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Information on how to make informed decisions about your care.

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Perinatal Pelvic Health Linktree for BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire

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Perinatal Pelvic Health Linktree for BaNES, Swindon and Wiltshire

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A one stop shop resource for all things pelvic health related from our Perinatal Pelvic Health Team

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How to protect your pelvic health during pregnancy and the postnatal year.

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My Maternity Choices (RUH Maternity Booklet)

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My Maternity Choices (RUH Maternity Booklet)

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This padlet contains all the links and resources that are listed in the Personalised Care and Support Plan (PCSP) paper booklet you have been given. Please remember to write down any notes/questions and share these with your midwife/doctor/sonographer at every maternity appointment or session you attend.

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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  All paid for services must have their costs and prices clearly stated on their websites if included on this padlet.

​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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"Hello Baby"  Antenatal Education videos for the local area

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"Hello Baby"  Antenatal Education videos for the local area

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Short 4 minute videos covering everything from 'Where to have your baby' to 'Preparing for birth-practical tips'

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Hello Baby videos Play Video Where to have your baby Play Video Having your baby at home Play Video Having your baby at a Midwife led Unit Play Video Having your baby at hospital Play Video Using water during birth Play Video When your birth doesn't go to plan Play Video Preparing your body for...

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Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership (Bath & NE Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire)

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Maternity & Neonatal Voices Partnership (Bath & NE Somerset, Swindon & Wiltshire)

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

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Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Maternity Voices Partnership Plus is a group of volunteer parents and birth workers, midwives, doctors and commissioners.

The MVP is a voice for those who use local maternity service and is made up of volunteers who have recently used maternity services.

We collect feedback from women, birthing people and families across the BSW region on the care they received during:

Pregnancy (Antenatal Care)

Labour and birth

NICU/SCBU care

After their baby is born (Postnatal care and Health Visiting)

Baby loss

Using your anonymous feedback as a guide we work together with hospital trusts to review and contribute to the development of local maternity services.

Local area volunteers are all parents who have personal experience of maternity and health visiting care.

Volunteers work alongside healthcare professional colleagues
See out terms of reference for more information
Interested in volunteering, find out more here

Chaya is the Maternity Voices Partnership Plus Lead for the BSW area. She is a Mum of two, lives in Bath, and supports the local area volunteers.​

Mobile: 07775 546 071

Email: chaya.tagore@nhs.net

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

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Bath & North East Somerset, Swindon and Wiltshire (BSW) Maternity Voices Partnership Plus is a group of volunteer parents and birth workers, midwives, doctors and commissioners. The MVP is a voice for those who use local maternity service and is made up of volunteers who have recently used maternity services.

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Free to Download images to create your own Birth Preferences (aka Birth Plan)

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Free to Download images to create your own Birth Preferences (aka Birth Plan)

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Please click on the links below to download both the birth preferences template and a completed sample copy for your own reference. With the template, simply print it off and fill it out with your birth partner. Then keep with your hospital notes ready for the big day!
Birth Preferences Template Completed Sample Copy
You might also be interested in checking out our DIGITAL PACK - the world's most affordable and accessible hypnobirthing program. It costs just £39 and for that you get the full hypnobirthing course in video format, a course notes booklet in PDF, 8x MP3s to download, an infant feeding guide and access to a private Facebook group for ongoing support and positive birth stories. It will make your birth better! Find out more by clicking the button below...

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Birth Preferences - The Positive Birth Company

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Please click on the links below to download both the birth preferences template and a completed sample copy for your own reference. With the template, simply print it off and fill it out with your birth partner. Then keep with your hospital notes ready for the big day!

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Information about Down Syndrome by parents/to-be

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Information about Down Syndrome by parents/to-be

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Whether you are a new or expectant parent, a professional interested to know about Down syndrome or a member of the public - you've come to the right place!

We hope that our stories and photos reassure you, inspire you and show you the reality of life with Down syndrome. There is a lot of negativity, fear of and ignorance around Down syndrome, but we are the experts on living with someone with Down syndrome and these stories are written honestly from experience and absolute understanding.

#NobodyToldMe is a collection of personal experiences written by young people with Down syndrome, their friends and family.

#NobodyToldMe challenges outdated perceptions and attitudes towards those with Down syndrome by showing the reality of our lives.

We, too, have experienced receiving the news that our baby has Down syndrome, so we know how you're feeling, what you're worried about, or what you are feeling guilty for thinking. We are delighted to have this opportunity to share a little of our lives with you to try to address some of those feelings.

There are groups all around the UK, offering a range of support and community.

Click the button below to see a map showing what groups there are near you.

The stories here are our true and personal experiences. PADS is not affiliated with any religious or political organisation.

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Positive About Down Syndrome - A website by parents for parents and parents-to-be

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Whether you are a new or expectant parent, a professional interested to know about Down syndrome or a member of the public - you've come to the right place! We hope that our stories and photos reassure you, inspire you and show you the reality of life with Down syndrome.

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Information for Dads and partners, local groups and resources pulled together by our MNVP volunteers

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Speak to your midwife about the next face to face 'Hello Baby' course that you can join

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Maternity

Antenatal Care and COVID-19 (coronavirus)

Our priorities are to provide you with safe, kind care, and to reduce the risks of the general public contracting COVID-19 (coronavirus).

