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Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath Maternity

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Royal United Hospital (RUH) Bath Maternity

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To help you make choices that are right for you, you need good quality information.

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Maternity

Appointment reminders in Maternity

We recently launched an appointment reminder service across the RUH. While this has had really positive feedback from many people we care for, we are aware that some maternity appointments were sent with the wrong location details. We understand this was confusing for the people affected, and we are really sorry for this.

We have paused the reminder service for maternity while we make some improvements. We have now reviewed clinics on an individual basis to ensure that the locations are correct. We are ready to relaunch the reminder service, on a phased basis throughout July. While we do this, you may receive reminders for some appointments but not others.

By August we expect the full reminder service to be running for maternity.

Making decisions about your care

The law says that your doctor or midwife should give you all the information you need to help you make a decision that is right for you.
Find out more
Births

Please note that two support people are welcome to be with a woman when they attend in labour in all three of our birth centres and they are welcome to be with their partner during labour and for the birth.

About us

Our maternity services provide personalised care for you and your family to ensure you have the support you need throughout your pregnancy. Our services cover a large geographical area however we maintain a friendly caring ethos.

We offer a choice of birth place options which include either home, a stand-alone Birth Centre or Bath Birth Centre which located within the hospital where you can access either midwife or obstetric led care.

Our rating

Our recent Care Quality Commission (CQC) assessment in April 2018 rated our services as Outstanding overall.

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Information Services Department, Royal United Hospital

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Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

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https://www.ruh.nhs.uk - Royal United Hospitals Bath NHS Foundation Trust

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Salisbury Foundation Trust (SFT) Maternity

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Salisbury Foundation Trust (SFT) Maternity

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Whether you are expecting a baby or thinking of starting a family, we are delighted that you are considering us for your care. We are a small, professional, and friendly team supporting approximately 2,500 mothers per year.

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Choosing your birth location

You can give birth at home, in a unit run by midwives (a midwifery unit or birth centre) or in hospital.

Your options about where to have your baby will depend on your needs, risks and, to some extent, on where you live.

If you're healthy and have no complications (low risk) you could consider any of these birth locations. If you have a medical condition, it's safest to give birth in hospital, where specialists are available. This is in case you need treatment during labour.

If you give birth at home or in a unit run by midwives, you're less likely to need assistance such as forceps or ventouse (sometimes called instrumental delivery).

Wherever you choose, the place should feel right for you. You can change your mind at any point in your pregnancy.

Find out what's in your area

Your midwife will discuss the options available in your area but, if you're willing to travel, you're free to choose any maternity services.

As well as from your midwife, you can get information from:

children's centres

your GP surgery

local maternity units - find maternity services near you

Maternity Voices Partnerships (MVPs) - ask at your local hospital's maternity unit

You may also want to get advice from your friends and family.

Talk to your midwife about going to have a look around the local maternity services, and ask questions if you do not understand something or think you need to know more.

Home birth

If you have a straightforward pregnancy, and both you and the baby are well, you might choose to give birth at home.

Giving birth is generally safe wherever you choose to have your baby.

But if you're having your first baby, home birth slightly increases the risk of serious problems for the baby - including death or issues that might affect the baby's quality of life - from 5 in 1,000 for a hospital birth to 9 in 1,000 for a home birth.

If you're having your second baby, a planned home birth is as safe as having your baby in hospital or a midwife-led unit.

It's rare but, if something goes seriously wrong during your labour at home, it could be worse for you or your baby than if you were in hospital with access to specialised care.

If you give birth at home, you'll be supported by a midwife who will be with you while you're in labour. If you need any help or your labour is not progressing as well as it should, your midwife will make arrangements for you to go to hospital.

Advantages of home birth

The advantages of giving birth at home include:

being in familiar surroundings, where you may feel more relaxed and better able to cope

not having to interrupt your labour to go into hospital

not needing to leave your other children, if you have any

not having to be separated from your partner after the birth

increased likelihood of being looked after by a midwife you have got to know during your pregnancy

lower likelihood of having an intervention, such as forceps or ventouse, than giving birth in hospital

Considerations

There are some things you should think about if you're considering a home birth.

You may need to transfer to a hospital if there are complications.

Epidurals are not available at home, but you can use gas and air, a warm bath, a birth pool, TENS and any relaxation techniques you've learned. Find out about pain relief in labour.

Your doctor or midwife may recommend you give birth in hospital - for example, if you're expecting twins or if your baby is lying feet first (breech). Your midwife or doctor will explain why they think a hospital birth is safer for you and your baby.

If you choose to give birth at home or in a unit run by midwives, you should be given information by your midwife or GP about what would happen if you had to be transferred to hospital during labour and how long this would take.

Planning a home birth

Ask your midwife whether a home birth is suitable for you and your baby.

If it is, your midwife will arrange for members of the midwifery team to help and support you. Here are some questions you might want to ask:

how long would it take if I needed to be transferred to hospital?

which hospital would I be transferred to?

would a midwife be with me all the time?

how do I obtain a birthing pool?

Midwifery units or birth centres

Midwifery units or birth centres are more comfortable and homely than a maternity unit in a hospital. They can be:

part of a hospital maternity unit, where pregnancy (obstetric), newborn (neonatal) and anaesthetic care is available

separate from a hospital, and without immediate obstetric, neonatal or anaesthetic care

Advantages of a midwifery unit or birth centre

The advantages of giving birth at a midwifery unit include:

being in surroundings where you may feel more relaxed and better able to cope with labour

being more likely to be looked after by a midwife you have got to know during your pregnancy

the unit potentially being much nearer your home

lower likelihood of having an intervention such as forceps or ventouse than giving birth in hospital

Considerations

There are some things to think about if you're considering giving birth in a midwifery unit or birth centre.

You may need to be transferred to a hospital if there are any complications.

In a unit that's completely separate from a hospital, you won't be able to have certain kinds of pain relief, such as an epidural. Ask your midwife whether the unit or centre is part of a hospital or completely separate.

Your doctor or midwife may feel it's safer for you to give birth in hospital

Planning a birth in a midwifery unit or birth centre

Ask your midwife if there are any midwifery units or birth centres in your area. There may be others you can use if you're prepared to travel.

Hospital birth

Most births happen in an NHS hospital maternity unit. If you choose to give birth in hospital, you'll be looked after by midwives, but doctors will be available if you need their help.

You'll still have choices about the kind of care you want. Your midwives and doctors will provide information about what your hospital can offer.

Advantages of hospital birth

The advantages of giving birth in hospital include:

direct access to obstetricians if your labour becomes complicated

direct access to anaesthetists, who give epidurals and general anaesthetics

there will be specialists in newborn care (neonatologists) and a special care baby unit if there are any problems with your baby

Considerations

There are some things you should think about if you're considering a hospital birth:

you may go home directly from the labour ward or you may be moved to a postnatal ward

in hospital, you may be looked after by a different midwife from the one who looked after you during your pregnancy

you're more likely to have an epidural, episiotomy, or a forceps or ventouse delivery in hospital

Planning a hospital birth

Your midwife can help you decide which hospital feels right for you. If there's more than one hospital in your area, you can choose which one to go to. Find out more about the care provided in each so you can decide which will suit you best.

Birth questions to ask

Here are some questions you might want to ask if you're considering having your baby in a midwifery unit or birth centre, or in hospital:

Are tours of the maternity facilities available before the birth?

When can I discuss my birth plan?

Are TENS machines available for pain relief or do I need to hire one?

What equipment is available - for example mats, a birthing chair or bean bags?

Are there birthing pools?

Are fathers, close relatives or friends welcome in the delivery room?

Are they ever asked to leave the room - if so, why?

Can I move around in labour and find my own position for the birth?

What is the policy on induction, pain relief and routine monitoring?

Are epidurals available?

How soon can I go home after the birth?

What services are provided for premature or sick babies?

Who will help me if I choose to formula feed?

Will my baby be with me all the time or is there a separate nursery?

Are there any special rules about visiting?

How long would it take if I needed to be transferred to hospital from a birth centre?

Which hospital would I be transferred to?

Would a midwife be with me all the time?

Wherever you decide to give birth, you can change your mind at any stage of pregnancy. Talk to your midwife if there's anything you're not sure or want to know more about.

For more information visit birthrights.

If you are thinking about unassisted birth

You can choose to have a home birth without a midwife with you (unassisted birth). This is sometimes called freebirth.

Talk to a midwife if you are worried about your care.

They can:

discuss with you the role of the midwife and help you make an informed choice

personalise your care and support so it's right for you.

If you decide to have an unassisted birth, you can change your mind at any time during your pregnancy or labour. NHS midwives will always be available to support you.

A midwife can offer you support and advice during labour, and check on the health of you and your baby. They'll know if you or your baby need help, and can arrange for medical attention if needed.

If you have an unassisted birth, you'll need to tell a GP or local maternity services about your baby's birth as soon as they've been born. This is because by law every birth in the UK needs to be recorded (notified) within 36 hours. A GP or midwife will need to see you before they can notify the birth.

When the birth has been notified, your baby will get an NHS number for their NHS care.

