Next Infant following unexpected loss

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NHS support schemes - help with healthcare costs

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NHS support schemes - help with healthcare costs

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CS58938 GMICP NHS Support Schemes poster_ENGLISH_v2

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Healthy Start and Best Start Foods_April 26_Digital

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Information about:-

Sleep Products

Sleep patterns for baby

Sleep training

Swaddling

Sleep safety

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Research-based information on baby sleep for parents and practitioners, covering normal infant sleep, sleep safety, where and how babies sleep, SIDS and SUDI, parental sleep and free resources.

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Raising a concern about your maternity care

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Greater Manchester Pregnancy and Maternity Hub 

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Greater Manchester Pregnancy and Maternity Hub 

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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Information to support you through every step of your pregnancy and maternity journey. Information about pregnancy, birth and after the baby arrives.

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Protecting you both: whooping cough, RSV, and flu vaccination in pregnancy

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Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) vaccination in pregnancy and for newborns.

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Vaccinations in pregnancy, Greater Manchester 

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Vaccinations in pregnancy, Greater Manchester 

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership

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Information specifically aimed at pregnant women on what vaccinations to have to protect yourself and your unborn child.

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Recipe inspiration at your fingertips. Simply search for recipes by ingredient, recipe name, meal type or special diet.

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Managing diabetes when you’re pregnant can be like a full-time job. There are extra appointments, tests and scans. And as your baby grows inside you, it takes a lot of effort to keep blood sugar levels in a safe range. It’s a lot of work, but it’s worth it. This will reduce the risk of complications and mean you’re more likely to have a successful pregnancy and a healthy baby. And while all the scans and appointments take time and effort, it also means that your diabetes and antenatal healthcare team are closely monitoring the health of you and your baby.

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Comparison of caesarean sections and vaginal births

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Comparison of caesarean sections and vaginal births

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Balanced information about vaginal and caesarean birth and induction of labour.

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You can find general information about the operation, but you can also see helpful infographs and statistics about benefits and risks of having a caesarean section and compare to vaginal birth and induction of labour

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Balanced information about vaginal and caesarean birth and induction of labour.

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Find more detailed information and statistics about these types of birth

Induction of labour

Vaginal Birth

Caesarean sections

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Balanced information about vaginal and caesarean birth and induction of labour.

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Latent Phase/Early Labour. If you have no concerns at this point, then please call when you are in active/established labour.

Active/Established labour

2nd stage - pushing

3rd stage - birthing the placenta

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Hospital Bag Packing list

Tehneek Information

Antenatal classes around Greater Manchester (GM)

Labour and birth information for GM

Birth options - information about induction of labour, vaginal birth and caesarean sections

Where can I give birth?

Latent Phase of Labour

Stages of labour

Induction of Labour

Positions for labour and birth

Tips for birth partners

Delayed cord clamping

Anthony Nolan Cord Blood Collection

How to reduce severe tears video

Perineal massage from 35 weeks

Vitamin K information

Maternity care for women with a BMI >30

Homebirth information

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You are Safe with us group

5 week online antenatal course (Saint Mary's)

Bump to Baby: face to face in children's centres/Family Hubs

Link to see other free antenatal, postnatal, fitness, health and wellbeing groups all around Greater Manchester

Your right to have time off work for antenatal groups

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A FREE 4 week course held at Children's centres and Family Hubs around Manchester (excluding Trafford, Salford and Bury). It covers the following topics :-

Preparing for Becoming a Parent, Infant Feeding and Health and Wellbeing

Parenting Confidence and Skills and Mental Health

Attachment and Bonding

Labour and Birth

Click the image for more information about the course.

You can contact your local children's centre or Family Hub to book yourself or speak to your midwife.

Click below to find your nearest centre.

Find a Family Hub

Find a children's centre on a map

Find a children's centre by postcode

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A 5 week course on Microsoft Teams, weekday evenings 6-8PM.

This is for everybody planning to give birth at Saint Mary's Hospital (North Manchester, Oxford Road or Wythenshawe).

This is led by midwives, the infant feeding health visiting team, HIPPOH project team, Dad matters and Mums matter.

Ask your midwife to complete the referral for this course at your next appointment.

Or email your name and birthday to parent.classes@mft.nhs.uk

Lots of topics are covered including:-

Labour and birth

Getting to know your baby

Feeding your baby

The first few days

Newborn care

Mental health

Dad Matters and Mums matters

Q+A with a midwife

See the tab below for all of the topics covered in each session

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One stop pregnancy information guide for South Asian mums.

Speak to your midwife for a code to login

Available in:

Urdu

Gujarati

Hindi,

Punjabi

Bengali

Tamil

English

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Before you get pregnant, and in the first 12 weeks of pregnancy, you should take Folic acid 400mcg to prevent neural tube defects (spina bifida) in your baby. This can be found in any pregnancy multiivitamin

If you have a BMI over 30 you should take 5mg of Folic acid.

