# data[].attributes.body
The new Maternity Triage Service has launched across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight .

If you are pregnant, download the Healthier Together app to access information and support for concerns in pregnancy.

Through the app, you can get advice on common pregnancy issues, and be directed to community or hospital care if needed.

If necessary, you will be connected to the Maternity Triage line to speak to a Midwife, 24 hours a day, who can discuss your concern and arrange for you to be seen.

The old Day Assessment Unit phone number will no longer be in use for outside calls, and you will be directed to contact via Maternity Triage instead.

If you are unable to access Apps for any reason, please speak to your Community Midwife who can discuss the alternative procedure with you.

Only call emergency services (999) if you have a life-threatening emergency or you are advised to do so by a health professional.

# data[].attributes.body
If English is not your first language, please speak to your midwife who can arrange for an interpreter

# data[].attributes.body
The whooping cough vaccine is recommended between 16-32 weeks

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
The whooping cough vaccination is now recommended for all pregnant women, ideally between 16 and 32 weeks pregnant. Find out how this vaccine may help protect your baby’s health.

# data[].attributes.body
Email: iownt.birthchoicesandafterthoughts@nhs.net

Face to face appointments are held in the Maternity unit

Virtual appointments are via NHS Attend Anywhere and you will need a device with camera and microphone enabled.

# data[].attributes.body
We recognise that every pregnancy, labour, and birth is unique. We want to support you to ensure your birth experience is personalised and safe, based on your previous experiences, your personal preferences and our professional advice based on local and national guidance.

The Birth Choices clinic is for if you are considering care which is outside of recommended guidance, or if you have risk factors in your pregnancy and want to know your full range of options or have specific questions or anxieties about labour and birth and want help to devise a plan that is right for you.

# data[].attributes.body
Use the heading column to find the information you need

Scroll down the column to see information

Click on the links to view information

Scroll right to find other heading

# data[].attributes.body
If you are more than 6 weeks pregnant, please use this link to tell us about your pregnancy -
Badger Notes - Self-refer your pregnancy to SHIP Maternity Referral

Please have your NHS number available to complete this referral - if you don't know this, you can get it from your GP surgery. Please provide as much information as possible, as this will help us to provide you with the most appropriate care.

Once you have submitted your self-referral you should receive a confirmation e-mail to let you know it has been received. Please allow 10 working days from that date before expecting a call from a triage midwife. We will advise your GP that you are pregnant, as we are obliged to let them know we are caring for you.

If you have any queries or would prefer not to use this form, please contact our Maternity Coordinator on 01983 822099 ext. 3210. Opening hours are Monday to Friday from 8am to 4pm.

# data[].attributes.body
You can now choose to access your maternity records online using your smart phone, tablet or computer. The Badger Notes App is available from the Apple app store on an iPhone or Google Play on Android phones and allows you to access your Maternity records. The information that appears is generated from the hospital-based maternity system and includes information entered by your midwife or other healthcare professionals involved in your care. Badger Notes can also send emails, text message and push notifications to you. These will be used to send important health information updates to you during your pregnancy.

# data[].attributes.body
Please call this number for Consultant, Anaesthetic or scan appointments.

If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19, or have had a positive result, please call us prior to attending an appointment so that we can advise you.

# data[].attributes.body
Please contact the office if you would like to leave a message for your community midwife or arranging appointments as their mobiles are only turned on whilst they are on duty.

If you think you may have symptoms of COVID-19 or have had a positive result, please call us prior to attending an appointment so that we can advise you.

# data[].attributes.body
We provide care for approximately 1000 women having babies each year and aim to provide a high-quality service that puts women and their families at the centre of their care. Ensuring safety, whilst promoting birth as a unique and special occasion in each family.

We offer a choice of Midwifery Led Care for women with low-risk pregnancies to have their babies at home or in hospital, or Consultant Led Care for women with underlying or pregnancy related health concerns, to have their babies in hospital.

# data[].attributes.body
Our community midwives work in teams, grouped to cover geographical areas of the island.
You will be allocated to a team based upon where you live and be cared for by a midwife from that team throughout your pregnancy, with appointments taking place in clinics across the Island.