Due to the advice regarding coronavirus and to protect our pregnant women and newborn babies we have to make some changes in how we see you during your pregnancy. This is being reviewed regularly in line with evidence.

Attending antenatal and postnatal care when you are pregnant and have a new baby is essential to ensure the wellbeing of you and your baby.

Face-to-face and virtual appointments

We have now returned to face-to-face appointments in line with national guidance, but there are appointments we are able to conduct virtually at your request.

If you are well, you should attend your face-to-face antenatal care. We will wear masks while caring for you (this may be changeable with national advice). If you have symptoms of possible coronavirus infection, you should postpone routine appointments until after the isolation period and seek advice from NHS 111.

Parent Education

During the pandemic, we were unable to provide parent education classes. We are now reintroducing classes, but on line for the time being. Your midwife will be able to discuss this with you.

Birth Preferences

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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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Generation Study: Changing the future of genetic health, together.  Now at RUH in Bath.

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Generation Study: Changing the future of genetic health, together.  Now at RUH in Bath.

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Our study tests your baby for 200+ conditions. The test is free, safe, and takes place just after birth. Speak to your RUH midwife about this Generation Study or click on black square above for more details.

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Complete the steps to check eligibility and register your interest. This does not guarantee you’ll be part of the study. We will send your details to the study team who can then contact you directly about joining.
Study teams can be very busy. That means they might not contact you straight away.

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Generation Study - the study tests your baby for over 200+ conditions. Now at Bath RUH

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Generation Study - the study tests your baby for over 200+ conditions. Now at Bath RUH

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4 minute video explaining more about this research that our colleagues at Bath RUH are supporting. The test is free, safe and takes place just after birth.

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The Generation Study – what is it and how does it work?

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Dr Sara Wickham's research reviews on Induction of labour

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Dr Sara Wickham's research reviews on Induction of labour

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Remember you can always ask your midwife and/or doctor for further information and explanation

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We are working on a new project (known as PreCiSSIon) to prevent surgical site infections following caesarean birth 

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We are working on a new project (known as PreCiSSIon) to prevent surgical site infections following caesarean birth 

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PreciSSIon - Health Innovation West of England

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The PreciSSIon programme focused on colorectal surgery has now closed but you may find the below resources useful. Please note the information on this webpage was correct at the time of publication. A new PreCiSSIon project, focused on reducing the incidence of surgical site infection (SSI) after caesarean birth, launched in October 2022. Read more…

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See our Baby Loss padlet for details of support available in our area

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See our Baby Loss padlet for details of support available in our area

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Home, Hospital or Birth Centre? Plenty of options across the region.

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Home, Hospital or Birth Centre? Plenty of options across the region.

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Speak to your midwife about what your local options are and how to get further information on what is right for you and your baby

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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 - Maternity

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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) Planning where to have your baby is an important decision for you to make. Birth is generally very safe for healthy low-risk women and their...

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Bath area Pregnancy, Birth & Baby MNVP Padlet

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Bath area Pregnancy, Birth & Baby MNVP Padlet

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Please see our MNVP padlet for further groups, charities and organisations that can support you in this local area

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Swindon area Pregnancy, Birth & Baby MNVP Padlet

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Swindon area Pregnancy, Birth & Baby MNVP Padlet

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Please see our MNVP padlet for further groups, charities and organisations that can support you in this local area

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Salisbury & Wiltshire Pregnancy, Birth & Baby MNVP Padlet

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Salisbury & Wiltshire Pregnancy, Birth & Baby MNVP Padlet

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Please see our MNVP padlet for further groups, charities and organisations that can support you in this local area

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Baby Steps, Infant Feeding, NCT etc - all listed with website links

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Local Antenatal Classes, Websites & Apps

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Our staff at Salisbury District Hospital have long been well regarded for the quality of care and treatment they provide for our patients and for their innovation, commitment and professionalism. This has been recognised in a wide range of achievements and it is reflected in our award of NHS Foundation Trust status.

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GWH Swindon Maternity Services Self Referral form

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GWH Swindon Maternity Services Self Referral form

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Birth Options provides balanced information about induction of labour, vaginal and caesarean birth.

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

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Planned home birth - maternal outcomes and birth interventions (2020)

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Planned home birth - maternal outcomes and birth interventions (2020)

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Maternal outcomes and birth interventions among women who begin labour intending to give birth at home compared to women of low obstetrical risk who intend to give birth in hospital: A systematic review and meta-analyses

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You can now self-refer if 6 weeks pregnant or more. Please call 01722 425185 if you are unable to do this online.

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A Personalised Care and Support Plan (PCSP) is either digital (an App on your phone) or a paper booklet

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A Personalised Care and Support Plan (PCSP) is either digital (an App on your phone) or a paper booklet

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It is to help you think about the choices you have about your care during your pregnancy, the birth of your baby and afterwards

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Great Western Hospital (GWH) Swindon Antenatal Classes

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Great Western Hospital (GWH) Swindon Antenatal Classes

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Your midwife will be able to give you information about online and face to face classes that they provide and a code to access https://www.therealbirthworkshop.online/english/content/

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How often will I see a midwife or doctor

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How often will I see a midwife or doctor

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Information about how often you will see your NHS Midwife or doctor/obstetrician

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FREE practical and interactive antenatal sessions

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FREE practical and interactive antenatal sessions

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Antenatal Beginning Breastfeeding Courses - La Leche League GB