Throughout pregnancy, you should also take vitamin D 10mcg/400iu. This can be found in any pregnancy multivitamin

If you have brown or black skin, or you keep your skin covered please take 20mcg/800iu.

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Eating a healthy, varied diet in pregnancy will help you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need.

But when you're pregnant, or there's a chance you might get pregnant, it's important to also take a folic acid supplement.

It's recommended that you take:

400 micrograms of folic acid every day - from before you're pregnant until you're 12 weeks pregnant

This is to reduce the risk of problems in the baby's development in the early weeks of pregnancy.

It is also recommended that you take a daily vitamin D supplement.

Do not take cod liver oil or any supplements containing vitamin A (retinol) when you're pregnant. Too much vitamin A could harm your baby. Always check the label.
You also need to know which foods to avoid in pregnancy

Where to get pregnancy supplements

You can get supplements from pharmacies and supermarkets, or a GP may be able to prescribe them for you.

If you want to get your folic acid from a multivitamin tablet, make sure the tablet does not contain vitamin A (or retinol).

You may be able to get free vitamins if you qualify for the Healthy Start scheme.
Find out more about the Healthy Start scheme

Folic acid before and during pregnancy

It's important to take a 400 micrograms folic acid tablet every day before you're pregnant and until you're 12 weeks pregnant.

Folic acid can help prevent birth defects known as neural tube defects, including spina bifida.

If you did not take folic acid before you conceived, you should start as soon as you find out you're pregnant.

Try to eat green leafy vegetables which contain folate (the natural form of folic acid) and breakfast cereals and fat spreads with folic acid added to them.

It's difficult to get the amount of folate recommended for a healthy pregnancy from food alone, which is why it's important to take a folic acid supplement.

Higher-dose folic acid

If you have a higher chance of your pregnancy being affected by neural tube defects, you will be advised to take a higher dose of folic acid (5 milligrams). You will be advised to take this each day until you're 12 weeks pregnant.

You may have a higher chance if:

you or the baby's biological father have a neural tube defect

you or the baby's biological father have a family history of neural tube defects

you have had a previous pregnancy affected by a neural tube defect

you have diabetes

you take anti-epilepsy medicine

you take anti-retroviral medicine for HIV

If any of this applies to you, talk to a GP. They can prescribe a higher dose of folic acid.

A GP or midwife may also recommend additional screening tests during your pregnancy.
Find out about epilepsy and pregnancy

Vitamin D in pregnancy

You need 10 micrograms of vitamin D each day. It's recommended pregnant and breastfeeding women take a daily supplement containing this amount between September and March.

Vitamin D regulates the amount of calcium and phosphate in the body, which are needed to keep bones, teeth and muscles healthy. Our bodies make vitamin D when our skin is exposed to summer sunlight (from late March/early April to the end of September)

Between the months of September and March the body cannot make sufficient vitamin D from sunlight alone, which is why a supplement is recommended.

Vitamin D is also in some foods, including:

oily fish (such as salmon, mackerel, herring and sardines)

eggs

red meat

Vitamin D is also added to some breakfast cereals, fat spreads and non-dairy milk alternatives. The amounts added to these products can vary and might only be small.

Because vitamin D is only found in a small number of foods, whether naturally occurring or added, it is difficult to get enough from foods alone.

Do not take more than 100 micrograms (4,000 IU) of vitamin D a day as it could be harmful.

You can get vitamin supplements containing vitamin D free of charge if you're pregnant or breastfeeding and qualify for the Healthy Start scheme.

There have been some reports about vitamin D reducing the risk of coronavirus (COVID-19). But there is currently not enough evidence to support taking vitamin D solely to prevent or treat COVID-19.

If you have dark skin or cover your skin a lot

You may be at particular risk of not having enough vitamin D if:

you have dark skin (for example, if you're of African, African Caribbean or south Asian origin)

you cover your skin when outside or spend lots of time indoors

You may need to consider taking a daily supplement of vitamin D all year. Talk to a midwife or doctor for advice.

Iron in pregnancy

If you do not have enough iron, you'll probably get very tired and may suffer from anaemia.

Lean meat, green leafy vegetables, dried fruit and nuts contain iron.

If you'd like to eat peanuts or foods that contain peanuts (such as peanut butter) during pregnancy, you can do so as part of a healthy, balanced diet unless you're allergic to them or your health professional advises you not to.

Many breakfast cereals have iron added to them. If the iron level in your blood becomes low, a GP or midwife will advise you to take iron supplements.

Vitamin C in pregnancy

Vitamin C protects cells and helps keep them healthy.

It's found in a wide variety of fruit and vegetables, and a balanced diet can provide all the vitamin C you need.

Good sources include:

oranges and orange juice

red and green peppers

strawberries

blackcurrants

broccoli

brussels sprouts

potatoes

Calcium in pregnancy

Calcium is vital for making your baby's bones and teeth.

Sources of calcium include:

milk, cheese and yoghurt

green leafy vegetables, such as rocket, watercress or curly kale

tofu

soya drinks with added calcium

bread and any foods made with fortified flour

fish where you eat the bones, such as sardines and pilchards

Vegetarian, vegan and special diets in pregnancy

A varied and balanced vegetarian diet should provide enough nutrients for you and your baby during pregnancy.