At each contact with your midwife, you will have a blood pressure check and a urine test (please bring a fresh specimen to every appointment), and the midwife can listen to your baby's heartbeat. They will also ask you some general health and wellbeing questions.

If the midwife feels it is necessary, they may refer you to the hospital for further checks.

# data[].attributes.body
Written and recorded information to help you prepare for your birth and new baby

# data[].attributes.body
Lynsey Stanton
Email: lynsey.stanton@nhs.net

Georgina De Castro
Email: georgina.decastro@nhs.net

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Multilingual maternity resources - 29 Languages

# data[].attributes.body
Available in 29 different languages

# data[].attributes.body
Available in 20 different languages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Translated Kicks Count Leaflets

We know pregnant women need accurate information about their baby's movement,

whatever language they speak.

4.2 million people in the UK (7.7%) speak a main language that's not English or Welsh. So you can give up-to-date information directly to the women you care for, our trusted information is available for you to view, download and print in many different languages below.

Need a language not listed here? Email us on: [email protected]
The certified translations are to ISO 9001 standard by Global Voices.
Translated Kicks Count Posters

Perfect for antenatal, scan and GP waiting rooms, the languages featured in our brand new posters have been prioritised based on general demand. These posters are available to download below or order them to be sent directly to your place of work.

Each section says:
Feeling your baby move is a sign that they are well. If you think your baby's movements have slowed down or stopped, contact your Maternity Unit immediately.
OPTION ONE:

An A4 poster featuring eight languages: Polish, Romanian, Indonesian, Farsi, Albanian, Bengali, Chinese and Welsh.
VIEW/DOWNLOAD
OPTION TWO:

An A4 poster featuring eight alternative languages: Turkish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Slovak, Hungarian, Urdu, Somali and Russian.
VIEW/DOWNLOAD
OPTION THREE:

An A3 poster featuring 16 translations: Turkish, Arabic, Vietnamese, Slovak, Hungarian, Urdu, Somali, Russian, Polish, Romanian, Indonesian, Farsi, Albanian, Bengali, Chinese and Welsh.
VIEW/DOWNLOAD

Latest

If you find your due in group useful and would like to help us continue to run more groups in the future please consider donating to your due in group fundraiser. Just £1 can make a world of difference.

If you find your due in group useful and would like to help us continue to run more groups in the future please consider donating to your due in group fundraiser. Just £1 can make a world of difference.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We know pregnant women need accurate information about their baby's movement, whatever language they speak. 4.2 million people in the UK (7.7%) speak a main language that's not English or Welsh. So you can give up-to-date information directly to the women you care for, our trusted information is available for you to view, download and print in many different languages below.

# data[].attributes.body
Select the required language at the top of the page

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Mothers and caregivers Videos - Global Health Media Project

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
© 2022 Global Health Media Project | a 501(c)(3) nonprofit

# data[].attributes.body
Available in 33 languages

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
We provide information on pain relief in labour in over 40 different languages. Read online to find information about labour pain relief in a language you understand.

# data[].attributes.body
The flu vaccine can be given at any stage in your pregnancy safely

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. It's free for pregnant women.

Why are pregnant women advised to have the flu vaccine?

A flu jab will help protect both you and your baby.

There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

One of the most common complications of flu is bronchitis, a chest infection that can become serious and develop into pneumonia.

If you have flu while you're pregnant, it could cause your baby to be born prematurely or have a low birthweight, and may even lead to stillbirth or death.

Is the flu vaccine safe in pregnancy?

Yes. Studies have shown that it's safe to have a flu vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date.

Women who have had a flu vaccine while pregnant also pass some protection on to their babies, which lasts for the first few months of their lives.

It's safe for women who are breastfeeding to have a flu vaccine if they're eligible (for example, because of a long-term health condition).

When should I have the flu jab?

The best time to have a flu vaccine is in the autumn, before flu starts circulating. If you've missed this time, you can be vaccinated later in the winter although it's best to get it earlier.

Do not worry if you find that you're pregnant later in the flu season - you can have the vaccine then if you have not already had it.

How do I get the flu vaccine?

Contact your midwife or GP surgery to find out where you can get a flu vaccine. It's a good idea to get vaccinated as soon as possible after the vaccine becomes available in September.