Further information:

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Find out about your options for where to give birth: at home, in hospital or at a midwife-led (midwifery) unit. Learn more about which pain relief methods will be available.

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Where to give birth in Bath & NE Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire

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Where to give birth in Bath & NE Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire

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At home you will be cared for by a midwife who will help you to prepare for your baby's birth and look after you in labour, during birth and make you comfortable afterwards.
For healthy women with a low-risk pregnancy, compared to the obstetric unit (Hospital), planned birth at home has/is:

More likely to have a normal birth*

Fewer difficulties and better recovery

Less likely to have a caesarean / medical intervention

More likely to use a birth pool in labour

If it is your first baby, planning a home birth has been associated with a small increased risk of your baby having problems soon after birth (9 per 1000 births) compared to when you have had a baby before (5 per 1000 births) (Birthplace 2011)

When planning a homebirth your midwife will visit you at home when you are around 34 weeks pregnant to help you plan and make arrangements for your birth.

If you make a choice to give birth at home or in an MLU (Birth Centre) with any of the above conditions, your needs will be considered on an individual basis and following discussion of any potential risks to you and/or your baby with the multi-disciplinary team, an individualised care plan will be agreed.

We are committed to supporting you in your choice of a home-birth, however there are rare occasions when it may not be possible to provide a home birth service. If this situation arises, a plan will be discussed with you over the 'phone. The plan may include an invitation into the Birth Centre for assessment. In exceptional circumstances we may ask you to give birth in the Birth Centre.

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Choosing where to give birth Menu Choosing where to give birth Home Midwifery-led units (MLU) Obstetric unit Continuity of carer Transfers from community settings to the Obstetric unit (Hospital) Why does choosing where to give birth matter? Planning where to have your baby is an important decision for you to make.

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This has helpful information on all aspects of pregnancy including: a due date calendar, your baby's development and keeping well in pregnancy

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All you need to know about pregnancy, labour and birth including trying to get pregnant, foods to avoid, antenatal care and how to keep well in pregnancy.

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The local Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) is a forum where families can share their views about local maternity & neonatal care

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The local Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership (MNVP) is a forum where families can share their views about local maternity & neonatal care

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Follow them on Facebook

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BSW Maternity & Neonatal Voices. 1,038 likes · 41 talking about this. Bath, NE Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Maternity Voices Partnership + A partnership of local parent reps and health…

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The BSW MNVP (Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership) website

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The BSW MNVP (Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership) website

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Leave Feedback - Bath North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Maternity Voices Partnership Plus

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We as your Maternity voices parternership want to hear the voices of all parents. You can find us at groups across the region and we're always keen to come somewhere new so please reach out if you would like us to come to your group / event / meet up to talk about the experiences of maternity services.

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The BSW MNVP (Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership) Instagram

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The BSW MNVP (Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership) Instagram

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Find out how to contact your midwife or GP to start your antenatal care in pregnancy, and read about the tests, checks and health advice you can expect, including information about reduced foetal movement.

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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

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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.

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Advice on benefits, debt, immigration, housing and lots more. Contact your nearest office for support.

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Copyright ©2023 Citizens Advice. All rights reserved.

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Ask your midwife about the digital FW8 form to claim free prescriptions and dental care

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Ask your midwife about the digital FW8 form to claim free prescriptions and dental care

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Benefits and financial support for families

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Help if you look after children or plan to have or adopt a child. Includes Child Benefit.

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Support is available, your midwife will be able to give you more information.

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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.

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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.

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We all have mental health, and life is full of ups and downs for us all

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We all have mental health, and life is full of ups and downs for us all

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We all have mental health, and life is full of ups and downs for us all.

Here you will find expert advice, practical tips, and plenty of help and support if you're stressed, anxious, low or struggling to sleep - or get Your Mind Plan and discover what works for you.

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Mental health issues - Every Mind Matters

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We all have mental health. Find expert advice, practical tips and support if you're stressed, anxious, low or struggling to sleep.

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Baby Buddy aims to empower parents and care-givers to build their knowledge and confidence for the crucial first five years of their child’s life, when foundations are laid.

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The MNVP (Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership) Resource padlets

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The MNVP (Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership) Resource padlets

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Made by parents, for parents.

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Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Maternity Voices Partnership Plus

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​While we make every effort to keep these padlets up to date, we make no warranties or representations that the information will be:

As an MVP, we are not liable for any loss or damage that may come from using these padlets. We are unable to endorse the information held on third party websites, it is for information only.

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Resources - Bath North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Maternity Voices Partnership Plus

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​While we make every effort to keep these padlets up to date, we make no warranties or representations that the information will be: As an MVP, we are not liable for any loss or damage that may come from using these padlets.

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Information about eating a balanced diet, including advice about vegetarian and vegan diets.

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Exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

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Exercise guidelines and workouts to help improve your fitness and wellbeing

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General health and fitness guidelines for adults aged 19 to 64, including tips on how to achieve 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity a week.

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It's recommended that if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant you should not drink alcohol.

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It's recommended that if you're pregnant or planning to become pregnant you should not drink alcohol. This will keep any risk to your baby to a minimum.
Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby, with the more you drink, the greater the risk.

How does alcohol affect my unborn baby?

When you drink, alcohol passes from your blood through the placenta to your baby and can seriously affect its development.

Your baby does not have a fully developed liver and cannot process alcohol.

Drinking alcohol during pregnancy increases the risk of miscarriage, premature birth and your baby having a low birthweight. It can also affect your baby after they're born.

Drinking during pregnancy can cause your baby to develop a serious life-long condition called foetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).

FASD can cause problems with:

learning and behaviour

joints, bones, muscles and some organs

managing emotions and developing social skills

hyperactivity and impulse control

communication, such as problems with speech

The risk is likely to be greater the more you drink.

How to avoid alcohol in pregnancy

It may not be as difficult as you think to avoid alcohol completely during pregnancy. Many women go off the taste of alcohol early in pregnancy.

Most women give up alcohol once they know they're pregnant or when they're planning to become pregnant.

Women who find out they're pregnant after already having drunk in early pregnancy should avoid further drinking for the rest of their pregnancy.

However, they should not worry unnecessarily, as the risks of their baby being affected are likely to be low. If you're concerned, talk to a midwife or doctor.
Find tips for avoiding alcohol in pregnancy on the Tommy's website

Getting help to stop drinking alcohol

If you have difficulty stopping drinking, talk to a midwife, doctor or pharmacist.

Confidential help and support is also available from a number of different organisations, including:

Drinkaware - run a national alcohol helpline; if you're worried about your own or someone else's drinking, call this free helpline on 0300 123 1110 (weekdays 9am to 8pm, weekends 11am to 4pm)

We Are With You - a UK-wide treatment agency that helps individuals, families and communities manage the effects of alcohol and drug misuse

Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) - a free self-help group; its "12-step" programme involves getting sober with the help of regular support groups

Find your nearest alcohol support services Read more advice about cutting down your drinking

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The safest thing you can do if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying for a baby, is to avoid alcohol.

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Screening test are used to find people at higher chance of a health problem.

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Screening test are used to find people at higher chance of a health problem.

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Screening tests are not perfect. You will be offered lots of screening options for you and your baby, and you will have a choice about all of them.

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STFYAYB provides information about the screening tests offered during and after pregnancy.

Details

This information is about the screening tests you will be offered during your pregnancy and after your baby is born. It explains the different types of test and what the tests are looking for.

Easy read versions of this leaflet are available. Additional information is also available for parents of babies who are in a special care baby unit, neonatal intensive care unit or paediatric intensive care unit.

We hope this advice will help prepare you for discussions with your midwife or doctor so that you can ask the questions that are important to you.

It is your decision whether or not to have any of the tests described.

In this publication, we use the terms 'woman' and 'women' to refer to anyone able to become pregnant, including trans men. Trans men who are pregnant should be offered the same antenatal and newborn screening tests as other pregnant individuals.

The information is available in 12 other languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali and Urdu.

See how to print digital leaflets if you want to print any sections of this guidance.

Free printed copies of this leaflet are also provided for local screening providers to give to women who cannot access the internet. Screening services can view the full PDF of the printed leaflet and order printed copies on the APS online ordering portal (requires login).

Contact the screening helpdesk with any queries about this publication, making sure you include its full title.

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Screening tests for you and your baby (STFYAYB)

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STFYAYB provides information about the screening tests offered during and after pregnancy.

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This detailed ultrasound scan, sometimes called the mid-pregnancy or anomaly scan, is usually carried out when you're between 18 and 21 weeks pregnant.

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This detailed ultrasound scan, sometimes called the mid-pregnancy or anomaly scan, is usually carried out when you're between 18 and 21 weeks pregnant.

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The 20-week screening scan is offered to everybody, but you do not have to have it if you do not want to.

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The 20-week screening scan looks for some physical abnormalities in the baby. Find out what happens at this screening scan, whether you have to have it, and what to expect if the scan shows a possible problem.

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Find out about common symptoms in pregnancy and what to do about them.

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Find out about common symptoms in pregnancy and what to do about them.

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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.

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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.