But you might find it more difficult to get enough iron and vitamin B12.

Talk to a midwife or doctor about how to make sure you're getting enough of these important nutrients.

If you're vegan or you follow a restricted diet because of a food intolerance (for example, a gluten-free diet for coeliac disease) or for religious reasons, talk to a midwife or GP.

Ask to be referred to a dietitian for advice on how to make sure you're getting all the nutrients you need for you and your baby.
Find out more about healthy eating if you're pregnant and vegetarian or vegan

Healthy Start vitamins

The Healthy Start scheme may be able to help you buy food and milk if you're pregnant or have a child under 4 years old and receive certain benefits, or you're pregnant and under 18.

If you're eligible, you'll be sent a Healthy Start card which you can use to buy certain types of milk, infant formula, fruit and vegetables.

You can also use your card to get free vitamins.

If you're not eligible for the Healthy Start scheme, some NHS organisations still offer the vitamins for free, or sell them. Ask a midwife about what's available in your area.

More information:

Get Start for Life pregnancy and baby emails

Sign up for Start for Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

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Vitamins, minerals and supplements in pregnancy

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Find out about vitamins, minerals and supplements in pregnancy, including why you should take a folic acid supplement.

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SAFETY INFO: Formula Milk Recall (February 2026)

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SAFETY INFO: Formula Milk Recall (February 2026)

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Nestle has recalled SMA Infant Formula and Follow-On Formula because of the presence of cereulide (toxin)

Click to see if you have a product that could be effected. Do not continue using it.

If you have one of these batches, please share a photo of the product and batch code via

www.nestle.co.uk/en-gb/getintouch

or call the careline on

0800 0 81 81 80 (UK)

1800 931 832 (IRELAND)

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North Manchester

Entrance 1, North Manchester General Hospital,

Delauneys Road,

Crumpsall

M8 5RB

Triage is on level 3 via Entrance 1

Saint Mary's Central Manchester

Saint Mary's Hospital

Oxford Road,

Manchester,

M13 9WL

(next to the Royal Infirmary, not to be confused with Old Saint Mary's)

Triage is on the 2nd floor in Ward 64/Central Delivery Unit

Wythenshawe

Entrance 13, Wythenshawe hospital

Floats Road

Wythenshawe

M23 9LT

Triage is on the ground floor. Follow signs for the Antenatal Assessment Unit

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Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy)

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Gestational hypertension (high blood pressure after 20 weeks of pregnancy)

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Chronic hypertension (high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy)

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Chronic hypertension (high blood pressure before 20 weeks of pregnancy)

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Free antenatal and postnatal exercise videos and information 

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Free antenatal and postnatal exercise videos and information 

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Videos from 10 minutes to 50 minutes long, so you choose what suits you best!

Yoga

Pilates

Core workouts

Cardio and strength training

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Pregnancy workout videos - We offer various intensity levels to ensure you're comfortable through your pregnancy journey.

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Advice on how to exercise safely in pregnancy 

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Advice on how to exercise safely in pregnancy 

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Find Your Active

Check out our activity-based resources packed with advice and top tips to support you on your active journey through pregnancy and beyond

Aquanatal, Cycling, Dancing, Home Workouts, Personal Training, Pilates, Resistance Training, Running, Swimming, Yoga, Swimming, Walking

At last, some clear and friendly guides to help you navigate through your active pregnancy!

With so much confusing information online, it is difficult to know where to turn for trustworthy advice and guidance.

If you are unsure about whether your usual activities are safe and suitable, you want to start getting more active, or try something different at this stage in your life, why not check out our 'Find Your Active' resources. Written in collaboration with experts, in the context of the national guidance, you can now access top tips and do's/don'ts to guide you through your chosen activities during pregnancy and beyond.

These resources are free to use and download, but if you like the work of the APF, and would like to see more of this, please consider donating.

Want to find out more?

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Find Your Active Check out our activity-based resources packed with advice and top tips to support you on your active journey through pregnancy and beyond Aquanatal, Cycling, Dancing, Home Workouts, Personal Training, Pilates, Resistance Training, Running, Swimming, Yoga, Swimming, Walking At last, some clear and friendly guides to help you navigate through your active pregnancy!

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This free app can help you know what to do if you think your baby is unwell after they are born.

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If you’re worried your baby is unwell, our free Baby Check app helps you decide whether they need to see a health professional or not…

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Questions about infant milk safety Are powdered infant milks sterile? Powdered infant milks are not sterile and they may contain harmful bacteria. However, if milks are made up appropriately for infants, they should be safe. Salmonellaand Cronobacter sakazakii(previously known as Enterobacter sakazakii)are the organisms of greatest concern in infant formula and a range of Cronobacterspecies ...

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Week-by-week guide to pregnancy - Best Start in Life - NHS

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Our NHS-approved week-by-week guide is packed with useful information – from how your baby is developing, to tips and advice on getting ready to give birth – this is your complete guide to your pregnancy.