In some areas, you can get a flu vaccine at an antenatal clinic. In others, you'll need an appointment at a GP surgery or a pharmacy that offers the flu vaccine.

If I had the flu jab last year, do I need to have it again now?

Yes, because the viruses that cause flu change every year. This means the flu strains the vaccines are designed to prevent this year may be different from last year.

If you had the flu vaccine during the last flu season because you were pregnant (same pregnancy or a previous pregnancy), or because you're in a vulnerable group, you need to have it again this year.

Find out more about how the flu vaccine works.

Will the flu jab give me flu?

No. Flu jabs do not contain any live viruses, so cannot cause flu. Some people get a slightly raised temperature and aching muscles for a couple of days afterwards, and you may feel sore at the injection site.

Find out more about flu vaccine side effects.

Can I have the flu jab at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine?

Yes, you can have a flu vaccine at the same time as the whooping cough vaccine, but do not delay your flu jab so you can have both at the same time.

Pregnant women are at risk of severe illness from flu at any stage of pregnancy, so you need to have a flu vaccine as soon as possible.

The best time to get vaccinated against whooping cough is from 16 weeks up to 32 weeks of pregnancy.

If you miss having the vaccine for any reason, you can still have it up until you go into labour.

Find out more about the whooping cough vaccine in pregnancy.

I'm pregnant and think I have flu. What should I do?

Talk to a GP as soon as possible. If you do have flu, there's a prescribed medicine you can take that might help, or reduce your risk of complications, but it needs to be taken very soon after symptoms appear.

More information

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
It's recommended that all pregnant women have the flu vaccine, whatever stage of pregnancy they're at. It's free for pregnant women. A flu jab will help protect both you and your baby. There is good evidence that pregnant women have a higher chance of developing complications if they get flu, particularly in the later stages of pregnancy.

# data[].attributes.body
First, second and booster doses of the vaccine can be given at any stage in your pregnancy

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
If you're pregnant, it's important to get vaccinated to protect you and your baby. The antibodies your body produces in response to the vaccine can also give your baby protection against COVID-19.

You're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you're pregnant. If you get COVID-19 late in your pregnancy, your baby could also be at risk.

Evidence shows that most pregnant women with COVID-19 who need hospital treatment or intensive care in the UK have not been vaccinated.

If you're pregnant and have not had your first 2 doses and booster dose yet, it's important to get your vaccinations as soon as possible.

If you're pregnant and have been vaccinated, you should have a seasonal booster dose this autumn.

It's safe to have the vaccine during any stage of pregnancy, from the first few weeks up to your expected due date. You do not need to delay vaccination until after you have given birth.

Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 reduces the risk of having a stillbirth.

There's no evidence COVID-19 vaccination increases the risk of having a miscarriage, pre-term birth or other complications in your pregnancy.

The COVID-19 vaccines do not contain any live viruses and cannot give you or your baby COVID-19.

They have been widely used during pregnancy in other countries and there have been no safety concerns. In the UK, over 100,000 pregnant women have been vaccinated.
Find out how to get a COVID-19 vaccine

You'll be able to discuss having a COVID-19 vaccine during pregnancy at your vaccination appointment.

You can also speak to a GP or your maternity team for advice.

You may find the COVID-19 vaccination in pregnancy decision aid from the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (PDF, 405KB) helpful.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you're pregnant, it's important to get vaccinated to protect you and your baby. The antibodies your body produces in response to the vaccine can also give your baby protection against COVID-19. You're at higher risk of getting seriously ill from COVID-19 if you're pregnant.

# data[].attributes.body
This website provides information for pregnant women and their families, and for becoming a parent.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
healthier together, wessex, what0-18, nhs, home, worried about my child, parent support tool, pregnancy, child, children, young people, professional, parent, carer

# data[].attributes.body
Becoming a parent can be a challenging time. For some, the transition into parenthood can be made more difficult if there are unresolved issues around the birth experience. It maybe that you felt your birth to have been traumatic, have poor memory of events or simply didn’t understand some of the processes or actions taken. The Birth Afterthoughts service provides you with an opportunity, following your birth experience, to have any questions answered that you may not have previously asked. The aim of the service is to enable you to gain some clarity for your personal enquiry regarding your birth experience. This may include re-visiting your birth story, enabling any ‘gaps’ in care to be addressed, acknowledging your perceptions, experience, and feelings, and preparing for a potential future pregnancy. This can be soon after the birth, or several years later. You can also discuss how these impact on future births.