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Gentle exercise during pregnancy is good (and safe) for you and your baby. 

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Gentle exercise during pregnancy is good (and safe) for you and your baby. 

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Not only does it help you maintain a healthy weight but it also helps prepare your body for labour.

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Exercising in pregnancy - Start for Life

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Keeping up daily physical activity while pregnant is important. Find out which types of exercise you can do, what to avoid and where to find pregnancy-safe activities.

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Working when pregnant - it's important that you understand your rights.

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Working when pregnant - it's important that you understand your rights.

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Employers must give pregnant employees time off for antenatal care and pay their normal rate for this time off. The father or pregnant woman’s partner has the right to unpaid time off work to go to 2 antenatal appointments.

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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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We’re here to support parents and families of premature or sick babies

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We’re here to support parents and families of premature or sick babies

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For babies born premature or sick | Bliss

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Our vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life.

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Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of.

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Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of.

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If you have any breastfeeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor, or join a local breastfeeding support group

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Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby's feeding well and getting enough - especially in the first few days.

But once you've mastered it, you'll probably find it's the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.

We're here to provide lots of helpful information and advice on breastfeeding.

If you have any breastfeeding worries or concerns, the best thing to do is speak to your midwife or health visitor, or join a local breastfeeding support group.

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Breastfeeding can take practice - read our guides on breastfeeding to find out what works best for you

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity. We endeavour to fill practical and policy-relevant information gaps and provide resources for health workers supporting eating well from pre-conception to five years.

Our Mission

To influence policies which enable the safe, appropriate and optimal feeding of infants and young children in the UK, and to protect them from commercial interest.

To ensure that the importance of good nutrition from pre-conception to age five remains on everyone's agenda.

To provide conflict of interest-free information on infant milks marketed in the UK, and to promote better regulation and marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

To provide resources for health workers to support them in their work with pregnant women and young families.

Our Resources:

Are put together by nutrition experts and are regularly updated.

Can be used in Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accredited settings.

Are available as free pdf downloads for use by anyone promoting better public health on a not-for profit basis.

Everyone who works at First Steps Nutrition Trust feels passionately about the need for better information and support for good nutrition - and good food - from pre-conception to five years.

First Steps Nutrition Trust is supported by generous individual donations and conflict of interest free grants. First Steps Nutrition Trust does not work with organisations or individuals that work with, or take funding from, the breastmilk substitute industry and we reserve the right not to sell them our subsidised resources.

First Steps works with and supports a number of organisations including Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative, the Baby Feeding Law Group, the Obesity Health Alliance, the Children's Food Campaign and the APPG on Infant Feeding and Inequalities.

First Steps Nutrition Trust host and regularly update their partner site infantmilkinfo.org which contains comprehensive information about infant milks (for 0-12 month olds) available on the UK market.

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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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Skin-to-skin contact helps babies adjust to life outside the womb and supports mothers to initiate breastfeeding

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Skin-to-skin contact helps babies adjust to life outside the womb and supports mothers to initiate breastfeeding

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Skin-to-skin contact - Baby Friendly Initiative

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Skin-to-skin contact is important for babies and mothers to develop close, loving parent-infant relationships and to initiate breastfeeding.

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Real Baby Milk Essential Guide to feeding and caring for your baby (BaNES, Swindon & Wiltshire)

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Real Baby Milk Essential Guide to feeding and caring for your baby (BaNES, Swindon & Wiltshire)

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UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to encourage health facilities worldwide to better support breastfeeding.

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UNICEF Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to encourage health facilities worldwide to better support breastfeeding.

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The first few days of a newborn’s life are not only critical for the child, but also an important window for providing mothers with the support they need to breastfeed successfully.

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About

The first few days of a newborn's life are not only critical for the child, but also an important window for providing mothers with the support they need to breastfeed successfully. UNICEF and WHO launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to encourage health facilities worldwide to better support breastfeeding.

The initiative developed the following Ten Steps to Successful Breastfeeding to promote optimal clinical care for new mothers and their infants. There is substantial evidence that implementing the Ten Steps significantly improves breastfeeding rates.

Ten steps to successful breastfeeding
Critical management procedures
1a. Comply fully with the International Code of Marketing of Breast-milk Substitutes and relevant World Health Assembly resolutions.

1b. Have a written infant feeding policy that is routinely communicated to staff and parents.

1c. Establish ongoing monitoring and data-management systems.

2. Ensure that staff have sufficient knowledge, competence and skills to support breastfeeding.
Key clinical practices
3. Discuss the importance and management of breastfeeding with pregnant women and their families.

4. Facilitate immediate and uninterrupted skin-to-skin contact and support mothers to initiate breastfeeding as soon as possible after birth.

5. Support mothers to initiate and maintain breastfeeding and manage common difficulties.

6. Do not provide breastfed newborns any food or fluids other than breast milk, unless medically indicated.

7. Enable mothers and their infants to remain together and to practise rooming-in 24 hours a day.

8. Support mothers to recognize and respond to their infants' cues for feeding.

9. Counsel mothers on the use and risks of feeding bottles, teats and pacifiers.

10. Coordinate discharge so that parents and their infants have timely access to ongoing support and care.

Additional resources
WHO Competency Verification Toolkit WHO Protecting, Promoting and Supporting Breastfeeding WHO Training Course for Maternity Staff

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The first few days of a newborn's life are not only critical for the child, but also an important window for providing mothers with the support they need to breastfeed successfully. UNICEF and WHO launched the Baby-Friendly Hospital Initiative to encourage health facilities worldwide to better support breastfeeding.

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Leaflets 'Care in late pregnancy' and 'Induction of labour'  available from your midwife

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Leaflets 'Care in late pregnancy' and 'Induction of labour'  available from your midwife

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AIMS support all maternity service users to navigate the system as it exists

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Supporting you, Campaigning for all

* Campaigning for better births for all

* Protecting human rights in childbirth

* Independent information about pregnancy and birth

* Raising awareness of research

When's your due date?

What does your "due date" mean? How long is a normal pregnancy? How might being given a due date affect you and your baby? Enter the first day of your last period to discover when you're most likely to give birth.... and to find out more about due dates, induction and "post date" babies.

Date of the first day of your last period

The date of your last period allows an estimation of when you ovulated and conceived your baby.

A surprising number of women will have a bleed after they are pregnant, and although seeking advice from a doctor or midwife is recommended, usually this bleeding is not a problem.

Adjusted cycle length

Your menstrual cycle is counted from the first day of one period to the first day of the next. The average menstrual cycle is 28 days long, but many women will have longer or shorter cycles than this.

Ovulation usually takes place about 14 days before the next period. This means in a short cycle ovulation will be less than 14 days after your last period and with a long cycle more than 14 days after your last period. Giving the length of the cycle allows this to be taken into account in calculating your due date.

Many women have irregular cycles which make using the last day of their period less reliable for estimating due date.

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What it is and what it means for you as a parent

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Basically, it’s the idea that the first 3 months of life are very much an extension of life in the womb for baby

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You may have heard of the fourth trimester. Basically, it's the idea that the first 3 months of life are very much an extension of life in the womb for baby. Baby has spent 40 weeks (or there abouts!) having her every need attended to. She never knew hunger, was always rocked, and could always hear mama's heartbeat. Given that, it seems pretty unrealistic to expect a newborn baby to adjust to life on the outside instantly. That's why attempts at scheduling a newborn or unrealistic expectations about sleep frustrate parents more often than not.

What I've found to be true (and what many I know have found as well) is that your best bet in the fourth trimester is let go of your need to schedule and instead follow your baby's cues. Even if you're very much a type-A personality (a huge planner), make a conscious effort to let go of the need for certainty and control. Follow your baby's cues about when he needs to eat, when (and where!) he needs to sleep, when he needs to be held, and so on. As a result, you'll be much more relaxed and happy mama and you'll have a more content and happy baby.

Chasing a toddler around while caring for a newborn makes things a bit more interesting. While it's true that you will not have nearly as much time to simply stare at your newborn and marvel at his/her presence, you'll find that these fourth trimester "rules" are even more important to keep in mind as you juggle the needs of two children.

So what are the keys to life in the fourth trimester?

1. Give Lots of Snuggles

Babies are born used to the daily rhythm of mama's movements. So it makes sense that they would protest at attempts to transition them suddenly to a stationary object like a crib or bassinet. The popularity of baby swings and bouncers attests to the universal need babies have for motion. Swings and bouncers certainly have their place but nothing substitutes for mama's (or daddy's) arms.

As much as new parents would love to just sit and hold their newborns, that's certainly not realistic (especially if you happen to have one of those toddler creatures running around).

Enter the baby carrier. Mama gets her hands and mobility back, baby gets snuggled and rocked - everyone is happy. Few things calm a fussy baby as well as being worn; the upright tummy to tummy position provides much relief to babies suffering from reflux or gas (more so than the semi-seated position of bouncers, swings and car seats). You certainly don't have to wear your baby 24/7 to reap the benefits, but a good carrier (see our recommendations for newborns) is a must have for the fourth trimester and beyond.