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Advice and support  for your child’s development

From pregnancy to childcare right through to starting school.

Week by week pregnancy guide

Childcare support

Advice for partners

Healthy eating/lifestyle

Labour and birth information

Feeding your baby information

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Advice and support for your child’s development

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Maternity care support group: You Are Safe With Us 

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Maternity care support group: You Are Safe With Us 

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The You are safe with us: Supporting advocacy during pregnancy,

birth and beyond programme is designed in response to recognised

inequities in outcomes and experiences maternity care for Black

and Brown women. This session aims to support you to feel safe

and confident during pregnancy, birth and beyond.

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Maternity care support group: You Are Safe With Us 

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Maternity care support group: You Are Safe With Us 

# data[].attributes.body
The You are safe with us: Supporting advocacy during pregnancy, birth and beyond programme is designed in response to recognised inequities in outcomes and experiences maternity care for Black and Brown women.

This session aims to support you to feel safe and confident during pregnancy, birth and beyond.

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An increasing number of mothers and health professionals have sought to find more information on the levels of medicines passing through milk to the baby. Standard reference books such as the British National Formulary (BNF) provide little information for professionals and parents to make decisions on individual situations. BfN endeavours to provide information to enable mothers to breastfeed their babies for as long as they wish and to provide information on the safety of medicines for each mother and baby pair.

Please use the below links for more information

We are constantly reviewing the information available on drugs and breastfeeding as new research is conducted. Therefore, from time-to-time the information on this website may be updated - please be sure to check regularly for any new information and changes to the drug information fact sheets and leaflets.

What is the Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service?

The original Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline was set up by BfN in response to the number of calls we were receiving that concerned medication.

In 2017 we noticed that majority of enquiries from parents and professionals to the Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline were coming via email or social media. As a charity operating on reducing funds we need to run the service in the most efficient and effective way possible without compromising the needs of parents. As a result we decided to run the Drugs in Breastmilk service via email and social media enquiry only.

You can still access information on taking prescription drugs while breastfeeding by sending a private message via our Facebook page or via . Please provide as much information as possible (age of baby, dose, frequency and name of medication or drug). All enquiries are answered as soon as possible by one of our small, volunteer team of qualified pharmacists or breastfeeding supporters. As we can't guarantee a response time, in an emergency situation, please do not wait for our reply, but access help from a trained healthcare professional.

If you call the old Drugs in Breastmilk helpline 0844 number, you will hear a recorded message with information about where to access alternative support. Calls won't be answered live and there is no voicemail service available.

If you still have the Drugs in Breastmilk helpline number on any materials or web pages please could you remove it and replace it with the following information:
'If you have specific questions about medications or treatments, please message the Drugs in Breastmilk information service Facebook page or email druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk. If you require breastfeeding support, please call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212."

The service is open to mothers and professionals. As the time available to deal with breastfeeding support of mothers is limited, professionals are encouraged to find out the information to enable them to support the mothers themselves.

Evaluation of the Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service

In 2019, BfN commissioned Swansea University to undertake an evaluation of the DIBM service we offer. The executive summary of this report can be found and the full report can be found .

Become a Friend of Drugs in Breastmilk

Please click here for more information on how you can help support this vital service.

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Drugs In Breastmilk - Is It Safe? - The Breastfeeding Network

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An increasing number of mothers and health professionals have sought to find more information on the levels of medicines passing through milk to the baby. Standard reference books such as the British National Formulary (BNF) provide little information for professionals and parents to make decisions on individual situations.

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Cough and cold remedies and Breastfeeding - Cough and cold remedies and Breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network

Decongestants and Breastfeeding - https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/decongestants/

Sore throats and Breastfeeding  - https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/sore-throats/

Alcohol and Breastfeeding - Alcohol and Breastfeeding - The Breastfeeding Network

Mastitis guidance - Mastitis Information - The Breastfeeding Network

Vaccinations and Breastfeeding  - https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/vaccinations/

Vitamin D and Breastfeeding - https://www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/factsheet/vitamind/

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An increasing number of mothers and health professionals have sought to find more information on the levels of medicines passing through milk to the baby. Standard reference books such as the British National Formulary (BNF) provide little information for professionals and parents to make decisions on individual situations. BfN endeavours to provide information to enable mothers to breastfeed their babies for as long as they wish and to provide information on the safety of medicines for each mother and baby pair.

Please use the below links for more information

We are constantly reviewing the information available on drugs and breastfeeding as new research is conducted. Therefore, from time-to-time the information on this website may be updated - please be sure to check regularly for any new information and changes to the drug information fact sheets and leaflets.

What is the Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service?

The original Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline was set up by BfN in response to the number of calls we were receiving that concerned medication.

In 2017 we noticed that majority of enquiries from parents and professionals to the Drugs in Breastmilk Helpline were coming via email or social media. As a charity operating on reducing funds we need to run the service in the most efficient and effective way possible without compromising the needs of parents. As a result we decided to run the Drugs in Breastmilk service via email and social media enquiry only.