You may self-refer to this service or be referred by a health professional. The service is confidential; however, your partner or other supportive person may also be present at the appointment if you wish. The team providing the service will listen to your concerns, provide information on your care, and answer questions where they can.

A Birth Afterthoughts appointment can be arranged soon after the birth of your baby, but we would advise that your appointment does not take place until at least eight weeks after the birth.

# data[].attributes.body
During pregnancy we encourage you to complete your own personal care plan, in partnership with your midwife and/or consultant. Personal care plans help you to explore, understand and record your individual choices for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood, and ensure your voice is heard.

Your thoughts for care plans can be updated on the BadgerNotes app or via the attached paper copy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
Welcome To Isle Of Wight Family Centres : Isle Of Wight Family Centres

# data[].attributes.body
If you want support to stop smoking, please speak to your midwife who can refer you to our Stop Smoking Advisor

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Smoking and your unborn baby

Protecting your baby from tobacco smoke is one of the best things you can do to give your child a healthy start in life. It can be difficult to stop smoking, but it's never too late to quit.

Every cigarette you smoke contains over 4,000 chemicals, many of which are dangerous, so smoking when you are pregnant harms your unborn baby. Cigarettes can restrict the essential oxygen supply to your baby. As a result, their heart must beat harder every time you smoke.

Benefits of stopping smoking in pregnancy

Stopping smoking will help both you and your baby immediately. Harmful gases, such as carbon monoxide, and other damaging chemicals will clear from your body. When you stop smoking:

you will reduce the risk of complications in pregnancy and birth

you are more likely to have a healthier pregnancy and a healthier baby

you will reduce the risk of stillbirth

your baby is less likely to be born too early and have to face the breathing, feeding and health problems that often go with being premature

your baby is less likely to be born with a low birth weight. Babies of smokers are, on average, lighter than other babies, which can cause problems during and after labour. For example, they are more likely to have problems keeping warm and are more likely to get infections

you will reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as "cot death"

Stopping smoking now will also help your baby later in life. Children whose parents smoke are more likely to suffer from asthma and other serious illnesses that may need hospital treatment.

The sooner you stop smoking, the better. But even if you stop in the last few weeks of your pregnancy this will benefit you and your baby.

Secondhand (passive) smoke harms your baby

If your partner or anyone else who lives with you smokes, their smoke can affect you and your baby before and after their birth. You may also find it more difficult to stop if someone around you smokes.

Secondhand smoke can also reduce your baby's birthweight and increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), also known as "cot death". Babies whose parents smoke are more likely to be admitted to hospital for bronchitis and pneumonia during their first year.

To find out more about quitting and to get support, your partner can call the National Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044 from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Nicotine replacement therapy

You can use nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) during pregnancy if it will help you stop smoking and you're unable to stop without it. Stop smoking tablets such as Champix (varenicline) or Zyban (bupropion) are not recommended during pregnancy and are not currently available.

NRT contains only nicotine and none of the damaging chemicals found in cigarettes, so it is a much better option than continuing to smoke. It helps you by giving you the nicotine you would have had from a cigarette.

You can be prescribed NRT during pregnancy by a GP or an NHS stop smoking adviser. You can also buy it over the counter without a prescription from a pharmacy.

NRT is available as:

If you have pregnancy-related nausea and vomiting, patches may be a better solution.

NRT patches should be used for no more than 16 hours in any 24-hour period. The best way to remember this is to remove the patch at bedtime.

Before using any of these products, speak to a midwife, GP, a pharmacist or a specialist stop smoking adviser.

By getting this specialist advice you can be sure that you're doing the best for your baby and for you.

Call the National Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044 from 9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

Remember, you are twice as likely to be successful at quitting if you get some support from a trained adviser.

Liquorice-flavoured nicotine products

Pregnant women are advised to avoid liquorice-flavoured nicotine products. Although there is no known risk with small amounts of liquorice flavouring, the manufacturers advise caution.

This caution is based on information about the adverse effects associated with excessive amounts of liquorice root. As other flavours are available, pregnant women are advised to choose an alternative, such as fruit or mint.