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Congratulations on your pregnancy! Please join our FREE practical and interactive online course to learn about the first days and weeks of breastfeeding your baby and how to continue with confidence with help from your support partner and resources from La Leche League GB and beyond. Beginning Breas…

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Wherever you plan to have your baby, you will be given a Personalised Care and Support Plan (either as an App on your phone or as a booklet depending on what your Trust is using)

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GWH Swindon Self Referral Poster & QR code

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GWH Swindon Self Referral Poster & QR code

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Our Time, Our Space (in pregnancy) BaNES (usually in Radstock, starting January, April and October)

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Our Time, Our Space (in pregnancy) BaNES (usually in Radstock, starting January, April and October)

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6 week courses for pregnant women experiencing low mood, anxiety or depression - self referrals welcome or speak to your midwife. Call Marsha on 07971 484598 for further details or check: Children's Centre Services - Request for Support (bathnes.gov.uk)

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Resources and information put together 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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Birth Place study (based on research from 2011) to support parents in deciding where to give birth

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Birth Place study (based on research from 2011) to support parents in deciding where to give birth

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Treatment -v- No Treatment

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Place of Birth options for your first baby

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Place of Birth options for your first baby

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Your midwife will have conversations about this throughout your antenatal journey.

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If you want something that 'isn't advised' then your midwife will explain how they will still care for you and your baby.

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If you want something that 'isn't advised' then your midwife will explain how they will still care for you and your baby.

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Child Benefit (£24.00 for first child, £15.90 for second child)

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Child Benefit (£24.00 for first child, £15.90 for second child)

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Available if income is below £50, 000 per year (or £60, 000 if a couple)

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You can claim Child Benefit 48 hours after you've registered the birth of your child, or once a child comes to live with you.

Child Benefit can be backdated for up to 3 months.

Deciding who should claim

Only one person can get Child Benefit for a child, so you need to decide whether it's better for you or the other parent to claim. The person who claims will get National Insurance credits towards their state pension if they're not working.

Make a claim online

Use this service to make a claim for Child Benefit or to add another child to an existing claim.

You might need to download, print and send your completed form to HMRC, along with any documents you need to provide.

Watch this video to find out more about how to claim Child Benefit online.

How to claim Child Benefit online video on YouTube.

Before you start

You'll need:

your child's birth or adoption certificate

your bank or building society details

your National Insurance number

your partner's National Insurance number, if you have one

You can order a new birth or adoption certificate if you've lost the original.

If your child's birth was registered outside the UK

You'll need to send:

your child's original birth or adoption certificate

your child's passport or the travel document they used to enter the UK

Any documents you send will usually be returned in 4 weeks.

If you do not have the certificate you need, make a claim now and send the certificate once you've got it.

Other ways to claim

If you cannot apply online, you can:

Claiming Child Benefit for someone else

You may be able to manage someone else's Child Benefit claim.

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Child Benefit - child benefit rates, eligibility, how to claim, child benefit claim form CH2.

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Free dental  treatment whilst pregnant and for 12 months after baby is born

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Free dental  treatment whilst pregnant and for 12 months after baby is born

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To get free NHS dental treatment, you must have a valid maternity exemption certificate (MatEx) issued by your midwife or GP.

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Not all medicines are safe to take when you're pregnant. This includes prescribed medicines and medicines you can buy in a pharmacy or shop.

Check with a doctor, pharmacist or midwife before you take any medicines when you're pregnant.

If you're already taking prescribed medicine, do not stop taking your medicine without talking to your doctor first.

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Health things you should know in pregnancy

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A guide to things to do - or avoid - during pregnancy, including food, drink, alcohol, exercise, smoking and mental wellbeing.

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If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you:

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If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you:

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buy healthy foods like milk or fruit

get free vitamins

You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify.

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Healthy Start is an NHS scheme that helps women who are pregnant or have young children and are receiving benefits, buy foods such as milk or fruit.

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Asylum seekers: Maternity rights and benefits

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Asylum seekers: Maternity rights and benefits

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This is one of a series of information sheets which provide a guide to maternity rights and benefits for pregnant women and new mothers according to their immigration status.

Other information sheets cover rights and benefits for refused asylum seekers, refugees, undocumented migrants, EEA nationals, indefinite leave and British citizens, women with no recourse to public funds and trafficked women, see this.

Immigration status

You are considered to be an asylum seeker if you have submitted an application for asylum or a claim under Article 3 of the European Convention on Human Rights and you are awaiting the decision. You are still regarded as an asylum seeker if you have submitted an appeal and you are awaiting the outcome. If your claim or appeal has been refused, you are considered to be a 'refused' or 'failed' asylum seeker. If you receive a positive decision you will be given refugee status or some other form of leave to remain. This information sheet is only for asylum seekers with an outstanding claim or appeal. We have a separate information sheet for 'refused' asylum seekers and another information sheet for refugees.

Since January 2018, if you submit an application for asylum you are issued with BAIL 201 letters. If you made claim for asylum before that date you may have a 1S96. However, these are likely to be replaced eventually with a BAIL 201 letter. You will also be issued with an ARC card. This provides confirmation that you have submitted a claim for asylum or a under Article 3 of the European Convention of Human Rights

If you are applying to stay in the UK for more than 6 months or to extend your leave for more than 6 months, you will be issued with a biometric residence permit from UK Visas and Immigration if your application is approved, see www.gov.uk/biometric-residence-permits

It is important to check your status from time to time. Correspondence may have gone astray and you may not be aware that your claim or appeal has been accepted or refused.