You can still access information on taking prescription drugs while breastfeeding by sending a private message via our Facebook page or via . Please provide as much information as possible (age of baby, dose, frequency and name of medication or drug). All enquiries are answered as soon as possible by one of our small, volunteer team of qualified pharmacists or breastfeeding supporters. As we can't guarantee a response time, in an emergency situation, please do not wait for our reply, but access help from a trained healthcare professional.

If you call the old Drugs in Breastmilk helpline 0844 number, you will hear a recorded message with information about where to access alternative support. Calls won't be answered live and there is no voicemail service available.

If you still have the Drugs in Breastmilk helpline number on any materials or web pages please could you remove it and replace it with the following information:
'If you have specific questions about medications or treatments, please message the Drugs in Breastmilk information service Facebook page or email druginformation@breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk. If you require breastfeeding support, please call the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212."

The service is open to mothers and professionals. As the time available to deal with breastfeeding support of mothers is limited, professionals are encouraged to find out the information to enable them to support the mothers themselves.

Evaluation of the Drugs in Breastmilk Information Service

In 2019, BfN commissioned Swansea University to undertake an evaluation of the DIBM service we offer. The executive summary of this report can be found and the full report can be found .

Become a Friend of Drugs in Breastmilk

Please click here for more information on how you can help support this vital service.

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Drugs In Breastmilk - Is It Safe? - The Breastfeeding Network

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An increasing number of mothers and health professionals have sought to find more information on the levels of medicines passing through milk to the baby. Standard reference books such as the British National Formulary (BNF) provide little information for professionals and parents to make decisions on individual situations.

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Welcome to this padlet which will help you find reliable websites and leaflets that we recommend with information to support you in pregnancy, labour and birth.

Scroll across the page to see all of the sections or use the search bar to find a specific subject.

If you have a concern about yourself or your baby, please contact your midwife or maternity triage. Any advice on third party websites does not replace advice from a health professional.

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First Steps Nutrition Trust- Breastmilk and breastfeeding information 

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First Steps Nutrition Trust- Breastmilk and breastfeeding information 

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Introduction to infant feeding video (20 mins)

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Introduction to infant feeding video (20 mins)

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Manchester Infant Feeding Team Introduction to Infant Feeding (P)

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Tehneek information (British Muslim Heritage Centre) 

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Tehneek information (British Muslim Heritage Centre) 

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Tehneek information (British Muslim Heritage Centre) 

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Tehneek information (British Muslim Heritage Centre) 

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We have a dedicated homebirth who can support you towards the end of your pregnancy and provide continuity of care at your homebirth and after baby is born.

Please speak to your midwife if you are interested in a homebirth and would like to know more about the benefits.

Alternatively, you can email smh.homebirth@mft.nhs.uk

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Ring Paul on 07526 562968

https://homestartmanchester.com/dadmatters

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Mums Matter is a friendly, welcoming 8 week group offering mums time to focus on their emotional wellbeing and mental health. It is designed for Manchester based mums with a child under two.

In a calm and welcoming space, mums will:

Explore practical tools to support their mental and emotional wellbeing

Learn simple techniques to manage daily pressures

Connect with other mums and share experiences

Build confidence and feel more like themselves again

Each 2-hour session is delivered in local family hubs, with an optional crèche available.

Register your interest to join a course in your local area here:-

https://data.manchestermind.org/mums-matter/self-referral

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Mums Matter is a friendly, welcoming 8 week group offering mums time to focus on their emotional wellbeing and mental health. It is designed for Manchester based mums with a child under two.

In a calm and welcoming space, mums will:

Explore practical tools to support their mental and emotional wellbeing

Learn simple techniques to manage daily pressures

Connect with other mums and share experiences

Build confidence and feel more like themselves again

Each 2-hour session is delivered in local family hubs, with an optional crèche available.

Register your interest to join a course in your local area here:-

https://data.manchestermind.org/mums-matter/self-referral

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LGBT Foundation – A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

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A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

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Embarking on your adventure down the path to motherhood or parenthood can be a scary, anxious & difficult time, mixed in with excitement & the feeling of the unknown.Whether you are thinking about starting a family, have started the journey or are thinking about siblings, we have multiple support groups available.

We hold these private Support Groups for our community to ask us for guidance, support, share their experiences & meet others who are on the same journey as them. People are welcome to join more than one support group if it applies to them. The only rules we have are to be kind, compassionate, & respect all journeys.

Our support groups are a safe space to ask questions & release their emotions in a constructive & supportive environment. No-one's details or experiences are to be discussed outside of these groups.

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Embarking on your adventure down the path to motherhood or parenthood can be a scary, anxious & difficult time, mixed in with excitement & the feeling of the unknown.Whether you are thinking about starting a family, have started the journey or are thinking about siblings, we have multiple support groups available.

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Advice for patients that have had a C-section

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25 things every baby would want you to know 

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25 things every baby would want you to know 

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Formula feeding: Which milk to choose? How to make formula milk safely?