2. Feed on Demand

Regardless of how you feed your baby - breastfeeding, pumping, formula or some combination - feeding a newborn on demand is key not only to baby's happiness but also to baby's growth and well-being.

Just like adults, babies calorie needs change from day to day; during growth spurts, babies will need to eat more and more frequently. Instead of counting ounces or watching the clock, learn to watch your baby for hunger cues. And don't be surprised if your newborn wants to eat an hour or less after her last feeding. Newborns have tiny tummies!

If you are breastfeeding, this on demand feeding is crucial in the early weeks. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand business; nursing often is key to building a good breastmilk supply. Newborns are also notoriously slow and lazy nursers so it may feel like nursing is all you are doing in those first few weeks. They will get faster though! In the meantime, enjoy the extra opportunity to rest and snuggle.

One exception to the feed on demand rule - newborns need to nurse every 2-3 hours around the clock until they regain their birth weight. This may mean you need to wake them to feed as brand new babies can be very sleepy (particularly if they are at all jaundiced). Once they hit birth weight, you can let them go longer stretches although you may want to avoid letting them go too long during daytime hours in order to avoid extended night wakings.

3. Let Go of Sleep Expectations

Sleep is probably the number one concern of new parents. It seems like the first thing anyone asks a new mama is "Is baby a good sleeper?" My favorite reply is "She sleeps like a baby" - delivered with a smile of course. And by that I mean she wakes several times throughout the night to eat or just to be reassured - and that's completely normal.

Meredith Small's Our Babies, Ourselves gives an interesting perspective on sleep expectations in Western cultures. She contends that babies are biologically hardwired for night waking and echos the work of sleep researcher Dr. James McKenna and others who have shown that safe co-sleeping and bed sharing practices actually reduce the risk of SIDS (see the post on bed sharing for more info on how to create safe shared sleeping spaces).

Small also discusses cultures that not only share sleep spaces but who also wear their children for much of the day. Many parents express a concern over "getting baby to nap in the crib." Not that it's bad for baby to nap in the crib, but it's also not bad or wrong for baby to nap while being worn. Even if you aren't on board with rocking your year old to sleep or wearing your 10 month old for naps (and there's nothing wrong if you are on board with those things; in fact, I'd argue they are quite normal!), wearing or holding your baby for sleep in the fourth trimester isn't going to create "bad habits" that can't be broken. Babies need to sleep and babies sleep best snuggled up to loving caregivers.

Of course, mama needs to sleep too - and that's where much of the concern over "sleeping through the night" comes from. Adjusting your expectations about sleep may also mean changing some of your sleep habits. If baby has her longest stretch of sleep from 8pm to midnight - maybe you need to adjust your own bedtime temporarily to take advantage of that.

Sharing a sleep space can also help with mama's sleep deprivation since it cuts down on the amount of time mama has to be awake and most likely will help baby sleep longer stretches too.

It also helps to remember that this stage won't last for ever. All babies will sleep longer stretches eventually. If you let go of the expectation that your baby should sleep 8 hours or more straight by 2 or 3 months, it's a little easier to handle those night wakings; it felt much better to me to consider my baby's behavior as "normal" instead of trying to figure out what I was doing "wrong."

4. Think About Routines Instead of Schedule

Just because you've decided to follow baby's cues doesn't mean your life will be devoid of order. Babies are pretty good at falling into a routine and there are simple things we can do to encourage that development.

Many newborns are born with their days and nights confused (makes sense when you consider they spent their days in the womb lulled to sleep by your movement and nights more awake when you were sleeping and still). You can nudge them towards sorting out their sleep habits by keeping things dark and quiet at night (during feedings, diaper changes, night wakings, etc.) and bright and "noisy" during the day.

You shouldn't blast Netflix while your baby is napping (ok, that might happen from time to time) but don't make a big effort to stay quiet during the day. This has the added bonus of making your baby able to sleep almost anywhere and through anything (at least when she's worn) - particularly handy when you need to be out and about with your toddler. All babies will have different tolerances for noise levels of course, but in general you can be "louder" during day sleep.

Many babies respond well to a bed time routine. While your newborn isn't going to have a set in stone sleep schedule or bed time, you can incorporate the same nightly rituals into your evenings - maybe a bath or massage or favorite book or lullabies.

Remember too that many babies will have an evening "witching hour" - these calming rituals can help alleviate that. Many newborns will also want to cluster feed in the evenings so take that into account when thinking about your own evening activities - a good book or catching up on your Netflix might be the way to go. For more information infant sleep, we like Elizabeth Pantley's The No-Cry Sleep Solution. It's worth reading when you have a newborn to better understand what is normal in infant sleep.

Some parents are big fans of routines that demand baby eat, play, sleep in a particular order (the concern being eating should never lead to sleeping). I would recommend you join the "mother nature made nursing sleep inducing for a reason" camp - if your baby falls asleep nursing - fine. If she doesn't, that's ok too. Better to read baby's cues and not try to force a particular order of events.

It is helpful to watch for baby's tired signs and help her back to sleep before she becomes overtired (and therefore less likely to sleep). For early fourth trimester babies, the entire "wake" period may be consumed by eating so trying to prevent them from falling asleep on the breast seems especially silly.

5. Don't Worry About Creating "Bad" Habits

Yup, it's true - you can not spoil a newborn! No matter how much you rock, cuddle, wear, or hold your baby, she is going to turn into an independent little person. Children are not spoiled by love and affection; they thrive on it.

The fourth trimester is a time for mama to heal and for a newly expanded family to get to know one another. Some mamas refer to this time as a "babymoon." Much like a honeymoon for newlyweds, the fourth trimester shouldn't be about schedules or expectations. Instead it - and our babies - should be greeted with patience and wonder.

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5 Keys To Life In The Fourth Trimester - Becoming Mamas

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You may have heard of the fourth trimester. Basically, it's the idea that the first 3 months of life are very much an extension of life in the womb for baby.

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A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth.

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A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth.

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A birth plan is a record of what you would like to happen during your labour and after the birth. You don't have to create a birth plan but, if you would like one, your midwife will be able to help.

Discussing a birth plan with your midwife gives you the chance to ask questions and find out more about what happens in labour.

It also gives your midwife the chance to get to know you better, and understand your feelings and priorities, and allows you to think about or discuss some things more fully with your partner, friends and relatives.

You can change your mind about your wishes for labour and birth at any time.

Your personal circumstances

Your birth plan is personal to you. It depends on what you want, your medical history, your circumstances and what is available at your maternity service.

You might be given a special form for your birth plan, or there may be room in your notes. It's a good idea to keep a copy of your birth plan with you.

The maternity team who care for you during labour will discuss it with you so they know what you want.

Be flexible

You need to be flexible and prepared to do things differently from your birth plan if complications arise with you or your baby, or if facilities such as a birth pool aren't available.

The maternity team will tell you what they advise in your particular circumstances. Don't hesitate to ask questions if you need to.

Things to consider

You can find out more about the things you need to think about when making a birth plan, such as:

You can work out whether there's anything you feel strongly about and might wish to include.

You can also show your birth partner these tips to support you.

Download a birth plan template

You can download a birth plan template (Word document 65KB, opens in a new window) to fill in and save.

Get Start4Life pregnancy and baby emails

Sign up for Start4Life's weekly emails for expert advice, videos and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

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Find a birth plan template and learn about making a birth plan, including where to give birth, pain relief options, who to have with you and your feelings on intervention.

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Advice about stitches, piles, bleeding and other physical changes after birth, plus tips to help you make a healthy recovery.

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Advice about stitches, piles, bleeding and other physical changes after birth, plus tips to help you make a healthy recovery.

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Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.

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What is weaning?

Introducing your baby to solid foods, also referred to as weaning or complementary feeding, starts when your baby is around 6 months old.

Your baby should be introduced to a varied diet, alongside their usual breast milk or first infant formula.

It can be confusing knowing when and how to start introducing solid foods. We're here to guide you through the weaning journey and explain what it all means.

We've got expert NHS advice, helpful videos, tips from other parents, and lots of simple, healthy weaning recipe and meal ideas.

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Weaning means introducing your baby to solid foods alongside their usual breast milk or infant formula. We're here to guide you through the journey.

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Creative therapy, peer support, weekly drop-in and meet-up sessions,  for mothers dealing with depression, anxiety, isolation or overwhelm

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Creative therapy, peer support, weekly drop-in and meet-up sessions, for mothers dealing with depression, anxiety, isolation or overwhelm...

Creative Therapy Courses

Our courses offer creative therapy, support and advice in a safe, child-free space for you to work through worries and concerns, while gently creating a piece of art that you can be proud of. Mothers spend time, with other mothers, creating, talking, healing.

Shine Drop-Ins

Informal, welcoming and supportive group sessions in Cirencester, Swindon, Fairford and Dursley - for mothers wanting to reach out and find support from others going through similar feelings of isolation, anxiety, uncertainty or sadness.

""Believe in yourself. You are braver than you think, more talented than you know, and capable of more than you imagine.""