Legal aid is available for asylum claims, subject to a means test. You should seek legal advice from an OISC registered immigration adviser, see below for where to go for more help.

Maternity and parental rights at work

While you are seeking asylum you are not normally entitled to work while your application is being considered. If your application has been outstanding for 12 months or more, you can ask the Home Office for permission to work. However, the work you can do is restricted to a list of specified occupations. If you wish to ask for permission to work you should seek advice from one of the organisations below. If you are refused asylum your right to work ends. Guidance on applying for permission to work can be found here: www.gov.uk/government/publications/handling-applications-for-permission-to-take-employment-instruction

If you have permission to work you are entitled to maternity leave and pay if you meet the normal eligibility requirements. For more information on these rights see our information sheet: Pregnant at work.

If your asylum claim is refused and you no longer have the right to work, your maternity leave would come to an end but if you meet the conditions for receiving Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP) before your right to work ended, you are entitled to continue to receive SMP for the remaining 39 week period.

If you do not qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay, but have been employed for at least 26 weeks in the 66 weeks before your baby is due you may be able to claim Maternity Allowance from the JobCentre Plus. Maternity Allowance is not public funds. For more information, see: Maternity Pay Questions.

Fathers and partners who are working may be entitled to paternity leave and pay following the birth. For more information, see: Time off for working parents.

Social security benefits

If you an asylum seeker and you are not an EEA national you are defined as a 'person subject to immigration control' (see below). You are not entitled to claim most benefits unless you come within one of the very limited exceptions (see below). However, if you have been working you may be entitled to Maternity Allowance or Statutory Maternity Pay (or, if you are sick, Statutory Sick Pay) as these do not have immigration status conditions. If you have a partner who is entitled to benefits or if you are a child and can be included in someone else's claim, see below.

The general rules on entitlement to individual benefits are covered in: Money for Parents and Babies

The information below covers the rules that are specific to your immigration status.
A 'person subject to immigration control' is defined as a non-EEA national who:

Requires leave to enter or remain in the UK and does not have it; or

Have leave to enter or remain in the UK which is subject to a 'no recourse to public funds' condition; or

Has leave to enter or remain in the UK given as a result of a maintenance undertaking

Note: if you are a family member of an EEA or Swiss national who has a right to reside in the UK (for example as a 'worker') you are not a 'person subject to immigration control' and therefore not excluded from benefits - see this.
Exceptions
If you are an asylum seeker and you are not an EEA national you will generally be excluded from claiming most social security benefits unless you come within one of the groups listed below. These exceptions are specific to the benefits listed.
Nationals of Algeria, Morocco, San Marino, Tunisia and Turkey who are lawfully working in the UK
If you are a national of one of these 5 countries and you are lawfully working in the UK (ie working in accordance with permission from the Home Office) you are not excluded by your immigration status from Child Benefit, Child Tax Credit, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance, Social Fund payments, including the Sure Start Maternity Grant,

You are also not excluded from these benefits if you are a national of one of these countries and have been lawfully working in the UK and you cease work due to a reason such as pregnancy, childcare, illness or accident.

You are also not excluded from these benefits (other than child tax credit) if you are living with a family member who is a national of one of these countries and lawfully working in the UK.
Family members of EEA or Swiss nationals
If you are a family member of an EEA or Swiss national you are not excluded by your immigration status from Child Benefit, Personal Independence Payment, Disability Living Allowance, Attendance Allowance, Carers Allowance or Social Fund payments, including the Sure Start Maternity Grant.

For child benefit it can be helpful to refer to the guidance that confirms this: https://www.gov.uk/hmrc-internal-manuals/child-benefit-technical-manual/cbtm10140

NOTE If you are defined as the family member of an EEA or Swiss national who is in the UK exercising their EU Treaty rights (eg: as a 'worker') you are not a 'person subject to immigration control' and you are therefore not excluded from benefits - see this information sheet.
Covered by a reciprocal agreement
If you are covered by a reciprocal agreement you are not excluded by your immigration status from child benefit. You will need to check the detail of the agreement to see who it covers. The countries with these agreements are Barbados, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Canada, the Channel Islands, Croatia, Israel, Kosovo, Macedonia, Mauritius, Montenegro, Serbia and New Zealand.

Note: If you are covered by one of the groups above for the benefit you have claimed, but that claim is refused get specialist benefits advice as these rules are complex.
Family members who are not subject to immigration control
If you are an asylum seeker and you live with a partner who is not defined as a 'person subject to immigration control' they can claim any benefits they are entitled to, including if this results in benefit being paid for you as asylum seekers are not subject to a condition not to have recourse to public funds.

If your partner is entitled to universal credit, income based jobseekers allowance (JSA), income support or income-related employment and support allowance (ESA), each of these benefits are paid at the single rate not the couple rate (but your income and savings are taken into account). If your partner is entitled to housing benefit you will be included in the claim. If your partner is entitled to pension credit they make a single claim.

If your partner is getting a qualifying benefit including Universal Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit including a severe disability element, Pension Credit, income-related JSA/ESA or income support they may be entitled to a Sure Start Maternity Grant (SSMG) or Best Start Grant in Scotland if you have a baby.