Find out more about stop smoking treatments.

E-cigarettes in pregnancy

E-cigarettes are fairly new and there are still some things we do not know. However, current evidence on e-cigarettes indicates they are much less risky than smoking.

Cigarettes deliver nicotine along with thousands of harmful chemicals. E-cigarettes allow you to inhale nicotine through a vapour rather than smoke. By itself, nicotine is relatively harmless.

E-cigarettes do not produce tar or carbon monoxide, the 2 main toxins in cigarette smoke. Carbon monoxide is particularly harmful to developing babies. The vapour from an e-cigarette does contain some of the potentially harmful chemicals found in cigarette smoke, but at much lower levels.

If using an e-cigarette helps you to stop smoking, it is much safer for you and your baby than continuing to smoke.

Unlike nicotine replacement therapy (NRT), such as patches or gum, e-cigarettes are not available on an NHS prescription. If you want to use an e-cigarette, you can still get free expert help from a stop smoking adviser.

Call the National Smokefree helpline on 0300 123 1044 for more information, or ask a midwife to refer you.

Find out more about using e-cigarettes to stop smoking.

National Smokefree helpline

The National Smokefree helpline offers free help, support and advice on stopping smoking and can give you details of local support services.

You can also sign up to receive ongoing advice and support at a time that suits you.

National Smokefree helpline: 0300 123 1044

9am to 8pm Monday to Friday, and 11am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday.

To find your nearest NHS Stop Smoking service talk to:

a midwife

a health visitor

a nurse at your GP surgery

a pharmacist

NHS Stop Smoking services can offer 1-to-1 or group sessions with trained stop smoking advisers and may have a pregnancy stop smoking specialist.

They can also offer advice about dealing with stress, weight gain and support the use of NRT (such as patches or gum), if appropriate, to help you manage your cravings.

Find out more about the effects of smoking in pregnancy, and getting support to quit, at Better Health: Start for Life

Find stop smoking services near you.

Get Better Health: Start for Life's pregnancy and baby emails

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

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out why you should stop smoking in pregnancy, and how smoking can harm your unborn baby. Plus where to go for support to help you quit.

# data[].attributes.body
Visit this page to see if you are eligible for vouchers towards purchasing milk, fruit and vegetables

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Applying online

If you get Universal Credit, you can apply online if:

you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old

your family's monthly 'take-home pay' (also called 'earned income') is £408 or less from employment

If you get Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for Healthy Start if:

your family's annual income is £16,190 or less

you do not get Working Tax Credit

Most people who get Child Tax Credit can apply online. You can apply online if you're either:

more than 10 weeks pregnant and have children under the age of 4

not pregnant but have children under the age of 4

If you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and have other children who are all aged 4 or older, you'll need to apply by email or phone.

To apply online, you'll need your:

name

address

date of birth

National Insurance number

baby's due date (if you're pregnant)

benefit award letter if you're over 18 - make sure you enter the exact details shown on your benefit award letter

Make sure that your details are up to date with HMRC or DWP - you may wish to contact them to check or update your details before you apply.

Applying by email or phone

You can apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant, or have at least one child under 4 years old, and get either:

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance

Pension Credit (which includes the child addition)

You can also apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and either:

under 18 years old and not getting any benefits

getting Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

If you get Child Tax Credit, you'll need to apply by email or phone if you're more than 10 weeks pregnant and have other children who are all aged 4 or older.

You can apply by either:

Phone lines are open 8am to 6pm Monday to Friday (except public holidays). Find out about call charges (opens in a new tab).

If you're not a British citizen but your child is

You might be eligible for Healthy Start depending on your immigration status.

You can get Healthy Start if all the following are true:

Your biometric residence permit (BRP) or your online immigration status (opens in a new tab) will say if you cannot claim public funds. You might also have a letter from the Home Office about it.

To apply for Healthy Start, ask for an application form via email. Only use this email address if you think you cannot claim public funds because of your immigration status.
Healthystartclaim@dhsc.gov.uk

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
If you get Universal Credit, you can apply online if: you're more than 10 weeks pregnant or have at least one child under 4 years old your family's monthly 'take-home pay' (also called 'earned income') is £408 or less from employment If you get Child Tax Credit, you may be eligible for Healthy Start if: your family's annual income is £16,190 or less you do not get Working Tax Credit Most people who get Child Tax Credit can apply online.