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Formula feeding: Which milk to choose? How to make formula milk safely?

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Infant milks for parents & carers — First Steps Nutrition Trust

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is a charity which provides clear, evidence-based and independent information and support for good nutrition from pre-conception to five years of age.

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Instructions

1. From 35 weeks perineal massage 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 minutes

2. Make sure your hands are clean with short nails.

3. Use a lubricant like water based jelly, coconut oil, olive oil.

4. Use your thumbs or fingers to press towards your bottom and slide your fingers up the side of your vagina in a "U" shape

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Some studies suggest that complementary therapies can help women feel in control of their labour and use less medication to reduce pain.

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Risks of epidurals for labour/ risks of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean sections 

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Risks of epidurals for labour/ risks of spinal anaesthesia for caesarean sections 

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Risks of a planned caesarean section consent form 

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Risks of a planned caesarean section consent form 

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For women/birthing parents:

Third or fourth-degree perineal tears

Planned caesarean birth 0 per 100,000

Vaginal birth 560 per 100,000 (about 1 in 179)

Urinary incontinence more than 1 year after birth

Planned caesarean birth 7,300 – 19,600 per 100,000 (about 1 in 5-14)

Vaginal birth (unassisted birth)

19,800 per 100,000 (about 1 in 5)

Vaginal birth (assisted birth [forceps/suction cup])
48,799 per 100,000 (about 1 in 2)

Faecal incontinence more than 1 year after birth

Planned caesarean birth

7,800 per 100,000 (about 1 in 13)

Vaginal birth No difference if unassisted.
Vaginal birth If assisted: 15,100 per 100, 000 (about 1 in 7)

Urinary tract injury

Planned caesarean birth About 1 per 1000*

Vaginal birth No data available

Uterine rupture in a future pregnancy

Planned caesarean birth

200 per 100,000 (about 1 in 500)*

Vaginal birth

7 per 100,000 (about 1 in 14,000)

Emergency hysterectomy

Planned caesarean birth

200 per 100,000 (about 1 in 500)

Vaginal birth

100 per 100,000 (about 1 in 1000)

Placenta accreta in a future pregnancy

Planned caesarean birth

100 per 100,000 (1 in 1000)*

Vaginal birth

34 per 100,000 (about 1 in 2900)

Maternal death

Planned caesarean birth

25 per 100,000 (about 1 in 4,000)

Vaginal birth

4 per 100,000 (about 1 in 25,000)

For baby:

Asthma

Planned caesarean birth

1,809 per 100,000 (about 1 in 55)

Vaginal birth

1,500 per 100,000 (about 1 in 67)

Dying within 28 days of birth

Planned caesarean birth

58 per 100,000 (1 in 1,700)

Vaginal birth

30 per 100,000 (about 1 in 3,300)

* Numbers for planned and unplanned caesarean births

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My caesarean birth with spinal anaesthetic: A journey in pictures

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What to expect with a planned caesarean section

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What to expect with a planned caesarean section

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If you are planning on having a caesarean birth, this page offers guidance on what to expect on the day, including what happens to you and your baby before, during and after your delivery.

Normally, you will visit the hospital before you come in for your caesarean birth. The midwife will see you and take some blood from you to check you haemoglobin (HB) to make sure that you are not anaemic and to confirm your blood group in case you need a blood transfusion after your operation. She will also check that you don't have MRSA by taking some swabs from your skin. This is just a routine check.

Most women go home after the assessment and come back to hospital on the day of the caesarean birth, but you may need to come in the night before. The midwife will give you tablets to take before your caesarean birth to reduce the acid in your stomach and to help to prevent sickness. These are taken the night before your caesarean birth and on the morning of the caesarean itself.

You need to avoid eating and drinking for a certain period of time before you have your caesarean birth. This is to prevent you feeling sick during the surgery and minimise complications. Your midwife will explain all this to you.

You should be seen by an anaesthetist before your caesarean birth. The anaesthetist will talk with you about your medical history and any anaesthetic you have had in the past. The anaesthetist will also discuss the different types of anaesthetic you could have and answer your questions.

On the day of your caesarean birth, the midwife will see you to check that you have taken your tablets. Your bikini line may need to be shaved. You will have a name band on your wrist or ankle. The midwife may help you to put on special tight stockings (called TED stockings) to reduce the risk of blood clots forming in your legs. You will be given a theatre gown to put on.

In most cases, your birth partner, if you have one, will be able to be with you during the caesarean birth. A midwife will provide them with special clothes for the operating theatre.

There will be quite a few people in the operating theatre. This will include:

The midwife who will help look after you and your baby.

The anaesthetist and assistant.

The obstetrician and an assistant and a scrub nurse.

There will be another nurse who is responsible for fetching extra equipment.

A paediatrician may be also present if he/she is needed.

At the very least there will be seven members of staff in the theatre as well as your birth partner (if you have one).

If you have a regional anaesthetic, your birth partner will be able to join you in the operating theatre. They will be asked to sit down and to avoid certain areas of the room. This is to reduce the risk of contaminating sterile operating instruments.