For more information on the SSMG see: https://www.gov.uk/sure-start-maternity-grant

For more information on the Best Start Grant Scotland see: https://www.mygov.scot/best-start-grant-best-start-foods/

In general both partners in a couple need to have a national insurance (NI) number to claim benefits. However if you do not have an NI number you do not need one if you are a non-EEA national seeking asylum and you are included in your partner's claim or you are making a joint tax credits claim.

If you are a child you can be included in someone else's claim for child benefit, universal credit, housing benefit and child tax credit if that person is entitled to that benefit and is treated as responsible for you.

For more information about benefits can be claimed by your partner (or adult that is responsible for you) see Money for Parents and Babies.

Asylum support

Asylum support is available from the Home Office. This is often referred to as Section 95 support as it is provided under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999 (and was previously referred to as NASS support as it used to be provided by the National Asylum Support Service). Asylum support is available for you and your dependents if you would otherwise be destitute because you do not have adequate accommodation or means of obtaining adequate accommodation or you have adequate accommodation but cannot meet your essential needs.

Asylum seekers are not entitled to support if you are found not to have applied for asylum as soon as reasonably practicable, however, there are exceptions for families, people with special needs and where refusal would amount to a breach of human rights. If you are refused asylum support and you have no other means of support you should seek advice.

Temporary 'emergency' asylum support is also available while the Home Office considers an application for asylum support if the asylum seeker is destitute at the time of the application.

Asylum support should be claimed on form ASF1. See www.gov.uk/asylum-support/how-to-claim.

Asylum support is a weekly cash payment of £49.18 per person, regardless of age. A single parent with one child will receive £98.36 and a couple with one child will receive £148.54. If you are pregnant you will receive an extra £5.25 during your pregnancy. You can claim an extra £5.25 per week if you have children under three and £9.50 per week for a baby under one.
Maternity payment
If you are entitled to asylum support and you are the mother or father of a new baby, you can apply to the Home Office for a £300 maternity payment to help buy things for your baby. You can apply for a maternity grant either 11 weeks before your due date or up to six months after your baby is born. You can also apply if your baby was born outside the UK and you qualify for asylum support and your baby is less than three months old or in exceptional cases. The maternity payment can only be claimed once but is available for each baby. Therefore, twins are entitled to £600. If you are eligible for benefits or you have received a Sure Start Maternity Grant, you are not eligible for a maternity payment.

You must complete an application form from the Home Office to apply for asylum support or a maternity payment, see: https://www.gov.uk/asylum-support/what-youll-get

The organisations listed below can provide help with completing the forms. You can also call Migrant Help's freephone advice for any queries you have about asylum support payments: tel: 08088010503
Accommodation
If you have no accommodation you can apply for housing support from the Home Office. You will usually be provided with a room in a hotel, hostel, bed and breakfast, shared house or flat. This will usually be outside London and the South East and asylum seekers rarely have any choice as to where you will be accommodated, however, the Home Office should take account of any physical needs and personal circumstances.

You should remain in the accommodation unless you are given permission to move, otherwise you could lose entitlement to asylum support and accommodation. You are entitled to remain in the accommodation until you receive a decision on your application.

If you are granted refugee status, humanitarian protection or discretionary leave, you can remain in your accommodation for a further 28 days.

If your application is refused, you can remain in your accommodation during the appeal process, providing the appeal is made on time and must leave the accommodation within 21 days once a final decision to refuse asylum has been made.

Families with children who were part of the household before your claim was refused continue to be entitled to asylum support. For more information see: Refused asylum seekers - financial support and housing

If you have children and you are not eligible for asylum support or benefits, you may be able to obtain support from your local authority under the Children Act 1989. Pregnant asylum seekers who are not eligible for asylum support or who have additional care needs may be able to obtain support from your local authority under the Care Act 2014. For more information see: No recourse to public funds and migrants excluded from benefits - financial support and housing

See also the No Recourse to Public Funds network for local authority guidance on support: www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/Documents/Practice-Guidance-Adults-England.pdf

For more information on the housing and support available to asylum seekers see: Asylum seekers - financial support and housing.

Entitlement to NHS maternity care

All women in the UK are entitled to NHS maternity care regardless of immigration status - however whether or not you will be charged for that care depends on your immigration and residence status at the time you receive that care.

You are entitled to FREE NHS maternity care if at the time you receive that care you:

have claimed asylum, humanitarian protection or temporary protection and are waiting for a decision on your claim or appeal,

are a dependent (for the purpose of their application) of someone in the group above,

have been granted refugee status, or humanitarian protection or temporary protection,

have leave to enter or remain in the UK as the dependent of someone in the group directly above,

are receiving asylum support under Section 95 of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999,

are a refused asylum seeker in England and you are receiving asylum support under Section 4(2) of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999,

are a refused asylum seeker in England and you are receiving Local Authority support under Part 1 of the Care Act 2014,

are a dependent (for the purpose of that support) of someone in either of the two groups directly above,

are a refused asylum seeker in Scotland or Wales or Northern Ireland,

have been identified as a victim of trafficking or modern slavery (or you have had a decision that there are reasonable grounds to believe you are,)

are a child in the care of the Local Authority, or

in immigration detention, or in prison or you have been detained for mental health treatment

If you started receiving maternity care when one of the groups above applied (other than if you cease to be covered by the group specific to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland), and then you cease to be covered by one of the groups above you can continue to receive NHS care for free if it is accepted as part of the same course of treatment..