- Roy T Bennett

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""It came like a thief in the night, almost in an instant, stealing my smile, an anxiety so deep it wormed its way into my very soul. I was devoured by postnatal depression and anxiety, and there was nothing I could do to escape it." Postnatal depression, anxiety, OCD and PTSD come in many forms, and everyone's experience is different. We have shared some of our stories here to show you that you are not alone...

MEET OUR TEAM

We are supported by a wonderful team of volunteers, EX-Shine mums, inspiring women and devoted trustees who help make Shine possible every day. Hear about why we're so lucky to be a part of this community.

We are an entirely charitable organisation and the important work that we do is only made possible by the generous donations and grants we receive each year. If you want to support us you can do so by donating whatever you can via the link below, or, if you would like to discuss a more regular donation or a larger sum or funding commitment, we would love to hear from you.

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Our courses offer creative therapy, support and advice in a safe, child-free space for you to work through worries and concerns, while gently creating a piece of art that you can be proud of. Mothers spend time, with other mothers, creating, talking, healing.

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Our talking therapy services aim to help you manage a range of common mental health problems including anxiety, stress, depression and low mood.

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Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

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You will find a selection of self-help guides and resources to give you, or the person you care for, the information and tools needed to effectively support your mental health. Visit our self-help and resources page here for tips and advice on managing your mental wellbeing. In addition to general resources, you will find links to specific resources depending on your life situation.

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Talking Therapies (previously known as Improving Access to Psychological Therapies) :: Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership NHS Trust

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You will find a selection of self-help guides and resources to give you, or the person you care for, the information and tools needed to effectively support your mental health. Visit our self-help and resources page here for tips and advice on managing your mental wellbeing.

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Resources of support put together for parents, by parents

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Free counselling services for pregnant people and new parents in Frome.

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We believe that people who are pregnant and new parents deserve support.

We recognise that having a baby brings lots of stresses and strains as well as joy and sometimes women just need space to talk things through. NHS England estimates that one in five women experiences anxiety and low mood during pregnancy and early parenthood,

Funds for a free counselling service (often used by pregnant and postnatal women in the Frome area) were cut in 2016; a small dedicated team of women then came together to create a new bespoke counselling service specifically for women who are pregnant or in the first year of motherhood. By providing a free professional counselling service, we aim to help people overcome feelings of anxiety and depression before they escalate into serious mental illness and also to help women get off to a positive start with their baby, with lifelong positive effects for everyone concerned.

Frome Birth Talk provides the only free, face-to-face counselling service specifically for pregnant and postnatal people in the Frome area.

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Frome Birth Talk is a small charity offering free counselling for anyone who is pregnant or has had (or lost) a baby in the last two years. We also offer drop in groups for parents/carers and their babies and toddlers.

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If you notice anything that worries you about your baby, however small, speak to your midwife

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You'll probably spend a large part of the first few days after birth looking at your baby.
If you notice anything that worries you about your baby, however small, speak to your midwife.

Within the first 24 hours, a health professional will offer to give your baby an injection of vitamin K. This is to prevent a rare but serious blood disorder.

You will also be offered a newborn physical examination for your baby in their first 72 hours. Among other things, their eyes, heart, hips and testicles (if they have them) will be checked for possible problems.

In their first few weeks, you baby will also have the:

Umbilical cord care

Your newborn's umbilical cord takes about a week to dry out and drop off. Keep it clean and dry until it does. If you notice any bleeding or discharge, tell your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Fontanelles (soft spots)

On the top of your baby's head, near the front, is a diamond-shaped patch where the skull bones have not fused together yet. There is another, smaller, soft spot towards the back of their head. These are called the fontanelles.

It will probably be a year or more before the bones close over. Do not worry about the fontanelles as they are covered by a tough protective membrane.

Your baby's skin

At birth, the top layer of your baby's skin is very thin and easily damaged. Over the first month, or longer for premature babies, your baby's skin matures and develops its own natural protective barrier.

Vernix, the white sticky substance that covers your baby's skin while in the womb, should always be left on the skin. It's a natural moisturiser that also protects against infection in the first few days.

It's best to bath your baby with plain water only for at least the first month. Do not add cleansers to your baby's bath water or use skin lotions or medicated wipes.

Premature babies' skin is even more delicate. Staff in the neonatal unit will advise you on skincare.

Find out more about babies who need special care.

If your baby is overdue, their skin may be dry and cracked. This is because all the protective vernix has been absorbed before they were born.

Eyes in newborns

Your newborn's eyes will be checked shortly after birth as part of their newborn physical examination. New babies can see, but their vision is not very focused. Their eyesight develops gradually over the first few months.

By the time your baby is 2 weeks old, you'll probably notice their eyes following your face. If they do not seem to be doing this, mention it to your health visitor or GP.

Your newborn's eyes may roll away from each other occasionally. This is called a squint and is normal in a newborn. It should go away by 3 months. Talk to your health visitor or GP if it does not.

Bumps and bruises

It's common for a newborn baby to have some swelling and bruises on their head, and perhaps bloodshot eyes.

This is caused by squeezing and pushing during birth, and is particularly common in babies who have been delivered by forceps or ventouse. It will soon disappear but, if you're worried, you can ask your midwife about it.

Birthmarks

The most common birthmarks in newborns are little pink or red V-shaped marks on the forehead, upper eyelids or neck. Some people call these stork marks or salmon patches. They gradually fade, but it may be a few months before they disappear completely.

Dark red and slightly raised strawberry marks (infantile haemangioma) are quite common. They sometimes appear a few days after birth and gradually get bigger. They may take a while to go away, but they usually disappear gradually.

See more about birthmarks.

Newborn spots

Spots and rashes are very common in newborn babies. They may come and go, but if you also notice a change in your baby's behaviour - for example, if your baby is not feeding well, or is very sleepy or very irritable - tell your midwife or GP immediately.

Breasts and genitals in newborns

Quite often, a newborn's breasts are a little swollen and ooze some milk, whether they are a boy or a girl.

Your newborn's genitals may appear swollen initially but will look normal within a few weeks. Baby girls also sometimes bleed a bit or have a white, cloudy discharge from the vagina.

All this is caused by hormones passing from you to your baby before birth. Do not be concerned.

Boys' testicles develop inside their body and sometimes take a while to descend into the scrotum. A health professional will check whether they have descended as part of the newborn physical examination.

Jaundice in new babies

When they're about 2 to 3 days old, some babies develop mild jaundice. This will make their skin and the whites of their eyes look a bit yellow. It's caused by pigments released during the breakdown of old red blood cells.

It's more common in babies delivered by forceps or ventouse. It usually fades on its own within about 10 days, but more severe jaundice may need treatment.

Find out about newborn jaundice.

If your baby develops jaundice in their first 24 hours, they should be checked by a health professional straight away.

Instincts in new babies

Babies are born knowing how to suck. During the first few days they learn to co-ordinate their sucking with their breathing during feeding.

Newborn babies also automatically turn towards a nipple or teat if it's brushed against their cheek, and they'll open their mouths if their upper lip is stroked.

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What to expect in the first few days after birth, including your baby's appearance, birthmarks, tests and fontanelles.

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Screening tests for you and your baby (STFYAYB)

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Screening tests for you and your baby (STFYAYB)

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STFYAYB provides information about the screening tests offered during and after pregnancy

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STFYAYB provides information about the screening tests offered during and after pregnancy.

Details

This information is about the screening tests you will be offered during your pregnancy and after your baby is born. It explains the different types of test and what the tests are looking for.

Easy read versions of this leaflet are available. Additional information is also available for parents of babies who are in a special care baby unit, neonatal intensive care unit or paediatric intensive care unit.

We hope this advice will help prepare you for discussions with your midwife or doctor so that you can ask the questions that are important to you.

It is your decision whether or not to have any of the tests described.

In this publication, we use the terms 'woman' and 'women' to refer to anyone able to become pregnant, including trans men. Trans men who are pregnant should be offered the same antenatal and newborn screening tests as other pregnant individuals.

The information is available in 12 other languages: Arabic, Bengali, Chinese, French, Latvian, Lithuanian, Polish, Portuguese, Punjabi, Romanian, Somali and Urdu.

See how to print digital leaflets if you want to print any sections of this guidance.

Free printed copies of this leaflet are also provided for local screening providers to give to women who cannot access the internet. Screening services can view the full PDF of the printed leaflet and order printed copies on the APS online ordering portal (requires login).

Contact the screening helpdesk with any queries about this publication, making sure you include its full title.

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Screening tests for you and your baby (STFYAYB)

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STFYAYB provides information about the screening tests offered during and after pregnancy.

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So what are the keys to life in the fourth trimester?

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So what are the keys to life in the fourth trimester?

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Give Lots of Snuggles
Feed on Demand
Let Go of Sleep Expectations
Think About Routines Instead of Schedule
Don’t Worry About Creating “Bad” Habits

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You may have heard of the fourth trimester. Basically, it's the idea that the first 3 months of life are very much an extension of life in the womb for baby. Baby has spent 40 weeks (or there abouts!) having her every need attended to. She never knew hunger, was always rocked, and could always hear mama's heartbeat. Given that, it seems pretty unrealistic to expect a newborn baby to adjust to life on the outside instantly. That's why attempts at scheduling a newborn or unrealistic expectations about sleep frustrate parents more often than not.