If you are to have a general anaesthetic (put to sleep) your birth partner will be asked to wait in another room.

For more information on what your birth partner can expect during your delivery, see the birth partners in theatre page.

Just before the caesarean starts, a member of the theatre team will confirm your name, date of birth and hospital number to ensure that we have the correct patient prior to the start of the caesarean birth.

A screen will separate you and your birth partner from the lower part of your body and the surgery. The anaesthetist will stay with you all the time. You may hear a lot of preparation in the background. This is because the obstetricians work with a team of midwives and staff in the operating theatre.

Your skin is usually cut slightly below the bikini line. Once the caesarean birth is under way you will hear the sound of instruments and suction of fluids from around the baby.

From the start of the operation it usually takes about 10 minutes until your baby is born. The obstetrician will take about another half-hour to complete the operation. However, because every caesarean birth is different, it may take longer than this.

Before your caesarean birth starts, an antibiotic will be put into your drip to reduce your risk of getting an infection. After the birth, a drug called oxytocin is put into your drip to help tighten your womb and to cut down blood loss.

If you feel sick, you may be given medicine to help you stop feeling sick or vomiting. If you feel any discomfort, the anaesthetist may give you extra medicine to help relieve the discomfort and, sometimes, they will need to give you a general anaesthetic.

For pain relief after your caesarean birth, see the question below.

There are several ways to give you pain relief after a caesarean birth.

You may be given a suppository (tablet) up your bottom to relieve pain when the anaesthetic wears off. If you've had a regional anaesthetic, the pain-relieving drugs given with your spinal or epidural should continue to give you pain relief for a few hours. In some hospitals, the team will leave the epidural catheter in place so they can give you more drugs later on.

If you've had a general anaesthetic, you may be given local anaesthetic to numb some nerves in your tummy as well as a morphine injection or a similar painkiller. In some hospitals, you may be given a drip containing morphine or a similar drug and you can control the amount of painkiller you have yourself. This is called patient-controlled analgesia or PCA.

A midwife will give you tablets such as diclofenac or ibuprofen, paracetamol or morphine. It is better to take regular pain medication when nurses or doctors offer it to you than to wait until you are sore. The drugs may make you feel sleepy. Sometimes if you are breastfeeding, your baby may be affected by the pain-relieving drugs and may be a little bit sleepy too.

After the operation, you will be taken to the recovery room where your blood pressure will continue to be monitored. Your partner and baby will usually be with you. Your baby will be weighed if not already done so in the theatre and then you can begin breastfeeding, if you want to.

In the recovery room your anaesthetic will gradually wear off and you may feel a tingling or itching sensation. Within a couple of hours you will be able to move your legs again.

Immediately after the birth of your baby, the midwife dries and examines your baby. A paediatrician may do this with the midwife. After this, as long as they are happy that the baby is doing well, you and your partner will be able to cuddle your baby and, in some cases, have skin-to-skin contact.

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If you are planning on having a caesarean birth, this page offers guidance on what to expect on the day, including what happens to you and your baby before, during and after your delivery. Normally, you will visit the hospital before you come in for your caesarean birth.

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Caesarean section information and pain relief options 

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Caesarean section information and pain relief options 

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A caesarean birth is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. About a quarter of babies are born by caesarean birth and two thirds of these deliveries are unexpected. Our information helps you to understand the pain relief choices available to you should you need a caesarean birth.

Watch this video in another language

Elective vs emergency caesarean birth

If you know beforehand you'll be having a caesarean birth, it's called an elective operation. Your appointment will normally be before your baby's due date, so you don't go into labour.

An emergency caesarean is where your obstetrician recommends a caesarean birth, usually when you are already in labour. If it is very urgent (usually because there is a sudden problem with your baby), then some of the preparations we would normally do may be changed or even left out.

Types of pain relief

There are two main types of anaesthetic for your caesarean birth: you will either be awake (regional anaesthetic) or asleep (general anaesthetic).

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A caesarean birth is an operation to deliver your baby through a cut made in your tummy and womb. About a quarter of babies are born by caesarean birth and two thirds of these deliveries are unexpected. Our information helps you to understand the pain relief choices available to you should you need a caesarean birth.

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What happens with a caesarean section? (video)

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What happens with a caesarean section? (video)

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Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

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Manchester University NHS Foundation Trust

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Trafford Start for Life booklet Web Version July 25

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Infant Feeding Support sessions May  2026

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Pregnancy and early parenthood: NHS Talking therapies

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Pregnancy and early parenthood: NHS Talking therapies

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GMMH139 Perinatal and Early Pregnancy Leaflet 2.2 e-copy

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Perineal massage from 35 weeks can reduce the risk of severe tears

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Perineal massage from 35 weeks can reduce the risk of severe tears

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Instructions

1. From 35 weeks perineal massage 2 or 3 times a day for 2-3 minutes

2. Make sure your hands are clean with short nails.

3. Use a lubricant like water based lubricant, coconut oil, olive oil.

4. Use your thumbs or fingers to press towards your bottom and slide your fingers up the side of your vagina in a "U" shape