If you received NHS maternity care in England before you made an application for asylum, humanitarian or temporary protection and at the time that you received the NHS care you were in the UK for the purpose of making that application, and you have now been granted refugee status or humanitarian or temporary protection, any charges for that maternity care must be cancelled and/or refunded.

Note: The list above covers groups that can be particularly relevant if you are currently seeking asylum, but it is not a complete list of all the groups entitled to free NHS maternity care. See below for further sources of information.
If you are chargeable for your maternity care
If you are chargeable for your maternity care, it cannot be delayed or refused because you cannot pay or have not paid.

Government guidance says that all maternity care (which includes all antenatal, birth and post-natal care) is regarded as immediately necessary treatment and must not be refused or delayed due to charging issues. Although you can be billed for care before you receive it, you must be provided with maternity care even if you have not made any payments before receiving it.

Note outstanding NHS debts can be notified to the Home Office and used as a basis to refuse certain immigration applications. For more information see this.
For more information on asylum seekers entitled to free NHS maternity care see this.
If you think you have been wrongly charged for your maternity care get advice from Maternity Action's Maternity Care Access Advice Service (details at the end of this information sheet)

For more information on NHS charging, including other groups entitled to free NHS treatment see this.
Services exempt from charging
Even if you are chargeable for NHS maternity care you can still receive certain services which are free for everyone that needs them, regardless of immigration or residence status. These include:

Accident and emergency (A&E) services up until the point you are accepted as an inpatient. A&E services provided at an outpatient appointment are chargeable.

Family planning services (not including pregnancy termination)

Diagnosis and treatment of certain contagious diseases e.g. TB or HIV,

Diagnosis and treatment of sexually transmitted infections

Treatment of any physical or mental condition that is a direct result of torture, female genital mutilation (FGM), domestic violence or sexual violence (as long as you have not travelled to the UK for the purpose of seeking this treatment).

This includes all ongoing treatment and psychological help that is needed as a direct result of the violence, FGM or torture. Government guidance says that treatment will include mental health services and maternity services needed as a consequence of sexual violence.
GP and other primary care
GP and primary care services are free of charge. Anyone in England, regardless of immigration status is entitled to register with a GP as an NHS patient and to have NHS treatment free of charge. This applies even if you are chargeable for hospital treatment.

For more information see our information sheet.

Or www.nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSservices/doctors/Documents/how-to-register-with-a-gp-leaflet.pdf

Some minor illnesses and injuries can be treated free of charge at NHS walk-in centres or at a minor injuries unit without the need for prior GP registration.
Help with prescriptions and health costs
Pregnant woman and low income families are entitled to help with healthcare costs. For more information see: Free prescriptions and NHS healthcare services for pregnant women.
This information sheet was written in January 2024. It is very important to get up-to-date advice as law and guidance changes. This guide is for information purposes only and should not be treated as legal advice. You are strongly advised to get personal legal advice about your individual circumstances.
Other useful information sheets

Where to go for more help
Asylum Support Asylum Support Appeals Project (ASAP)
Advice for advisers on all aspects of asylum support including appeals against a decision to refuse support.

Provides free representation at the First Tier Tribunal Asylum Support to asylum seekers and refused asylums who are appealing against a decision to refuse or withdraw asylum support.

Advice line for advisers on Mon/Weds/Fri 2-4pm - 020 3716 0283

General enquiries - 020 3716 0284

ASAP provides a list of local organisations who provide advice on asylum support issues and which is available here: www.asaproject.org/resources/organisations-who-can-help
Migrant Help www.migranthelpuk.org/pages/category/asylum
Provides assistance to asylum seekers to complete applications for asylum support. Advice available in several languages.

Freephone: 0808 801 0503

Maternity Action
www.maternityaction.org.uk
Migrant Women's Rights Service: Second tier advice service for midwives and advisers on financial support and housing options for migrant women and access to NHS maternity care. - 020 7251 6189 Monday and Thursday 2-4pm.

Email enquiries: migrantwomensrights@maternityaction.org.uk
https://maternityaction.org.uk/migrant-womens-rights-service/
Maternity Care Access Advice Service: for advice on NHS charges and access to NHS maternity care - 0808 800 0041 Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday 10 - 12. https://maternityaction.org.uk/maternity-care-access-advice-service/

Maternity Rights Advice Line: for advice on maternity and parental rights at work - 0808 802 0029 (National except London), 0808 802 0057 (London). https://maternityaction.org.uk/advice-line/
AIRE Centre
Advice on Individual Rights in Europe.

Free legal advice on European law

020 7831 4276 Mon. - Fri. 10 - 6pm
www.airecentre.org
Child Poverty Action Group
www.cpag.org.uk
Advice on benefits

For advisors only - 020 7812 5231, Mon-Fri 10-12 and 2-4pm
Citizens Advice
For information about your rights see: www.citizensadvice.org.uk

You can telephone the national Citizens Advice phone service on 03444 111 444

You can get help with Universal Credit claims through the free national Help to Claim service: England: 0800 144 8444, Wales: 0800 024 1220, Scotland: 0800 023 2581

For more information on how to find your local Citizens Advice Bureau, see:
https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/about-us/contact-us/contact-us/contact-us/ Civil Legal Advice
If you are eligible for legal aid you can get free legal advice on 0345 345 4 345 (offers translation service). To check your eligibility see www.gov.uk/civil-legal-advice

To search for specialist legal advisers or solicitors in your area see: find-legal-advice.justice.gov.uk
Doctors of the World www.doctorsoftheworld.org.uk
Advice line: 0808 1647 686 (freephone) open 10am to 12 midday, Monday to Friday.