What I've found to be true (and what many I know have found as well) is that your best bet in the fourth trimester is let go of your need to schedule and instead follow your baby's cues. Even if you're very much a type-A personality (a huge planner), make a conscious effort to let go of the need for certainty and control. Follow your baby's cues about when he needs to eat, when (and where!) he needs to sleep, when he needs to be held, and so on. As a result, you'll be much more relaxed and happy mama and you'll have a more content and happy baby.

Chasing a toddler around while caring for a newborn makes things a bit more interesting. While it's true that you will not have nearly as much time to simply stare at your newborn and marvel at his/her presence, you'll find that these fourth trimester "rules" are even more important to keep in mind as you juggle the needs of two children.

So what are the keys to life in the fourth trimester?

1. Give Lots of Snuggles

Babies are born used to the daily rhythm of mama's movements. So it makes sense that they would protest at attempts to transition them suddenly to a stationary object like a crib or bassinet. The popularity of baby swings and bouncers attests to the universal need babies have for motion. Swings and bouncers certainly have their place but nothing substitutes for mama's (or daddy's) arms.

As much as new parents would love to just sit and hold their newborns, that's certainly not realistic (especially if you happen to have one of those toddler creatures running around).

Enter the baby carrier. Mama gets her hands and mobility back, baby gets snuggled and rocked - everyone is happy. Few things calm a fussy baby as well as being worn; the upright tummy to tummy position provides much relief to babies suffering from reflux or gas (more so than the semi-seated position of bouncers, swings and car seats). You certainly don't have to wear your baby 24/7 to reap the benefits, but a good carrier (see our recommendations for newborns) is a must have for the fourth trimester and beyond.

2. Feed on Demand

Regardless of how you feed your baby - breastfeeding, pumping, formula or some combination - feeding a newborn on demand is key not only to baby's happiness but also to baby's growth and well-being.

Just like adults, babies calorie needs change from day to day; during growth spurts, babies will need to eat more and more frequently. Instead of counting ounces or watching the clock, learn to watch your baby for hunger cues. And don't be surprised if your newborn wants to eat an hour or less after her last feeding. Newborns have tiny tummies!

If you are breastfeeding, this on demand feeding is crucial in the early weeks. Breastfeeding is a supply and demand business; nursing often is key to building a good breastmilk supply. Newborns are also notoriously slow and lazy nursers so it may feel like nursing is all you are doing in those first few weeks. They will get faster though! In the meantime, enjoy the extra opportunity to rest and snuggle.

One exception to the feed on demand rule - newborns need to nurse every 2-3 hours around the clock until they regain their birth weight. This may mean you need to wake them to feed as brand new babies can be very sleepy (particularly if they are at all jaundiced). Once they hit birth weight, you can let them go longer stretches although you may want to avoid letting them go too long during daytime hours in order to avoid extended night wakings.

3. Let Go of Sleep Expectations

Sleep is probably the number one concern of new parents. It seems like the first thing anyone asks a new mama is "Is baby a good sleeper?" My favorite reply is "She sleeps like a baby" - delivered with a smile of course. And by that I mean she wakes several times throughout the night to eat or just to be reassured - and that's completely normal.

Meredith Small's Our Babies, Ourselves gives an interesting perspective on sleep expectations in Western cultures. She contends that babies are biologically hardwired for night waking and echos the work of sleep researcher Dr. James McKenna and others who have shown that safe co-sleeping and bed sharing practices actually reduce the risk of SIDS (see the post on bed sharing for more info on how to create safe shared sleeping spaces).

Small also discusses cultures that not only share sleep spaces but who also wear their children for much of the day. Many parents express a concern over "getting baby to nap in the crib." Not that it's bad for baby to nap in the crib, but it's also not bad or wrong for baby to nap while being worn. Even if you aren't on board with rocking your year old to sleep or wearing your 10 month old for naps (and there's nothing wrong if you are on board with those things; in fact, I'd argue they are quite normal!), wearing or holding your baby for sleep in the fourth trimester isn't going to create "bad habits" that can't be broken. Babies need to sleep and babies sleep best snuggled up to loving caregivers.

Of course, mama needs to sleep too - and that's where much of the concern over "sleeping through the night" comes from. Adjusting your expectations about sleep may also mean changing some of your sleep habits. If baby has her longest stretch of sleep from 8pm to midnight - maybe you need to adjust your own bedtime temporarily to take advantage of that.

Sharing a sleep space can also help with mama's sleep deprivation since it cuts down on the amount of time mama has to be awake and most likely will help baby sleep longer stretches too.

It also helps to remember that this stage won't last for ever. All babies will sleep longer stretches eventually. If you let go of the expectation that your baby should sleep 8 hours or more straight by 2 or 3 months, it's a little easier to handle those night wakings; it felt much better to me to consider my baby's behavior as "normal" instead of trying to figure out what I was doing "wrong."

4. Think About Routines Instead of Schedule

Just because you've decided to follow baby's cues doesn't mean your life will be devoid of order. Babies are pretty good at falling into a routine and there are simple things we can do to encourage that development.

Many newborns are born with their days and nights confused (makes sense when you consider they spent their days in the womb lulled to sleep by your movement and nights more awake when you were sleeping and still). You can nudge them towards sorting out their sleep habits by keeping things dark and quiet at night (during feedings, diaper changes, night wakings, etc.) and bright and "noisy" during the day.

You shouldn't blast Netflix while your baby is napping (ok, that might happen from time to time) but don't make a big effort to stay quiet during the day. This has the added bonus of making your baby able to sleep almost anywhere and through anything (at least when she's worn) - particularly handy when you need to be out and about with your toddler. All babies will have different tolerances for noise levels of course, but in general you can be "louder" during day sleep.

Many babies respond well to a bed time routine. While your newborn isn't going to have a set in stone sleep schedule or bed time, you can incorporate the same nightly rituals into your evenings - maybe a bath or massage or favorite book or lullabies.

Remember too that many babies will have an evening "witching hour" - these calming rituals can help alleviate that. Many newborns will also want to cluster feed in the evenings so take that into account when thinking about your own evening activities - a good book or catching up on your Netflix might be the way to go. For more information infant sleep, we like Elizabeth Pantley's The No-Cry Sleep Solution. It's worth reading when you have a newborn to better understand what is normal in infant sleep.

Some parents are big fans of routines that demand baby eat, play, sleep in a particular order (the concern being eating should never lead to sleeping). I would recommend you join the "mother nature made nursing sleep inducing for a reason" camp - if your baby falls asleep nursing - fine. If she doesn't, that's ok too. Better to read baby's cues and not try to force a particular order of events.

It is helpful to watch for baby's tired signs and help her back to sleep before she becomes overtired (and therefore less likely to sleep). For early fourth trimester babies, the entire "wake" period may be consumed by eating so trying to prevent them from falling asleep on the breast seems especially silly.

5. Don't Worry About Creating "Bad" Habits

Yup, it's true - you can not spoil a newborn! No matter how much you rock, cuddle, wear, or hold your baby, she is going to turn into an independent little person. Children are not spoiled by love and affection; they thrive on it.

The fourth trimester is a time for mama to heal and for a newly expanded family to get to know one another. Some mamas refer to this time as a "babymoon." Much like a honeymoon for newlyweds, the fourth trimester shouldn't be about schedules or expectations. Instead it - and our babies - should be greeted with patience and wonder.

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5 Keys To Life In The Fourth Trimester - Becoming Mamas

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You may have heard of the fourth trimester. Basically, it's the idea that the first 3 months of life are very much an extension of life in the womb for baby.

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This website presents research evidence about biologically normal sleep for human babies

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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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In the first few days, you and your baby will be getting to know each other. It may take time for both of you to get the hang of breastfeeding

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Find out what to expect from breastfeeding in the first few days after birth, including what colostrum is, what happens when your milk ‘comes in’ and what the let-down reflex feels like.

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These resources cover a range of issues around supporting close and loving relationships between parents and babies

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Relationship building resources - Baby Friendly Initiative

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These resources cover a range of issues around supporting close and loving relationships between parents and babies.

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We’re here to support parents and families of premature or sick babies

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For babies born premature or sick | Bliss

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Our vision is that every baby born premature or sick in the UK has the best chance of survival and quality of life.

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Supporting caregivers as they build a happy brain for their children

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Supporting caregivers as they build a happy brain for their children

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There are so many benefits of babywearing, which can be explored in this site.

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Carrying Matters - carrying is connection

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The simple act of connecting with a small person has powerful and long-lasting effects. Rosie Knowles explores why carrying matters, and how to do it well! Find out more about babywearing safety, sling education and a guide to slings

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These resources cover a range of issues around bottle feeding, including making up feeds and responsive bottle feeding

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Bottle feeding resources - Baby Friendly Initiative

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These resources cover a range of issues around bottle feeding, including making up feeds and responsive bottle feeding.

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Seek support from your midwife with you're feeling, not just with how your baby is doing!

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Seek support from your midwife with you're feeling, not just with how your baby is doing!