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Read more about it here:-

https://www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/giving-birth/delayed-cord-clamping-optimal

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Food tips and recipes -free download

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Registered Nutritionist in Manchester - Registered Nutritionist supporting clients to get healthy without breaking the bank or chaining them to the kitchen

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Free resources - Registered Nutritionist in Manchester

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Everyone loves a freebie. I would love to develop more to help you. Get in touch with requests. Recipes Access recipe hub Free Pregnancy Download You have just found out you are pregnant, congratulations! Or you are preparing to try to conceive. Want to learn more about what to eat during pregnancy? This free download

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Animated video to accompany OASI Care Bundle course 1.

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Animated video to accompany OASI Care Bundle course 1.

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Published: 4 August 2022

Please note that this information will be reviewed every 3 years after publication.

This information is for you if you are considering a planned (elective) caesarean birth for your baby.

It may also be helpful if you are a partner, relative or friend of someone who is considering a caesarean birth.

This information is not for you if you have already been offered a caesarean birth because of specific reasons in your pregnancy, as the benefits and risks will be different. If you are in that situation, your healthcare professional will discuss your options for birth with you.

If you have had a caesarean birth in the past, please see the RCOG patient information Birth options after previous caesarean section.

The information here aims to help you better understand your pregnancy and your options for planning the birth of your baby. Your healthcare team is there to support you in making your decision. They can help by discussing your preferences, providing you with further information and answering your questions.

The figures quoted in this information are based on the best available research, which is limited. When considering the benefits and risks of your different options, it is important to bear in mind that we have to rely on studies of variable quality, including some that compare planned caesarean births for all reasons (including caesarean births for women who have medical factors) with vaginal births, or emergency caesarean births with vaginal births.

Within this information we may use the terms 'woman' and 'women'. However, we know that it is not only people who identify as women who may want to access this information about their choices around birth. Your care should be appropriate, inclusive and sensitive to your needs whatever your gender identity.

A glossary of medical terms is available at A-Z of medical terms.

Key points

Most women in the UK recover well and have healthy babies whether they have a vaginal or a caesarean birth.

A planned caesarean birth is a surgical procedure with risks and these should be balanced with the risks associated with a planned vaginal birth.

Every woman is different, and your individual needs and preferences will play the most important role in planning the birth of your baby.

If you are considering a caesarean birth or have any questions or anxieties regarding birth, you should tell your healthcare professional as soon as possible.

If, having considered the benefits and risks of your different options for birth, you decide that a planned caesarean is how you would like your baby to be born, your healthcare team should support this choice.

Sources and acknowledgements

This information has been developed by the following organisations: Birthrights, Birth Trauma Association, Caesarean Birth, National Birth Trust, RCOG Patient Information Committee, Royal College of Midwives and the RCOG Women's Network.

It is based on NICE guideline [NG192] Caesarean birth published in 2021, with supplemented data accessed from the NHS Digital Maternity Services dashboard and Rashid TG et al.; on behalf of the British Association of Urological Surgeons, Caesarean bladder and ureteric injuries in the UK (Journal of Clinical Urology 2014).

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This information is for you if you are considering a planned (elective) caesarean birth for your baby. It may also be helpful if you are a partner, relative or friend of someone who is considering a caesarean birth.

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More information about your legal right for paid time off work to go to antenatal classes/groups

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More information about your legal right for paid time off work to go to antenatal classes/groups

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Time off for appointments - Maternity leave and pay

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Your rights for taking time off work to go to antenatal care appointments.

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More information about your legal right for paid time off work to go to antenatal classes/groups

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More information about your legal right for paid time off work to go to antenatal classes/groups

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Time off for antenatal care - Maternity Action

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April 2025 This information sheet looks at your rights to paid time off for antenatal care. Who is entitled to time off for antenatal care? Can I take paid time off for my antenatal appointments? If you are an employee, you have the right to take reasonable time off for your antenatal appointments, […]

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Click the link below to view the government webpage about your right to time off work for appointments and antenatal classes/groups

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Click the link below to view the government webpage about your right to time off work for appointments and antenatal classes/groups

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Legal rights for pregnant employees - including paid time off for antenatal appointments, maternity leave and pay, protection against discrimination and telling the employer about the pregnancy

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Please know that you are legally entitled to paid time off of work to join an antenatal class or group (including exercise groups) if it has been recommended by a midwife. See links at the bottom of this section

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Poster - Patient antenatal class padlet (2)

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Download to your phone for free:-

Essential Parent GM Family Hub App - iphone App Store Link

Essential Parent GM Family Hub App - Android Google Play Store Link

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NHS Links - Pregnancy and Antenatal Care

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Antenatal classes around Greater Manchester: Labour, birth and baby information 

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Antenatal classes around Greater Manchester: Labour, birth and baby information 

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Find your nearest antenatal classes and groups to get information and support during your pregnancy.