Email: clinic@doctorsoftheworld.org.uk

Free and confidential help to access healthcare
Equalities and Human Rights Commission (EHRC)
For information and advice about discrimination law
www.equalityhumanrights.com Freedom from Torture
Care and treatment for victims of torture

London Centre Tel: 020 7697 7777

West Midlands Centre Tel: 0121 314 6825

North East Centre Tel: 0191 261 5825

North West Centre Tel: 0161 236 5744

Scottish Centre Tel: 0141 420 3161
GOV.UK
The government's online information service www.gov.uk.
Home Office www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-visas-and-immigration
UK Visas and Immigration contact centre - 0300 123 2241
HM Revenue & Customs
Tax Credit Helpline: 0345 300 3900 Mon - Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm, Sun 9am -5pm

Child Benefit: 0300 200 3100 Mon - Fri 8am-8pm, Sat 8am-4pm

For queries about Statutory Maternity Pay, Adoption Pay, Paternity Pay and Shared Parental Pay:

Employees helpline 0300 200 3500

Employers helpline 0300 200 3200

For detailed guidance for employers on SMP, SAP, SPP and Statutory Sick Pay see www.gov.uk/government/collections/statutory-pay
HMRC Statutory Payments Disputes Team
For payments of Statutory Maternity Pay/Adoption Pay/Paternity Pay/Shared Parental Pay or Statutory Sick Pay when your employer is insolvent or refusing to pay: 0300 322 9422
Jobcentre Plus
To make new telephone benefit claims or request claim forms, including Maternity Allowance and Sure Start Maternity Grant: 0800 055 6688 Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

For Universal Credit you are expected to make your claim on-line see www.gov.uk/apply-universal-credit

Universal Credit helpline: if you cannot make an online claim or do not have an online account call: 0800 328 9344 Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

Universal Credit helpline - for new claims and existing on-line claims: 0800 328 5644

For ESA/JSA/Income Support claims: 0800 169 0310 Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

For Maternity Allowance claims: 0800 169 0283 Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

For Sure Start Maternity Grant claims: 0800 169 0140 Mon - Fri 8am - 6pm

Kalayaan
Support for domestic workers

020 7243 2942.
www.kalayaan.org.uk

No Recourse to Public Funds Network
Information on local authority support for people subject to immigration control.
Contact: Islington, 222 Upper Street, London N1 1XR.

Tel: 020 7527 7121
www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk
For guidance on local authority support for destitute adults see: www.nrpfnetwork.org.uk/Documents/Practice-Guidance-Adults-England.pdf
Project 17 www.project17.org.uk
Advice line: 07963 509 044

Email: info@project17.org.uk

Advice for families experiencing exceptional poverty who need advice and assistance to improve their access to local authority support.

Refugee Council
www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
Information and assistance for refugees and asylum seekers: info@refugeecouncil.org.uk
Head Office - 020 7346 6700

Children's Office - for children under 18 - 020 7346 1134 '
Rights of Women
www.rightsofwomen.org.ukFree legal advice on domestic violence, immigration and asylum issues.
Helpline 020 7490 7689.
Salvation Army
If you think you are a victim of trafficking and would like advice and support you can call the Salvation Army 24 hour confidential Referral Helpline
www.salvationarmy.org.uk/modern-slavery?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5LSz65Os6gIVhe7tCh2LMwtxEAAYASAAEgKU6fD_BwE
Telephone 0800 808 3733 - open 24 hours, seven days a week
Turn2us
Online benefits calculator and grant search
www.turn2us.org.uk Immigration advice
You can search for registered immigration advisers in your area at: www.gov.uk/find-an-immigration-adviser
Destitution projects Trussell Trust www.trusselltrust.org/
Help with finding a food bank in your area
Red Cross www.redcross.org.uk/What-we-do/Refugee-support/Where-to-find-us
Red Cross branches across the UK that provide clothing and food parcels.
Refugee Council www.refugeecouncil.org.uk/resource-category/guides-for-refugees/
Directory of services providing destitution support.

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Asylum seekers: Maternity rights and benefits - Maternity Action

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This page contains information on:Immigration statusMaternity and parental rights at workSocial security benefits Asylum supportEntitlement to NHS maternity care Other useful information sheetsWhere to go for more help January 2024 This is one of a series of information sheets which provide a guide to maternity rights and benefits for pregnant women and new mothers according more "

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Baby Steps Antenatal classes (Wiltshire residents)

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Baby Steps Antenatal classes (Wiltshire residents)

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Changing your midwife or doctor- what you can do if you're unhappy about the care you are receiving

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Changing your midwife or doctor- what you can do if you're unhappy about the care you are receiving

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Your right to choose your midwife and doctor - Birthrights

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Do I have the right to be cared for by the same midwife during my pregnancy? Having the same midwife or team of midwives through your pregnancy, childbirth and postnatal care is called ‘continuity of carer’. If you have continuity of carer you will see the same midwife, or one of a small team of ..…

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Getting the RSV vaccine when you’re pregnant protects your baby from the serious problems RSV can cause. Find out more about RSV and the vaccine.