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Advice about stitches, piles, bleeding and other physical changes after birth, plus tips to help you make a healthy recovery.

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Breast engorgement is when, for whatever reason, your breasts become overly full.

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There are a number of reasons why you may experience breast pain while you're breastfeeding.
Always ask for help from your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist if you're having problems breastfeeding.

Here's how to deal with some of the most common causes.

Breast engorgement

Breast engorgement is when, for whatever reason, your breasts become overly full. They may feel hard, tight and painful.

In the early days, engorgement can be due to your milk coming in. Newborns need feeding little and often. It can take a few days for your milk supply to match your baby's needs.

If your baby is not well attached to the breast, it may be hard for them to take your milk when your breast is engorged.

The nipple can become a little overstretched and flattened, and possibly painful.

Ask your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist for advice immediately to help your baby relieve the engorgement and prevent it happening again.
Find out more about positioning and attachment
Engorgement can still happen once you have learnt the skill of positioning and attachment, usually when your baby has not fed for a while.

Your baby usually knows when they need a feed, for how long and from which breast.

Early signs (cues) that your baby is ready to feed can include:

moving their eyes rapidly

putting their fingers into their mouth

rooting (turning to 1 side with their mouth open as if seeking the breast)

becoming restless

Crying is the very last sign that your baby needs feeding. Feeding them before they cry often leads to a much calmer feed.

Keeping your baby close so you can watch and learn their early feeding cues will help.

How to ease breast engorgement

To ease the discomfort of engorgement, apart from your baby feeding, you could try expressing a little breast milk by hand. Only express enough to relieve the discomfort because expressing more will make you produce more milk.

Ask your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist to show you how.
Find out more about expressing breast milk
You may also find it helps to:

wear a well-fitting breastfeeding bra that does not restrict your breasts

put warm flannels on your breasts just before hand expressing if they're leaking

take some paracetamol or ibuprofen at the recommended dose to ease the pain (these are safe to take while you're breastfeeding)

Too much breast milk

Occasionally women make too much breast milk and their babies struggle to cope.

It's best to get your midwife, health visitor or breastfeeding specialist to watch a feed to see if they can spot why this is happening.

They can also suggest ways to decrease your supply.

Blocked breast milk ducts

The milk-making glands in your breasts are divided up into segments, rather like an orange.

Narrow tubes called ducts carry the milk from each segment to your nipple.

If one of the segments is not drained properly during a feed (perhaps because your baby is not attached properly), this can lead to a blocked duct.

You may feel a small, tender lump in your breast.

Avoid wearing tight clothes or bras so your milk can flow freely from every part of your breast.

Other things that may help include:

frequent feeding from the affected breast

warm flannels or a warm shower to encourage the flow

gently massaging the lump towards your nipple while your baby feeds

It's important to deal with a blocked duct quickly as, if left, it could lead to mastitis.

Mastitis

Mastitis (inflammation in the breast) happens when a blocked duct is not relieved.

It makes the breast feel painful and inflamed, and can make you feel very unwell with flu-like symptoms.

If you do not deal with the early signs of mastitis, it can turn into an infection and you'll need to take antibiotics.

Symptoms of mastitis include:

a breast that feels hot and tender

a red patch of skin that's painful to touch

a general feeling of illness, as if you have flu

feeling achy, tired and tearful

a high temperature

If you think you're developing a blocked duct or mastitis, try the following:

Carry on breastfeeding.

Check your baby's positioning and attachment. Ask your midwife, health visitor or a breastfeeding specialist to watch a feed.

Let your baby feed on the tender breast first.

If the affected breast still feels full after a feed, or your baby cannot feed for some reason, express your milk by hand.

Warmth can help the milk flow, so a warm flannel, or a warm bath or shower, can help.

Get as much rest as you can. Go to bed if you can.

Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve the pain.

Contact your GP or NHS 111 if you feel worse at any time, or if you're no better within 12 to 24 hours.

You may need antibiotics, which will be fine to take while breastfeeding.

Stopping breastfeeding will make your symptoms worse, and may lead to a breast abscess.

Breast abscess

If a mastitis infection is not treated, it can lead to a breast abscess, which may need an operation to drain it.

This can also develop if the mastitis does not respond to frequent feeding plus a course of antibiotics.

You can carry on breastfeeding after an abscess has been drained.
Find out more about breast abscesses

Thrush

If you experience pain in both breasts, often after a period of pain-free breastfeeding, and the pain lasts for up to an hour after a feed, you may have developed thrush.
Find out more about thrush and breastfeeding
Got a breastfeeding question?

Chat to the Start4Life Breastfeeding Friend on Amazon Alexa, Facebook Messenger or Google Home for fast, friendly, trusted NHS advice any time, day or night.

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Find out about breast pain while breastfeeding, including breast engorgement, too much breast milk and mastitis.

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The Perinatal Pelvic Health team care for all women and birthing people from pregnancy to 12 months postnatal

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The Perinatal Pelvic Health team care for all women and birthing people from pregnancy to 12 months postnatal

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You can self-refer to this service, or speak to your midwife, GP or health visitor.

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Pelvic Health care for all women and birthing people from pregnancy to 12 months postnatal

We are a team of pelvic floor specialists, running a service to help reduce the chance of you having problems with your bladder or bowels during pregnancy and after birth.

If you do have bladder or bowel concerns, we are here for you.
Anyone can be affected by pelvic floor health problems during or after pregnancy, including accidental leaking of wee or poo (incontinence) and prolapse of the pelvic organs. The Perinatal Pelvic Health Team has been set up provide support, advice and treatment for those with pelvic floor concerns birthing in Bath and the surrounding areas, Salisbury and Swindon.

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Pelvic Health Menu Postnatal care Emotional wellbeing: how will I feel? Reducing the risk of a blood clot After your caesarean Separation of the abdominal muscles Postnatal exercise Perinatal Pelvic Health Team Pelvic Health care for all women and birthing people from pregnancy to 12 months postnatal We are a team of...

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Breastfeeding ensures all the infants’ nutrient needs are met, encourages optimum infant development, facilitates mother and child bonding, and protects the infants’ and mothers’ health in the short and long term

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Infants & new mums — 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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UNICEF UK’s Baby Friendly Initiative has made a real difference in giving our staff the skills and confidence to change the conversation about breastfeeding and early relationship building with parents

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LATEST NEWS AND RESOURCES

Unaffordable infant formula price rises

Recommendations for the UK Government

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UNICEF UK's Baby Friendly Initiative has made a real difference in giving our staff the skills and confidence to change the conversation about breastfeeding and early relationship building with parents... Together we can ensure that every single mother and baby receives the very best possible care, at a point in their lives where the information and support we provide will have a profound effect on their future health and development.

Ellie Elkins, Infant Feeding Lead for West Sussex, Sussex Community NHS Foundation Trust

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The Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative supports breastfeeding and parent infant relationships by working with public services to improve standards of care.

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NHS advice and guidance you need to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood

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Pregnancy, baby and parenting

Welcome to Better Health - Start for Life.

We may have a new name and look, but don't worry, you will still find all the trusted NHS advice and guidance you need to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.

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Get trusted NHS advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood. Start for Life is your essential guide for having a healthy, happy baby.

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An independent public health nutrition charity

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First Steps Nutrition Trust is an independent public health nutrition charity. We endeavour to fill practical and policy-relevant information gaps and provide resources for health workers supporting eating well from pre-conception to five years.

Our Mission

To influence policies which enable the safe, appropriate and optimal feeding of infants and young children in the UK, and to protect them from commercial interest.

To ensure that the importance of good nutrition from pre-conception to age five remains on everyone's agenda.

To provide conflict of interest-free information on infant milks marketed in the UK, and to promote better regulation and marketing of breastmilk substitutes.

To provide resources for health workers to support them in their work with pregnant women and young families.

Our Resources:

Are put together by nutrition experts and are regularly updated.

Can be used in Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative accredited settings.

Are available as free pdf downloads for use by anyone promoting better public health on a not-for profit basis.

Everyone who works at First Steps Nutrition Trust feels passionately about the need for better information and support for good nutrition - and good food - from pre-conception to five years.

First Steps Nutrition Trust is supported by generous individual donations and conflict of interest free grants. First Steps Nutrition Trust does not work with organisations or individuals that work with, or take funding from, the breastmilk substitute industry and we reserve the right not to sell them our subsidised resources.

First Steps works with and supports a number of organisations including Unicef UK Baby Friendly Initiative, the Baby Feeding Law Group, the Obesity Health Alliance, the Children's Food Campaign and the APPG on Infant Feeding and Inequalities.

First Steps Nutrition Trust host and regularly update their partner site infantmilkinfo.org which contains comprehensive information about infant milks (for 0-12 month olds) available on the UK market.

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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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Short video on how to care for your baby's umbilical cord stump

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You'll probably spend a large part of the first few days after birth looking at your baby.
If you notice anything that worries you about your baby, however small, speak to your midwife.

Within the first 24 hours, a health professional will offer to give your baby an injection of vitamin K. This is to prevent a rare but serious blood disorder.