# data[].attributes.body
Your community midwife is able to seek advice from Katie, and also refer you to see her if appropriate

# data[].attributes.body
You are welcome to bring ONE adult to your scan and we unfortunately can't accommodate children in the scan rooms. There are no exceptions to this arrangement due to the Sonographer needing a high level of concentration as all the scans we do have a clinical purpose. If you are struggling with childcare, we ask that you rebook your scan.

# data[].attributes.body
Whoever your birth partner is – the baby's parent, a close friend, partner, or a relative – there are many practical things they can do to help you.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Whoever your birth partner is - the baby's parent, a close friend, partner, or a relative - there are many practical things they can do to help you.

The most important thing your birth partner can do is just be with you.

Talk to your birth partner about the type of birth you'd like and the things you prefer not to do so they can help support your decisions. It can help to go through your birth plan together.

There's no way of knowing what your labour is going to be like or how each of you will cope, but there are many ways a partner can help.

Whatever kind of birth you're planning for, your birth partner can:

keep you company and help pass the time during the early stages

hold your hand, wipe your face and give you sips of water

massage your back and shoulders, and help you move about or change position

comfort you as your labour progresses and your contractions get stronger

remind you how to use relaxation and breathing techniques, perhaps breathing with you if it helps

support your decisions, such as the pain relief you choose, even if they're different from what's in your birth plan

help you explain to the midwife or doctor what you need - and help them communicate with you - which can help you feel more in control of the situation

tell you what's happening as your baby is being born if you cannot see what's going on

Your birth partner may be able to cut the umbilical cord - you can talk to your midwife about this.

You can also read about feelings and relationships in pregnancy, including worries about the birth and sex in pregnancy.

Make sure you and your birth partner both know what to pack for the birth, and what to expect at the hospital or maternity unit if you're planning to have your baby there.

Find maternity services near you.
Community content from HealthUnlocked

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out how your birth partner can help during labour, such as reminding you of relaxation techniques, massaging you and holding your hand.

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
Developed by UK charity Best Beginnings in collaboration with parents, healthcare professionals and partner charities.

# data[].attributes.body
Ideal for mums, dads, co-parents and caregivers.
Download from Google Play or the App Store

# data[].attributes.attachment_caption
The essential guide for new dad, developed within the NHS

# data[].attributes.body
Available to download from the App Store or Google Play

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Find out about starting a family if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or non-binary.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Find out about ways to have a family if you're lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender or non-binary, plus information on testosterone and pregnancy, and chestfeeding your baby

# data[].attributes.headline
If you have a visual or hearing impairment

# data[].attributes.subject
If you have a visual or hearing impairment

# data[].attributes.body
To help us provide the best care and for our staff to understand your needs, if you are coming into hospital and you have a hearing or visual impairment, please let us know as soon as possible

If you are staying overnight, with your permission our staff could display an eye or ear pictogram by your bedside. This will help those who are caring for you understand your communication needs

British Sign Language interpreters can also be arranged to support you during your visit or stay

# data[].attributes.headline
COVID-19 information - updated 17th October 2023

# data[].attributes.subject
COVID-19 information - updated 17th October 2023

# data[].attributes.body
It has been over two years since we have began adapting our care and services in view of the COVID-19 pandemic. We know that this is an exciting time but we also appreciate it may be a worrying time also, for you and your family. We are now in a much stronger position, with more evidence to inform our decision making and the Isle of Wight Maternity Services team continue to work hard to ensure we provide safe care. We would like to stress that the maternity services continue to be fully staffed 24 hours a day and are safe for you to attend as we have identified designated isolation areas within the service.

We have seen the benefit of our social media communication and we plan to continue to use this as our means to communicate any rapid changes due to COVID-19. Please follow us on:

Facebook - IOW Maternity Services

Instagram - iow_maternity_services

From 1st September 2022, in line with updated national guidance, the wearing of face masks is no longer required when attending the maternity unit or for community appointments, unless you have tested positive for COVID-19. However you are welcome to continue wearing a face mask if you wish to do so.