You will also be offered a newborn physical examination for your baby in their first 72 hours. Among other things, their eyes, heart, hips and testicles (if they have them) will be checked for possible problems.

In their first few weeks, you baby will also have the:

Umbilical cord care

Your newborn's umbilical cord takes about a week to dry out and drop off. Keep it clean and dry until it does. If you notice any bleeding or discharge, tell your midwife, health visitor or GP.

Fontanelles (soft spots)

On the top of your baby's head, near the front, is a diamond-shaped patch where the skull bones have not fused together yet. There is another, smaller, soft spot towards the back of their head. These are called the fontanelles.

It will probably be a year or more before the bones close over. Do not worry about the fontanelles as they are covered by a tough protective membrane.

Your baby's skin

At birth, the top layer of your baby's skin is very thin and easily damaged. Over the first month, or longer for premature babies, your baby's skin matures and develops its own natural protective barrier.

Vernix, the white sticky substance that covers your baby's skin while in the womb, should always be left on the skin. It's a natural moisturiser that also protects against infection in the first few days.

It's best to bath your baby with plain water only for at least the first month. Do not add cleansers to your baby's bath water or use skin lotions or medicated wipes.

Premature babies' skin is even more delicate. Staff in the neonatal unit will advise you on skincare.

Find out more about babies who need special care.

If your baby is overdue, their skin may be dry and cracked. This is because all the protective vernix has been absorbed before they were born.

Eyes in newborns

Your newborn's eyes will be checked shortly after birth as part of their newborn physical examination. New babies can see, but their vision is not very focused. Their eyesight develops gradually over the first few months.

By the time your baby is 2 weeks old, you'll probably notice their eyes following your face. If they do not seem to be doing this, mention it to your health visitor or GP.

Your newborn's eyes may roll away from each other occasionally. This is called a squint and is normal in a newborn. It should go away by 3 months. Talk to your health visitor or GP if it does not.

Bumps and bruises

It's common for a newborn baby to have some swelling and bruises on their head, and perhaps bloodshot eyes.

This is caused by squeezing and pushing during birth, and is particularly common in babies who have been delivered by forceps or ventouse. It will soon disappear but, if you're worried, you can ask your midwife about it.

Birthmarks

The most common birthmarks in newborns are little pink or red V-shaped marks on the forehead, upper eyelids or neck. Some people call these stork marks or salmon patches. They gradually fade, but it may be a few months before they disappear completely.

Dark red and slightly raised strawberry marks (infantile haemangioma) are quite common. They sometimes appear a few days after birth and gradually get bigger. They may take a while to go away, but they usually disappear gradually.

See more about birthmarks.

Newborn spots

Spots and rashes are very common in newborn babies. They may come and go, but if you also notice a change in your baby's behaviour - for example, if your baby is not feeding well, or is very sleepy or very irritable - tell your midwife or GP immediately.

Breasts and genitals in newborns

Quite often, a newborn's breasts are a little swollen and ooze some milk, whether they are a boy or a girl.

Your newborn's genitals may appear swollen initially but will look normal within a few weeks. Baby girls also sometimes bleed a bit or have a white, cloudy discharge from the vagina.

All this is caused by hormones passing from you to your baby before birth. Do not be concerned.

Boys' testicles develop inside their body and sometimes take a while to descend into the scrotum. A health professional will check whether they have descended as part of the newborn physical examination.

Jaundice in new babies

When they're about 2 to 3 days old, some babies develop mild jaundice. This will make their skin and the whites of their eyes look a bit yellow. It's caused by pigments released during the breakdown of old red blood cells.

It's more common in babies delivered by forceps or ventouse. It usually fades on its own within about 10 days, but more severe jaundice may need treatment.

Find out about newborn jaundice.

If your baby develops jaundice in their first 24 hours, they should be checked by a health professional straight away.

Instincts in new babies

Babies are born knowing how to suck. During the first few days they learn to co-ordinate their sucking with their breathing during feeding.

Newborn babies also automatically turn towards a nipple or teat if it's brushed against their cheek, and they'll open their mouths if their upper lip is stroked.

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What to expect in the first few days after birth, including your baby's appearance, birthmarks, tests and fontanelles.

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All births in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be registered within 42 days of the child being born

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All births in England, Wales and Northern Ireland must be registered within 42 days of the child being born.

You should do this at the local register office for the area where the baby was born or at the hospital before the mother leaves. The hospital will tell you if you can register the birth there.

If you cannot register the birth in the area where the baby was born, you can go to another register office and they will send your details to the correct office.

Information you need when registering a birth

When registering the birth, you should know:

place and date of the birth

name, surname and sex of the baby

parents' names, surnames and address

places and dates of parents' birth

date of parents' marriage or civil partnership

parents' jobs

mother's maiden surname

You might not need to give all of this information, depending on who is registering the birth.

What you should take

You should take at least one form of identification when you go to the register office. You can use:

passport

birth certificate

deed poll

driving licence

proof of address (for example, a utility bill)

Council Tax bill

marriage or civil partnership certificate

You should also take your child's personal child health record or 'red book' as some registrars may ask to see it.

If you're going to the register office on your own, you may need proof of paternity from the other parent before you give their details.

After the birth is registered

Once you've registered the birth, you may be able to claim:

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Find out how to register a birth - who can register, birth certificates

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When babies cry it can be stressful and overwhelming. Help is out there and all you need to do is ask.

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Babies cry, you can cope When babies cry it can be stressful and overwhelming. Help is out there and all you need to do is ask. Latest news Testimonials

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Patient Support & Complaints Team GWH (Swindon) PALS

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Patient Support & Complaints Team GWH (Swindon) PALS

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We listen to patient feedback and work with teams and departments across the Trust to improve the way we do things for future patients.

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Patient Support & Complaints Team RUH (Bath) PALS

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Patient Support & Complaints Team RUH (Bath) PALS

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PALS can - Tell you about hospital services. Listen to your concerns. Help you tell nurses and doctors what you think of your care.

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Patient Support & Complaints Team (Salisbury SFT) PALS

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Patient Support & Complaints Team (Salisbury SFT) PALS

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The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. We provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers.

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The Patient Advice and Liaison Service (PALS) offers confidential advice, support and information on health-related matters. We provide a point of contact for patients, their families and their carers.

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MNVP - Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership

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MNVP - Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership

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You can send feedback anonymously to the MNVP

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Leave Feedback - Bath North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Maternity Voices Partnership Plus

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We as your Maternity voices parternership want to hear the voices of all parents. You can find us at groups across the region and we're always keen to come somewhere new so please reach out if you would like us to come to your group / event / meet up to talk about the experiences of maternity services.

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Maternity across Bath & NE Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire

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Maternity across Bath & NE Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire

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Welcome to maternity and neonatal services in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care System (BSW ICS) - BSW Together.

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Our vision for maternity care is for all women to have a safe and positive birth, and maternity experience, and be prepared to approach parenting with confidence. This is underpinned by four core commitments.

1. Women/pregnant people and their chosen support networks will be partners in care

2. Maternity and neonatal services and organisational partners within the Local Maternity and Neonatal System (LMNS) will work collaboratively together

3. We will enhance safety through assisting all women/pregnant people to experience the best birth possible for their personal circumstances

4. Women/pregnant people/ their partners and birth supporters and their families will be supported and enabled to optimise their health in preparation for pregnancy, birth and parenthood

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Maternity Welcome to maternity and neonatal services in Bath and North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Integrated Care System (BSW ICS) - BSW Together. This is your guide to maternity services and options in our area. This resource provides useful information for women/pregnant people, their birth supporters and families and staff.

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Types of birth information (what happens in labour, helping labour to progress, caesarean birth, induction of labour, third stage)

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Labour and birth If you think you’re in labour, contact your midwife or maternity unit If you think you’re in labour, contact your midwife or maternity unit Contact us Find out more about Choosing where to birth Read More Stages of Labour Read More Equipment and positions for labour and birth Read M…

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This resource padlet has been put together by a team of MNVP Volunteers.
It is aimed at parents/to-be but may also be of use to midwives, maternity healthcare workers, birth workers and anyone else working within maternity services or Early Years settings.  Contact:  chaya.tagore@nhs.net

​While we make every effort to keep these padlets up to date, we make no warranties or representations that the information will be:

current

accurate

secure

complete

free from bugs or viruses

As an MNVP, we are not liable for any loss or damage that may come from using these padlets. We are unable to endorse the information held on third party websites, it is for information only.

www.bswmaternityvoices.org.uk

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Find our other MNVP Padlets of resources

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Find our other MNVP Padlets of resources

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Made by parents, for parents.

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Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Maternity Voices Partnership Plus

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​While we make every effort to keep these padlets up to date, we make no warranties or representations that the information will be:

As an MVP, we are not liable for any loss or damage that may come from using these padlets. We are unable to endorse the information held on third party websites, it is for information only.

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Resources - Bath North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire Maternity Voices Partnership Plus

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​While we make every effort to keep these padlets up to date, we make no warranties or representations that the information will be: As an MVP, we are not liable for any loss or damage that may come from using these padlets.