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Squeezy empowers you to take control of your pelvic health. Designed by chartered physiotherapists you can be confident that your pelvic floor is in safe hands.

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Multi-award winning app supporting people with pelvic floor muscle exercise programmes. Recommended by pelvic health specialists worldwide.

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Positive About Down Syndrome - an introduction (Nov 2024)

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Positive About Down Syndrome - an introduction (Nov 2024)

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A short video animation on things you can do

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Animated video to accompany OASI Care Bundle course 1.

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A whistle-stop tour of the Badger Notes app. This video shows you how to create an account, and the key features of the Badger Notes app.

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A resource for Autistic and expecting mums and birthing people

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A resource for Autistic and expecting mums and birthing people

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You can print this out and complete with your midwife and/or support worker as well as with a partner or family member.

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BSW Together – Perinatal Pelvic Health Team 

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BSW Together – Perinatal Pelvic Health Team 

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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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Self referral to the BSW Perinatal Pelvic Health Team 

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Self referral to the BSW Perinatal Pelvic Health Team 

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Self referral form for those under the care of RUH, GWH or SFT (during pregnancy or up until a year after the birth)

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Perinatal Pelvic Health Service Referral

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Pelvic floor exercises during and after pregnancy

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Your Body’s Journey during Pregnancy and After Birth

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Your Body’s Journey during Pregnancy and After Birth

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From your pelvic floor to your posture, from caring for your bladder to returning to exercise, supporting your body during and after pregnancy is important. Learn more from our new video series.

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Pelvic Girdle Pain and other common conditions in pregnancy

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Pelvic Girdle Pain and other common conditions in pregnancy

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Published: June 2015

This information covers:

The pelvic girdle is a ring of bones around your body at the base of your spine. PGP is pain in the front and/or the back of your pelvis that can also affect other areas such as the hips or thighs. It can affect the sacroiliac joints at the back and/or the symphysis pubis joint at the front. PGP used to be known as symphysis pubis dysfunction (SPD).

PGP is common, affecting 1 in 5 pregnant women, and can affect your mobility and quality of life. Pain when you are walking, climbing stairs and turning over in bed are common symptoms of PGP. However, early diagnosis and treatment can relieve your pain. Treatment is safe at any stage during or after pregnancy.

The three joints in the pelvis work together and normally move slightly. PGP is usually caused by the joints moving unevenly, which can lead to the pelvic girdle becoming less stable and therefore painful. As your baby grows in the womb, the extra weight and the change in the way you sit or stand will put more strain on your pelvis.

You are more likely to have PGP if you have had a back problem or have injured your pelvis in the past or have hypermobility syndrome, a condition in which your joints stretch more than normal.

PGP can be mild to severe but is treatable at any stage in pregnancy and the sooner it is treated, the more likely you are to feel better. It is more common later in pregnancy. Symptoms include:

pain in the pubic region, lower back, hips, groin, thighs or knees

clicking or grinding in the pelvic area

pain made worse by movement, for example:

walking on uneven surfaces/rough ground or for long distances

moving your knees apart, like getting in and out of the car

standing on one leg, like climbing the stairs, dressing or getting in or out of the bath

rolling over in bed

during sexual intercourse.

The following simple measures may help:

keeping active but also getting plenty of rest

standing tall with your bump and bottom tucked in a little

changing your position frequently - try not to sit for more than 30 minutes at a time

sitting to get dressed and undressed

putting equal weight on each leg when you stand

trying to keep your legs together when getting in and out of the car

lying on the less painful side while sleeping

keeping your knees together when turning over in bed

using a pillow under your bump and between your legs for extra support in bed.

You should avoid anything that may make your symptoms worse, such as:

lifting anything heavy, for example heavy shopping

going up and down the stairs too often

stooping, bending or twisting to lift or carry a toddler or baby on one hip

sitting on the floor, sitting twisted, or sitting or standing for long periods

standing on one leg or crossing your legs.

Your physiotherapist will suggest the right treatment for you. This may include:

advice on avoiding movements that may be aggravating the pain. You will be given advice on the best positions for movement and rest and how to pace your activities to lessen your pain.

exercises that should help relieve your pain and allow you to move around more easily. They should also strengthen your abdominal and pelvic floor muscles to improve your balance and posture and make your spine more stable.

manual therapy (hands-on treatment) to the muscles and joints by a physiotherapist, osteopath or chiropractor who specialises in PGP in pregnancy. They will give you hands-on treatment to gently mobilise or move the joints to get them back into position, and help them move normally again. This should not be painful.

warm baths, or heat or ice packs

hydrotherapy

acupuncture

a support belt or crutches.

For most women, early diagnosis and treatment should stop symptoms from getting worse, relieve your pain and help you continue with your normal everyday activities. It is therefore very important that you are referred for treatment early. PGP is not something you just have to 'put up with' until your baby is born.

Being in severe pain and not being able to move around easily can be extremely distressing. Ask for help and support during your pregnancy and after the birth. Talk to your midwife and doctor if you feel you are struggling. If you continue to have severe pain or limited mobility, it is worth considering:

regular pain relief. Paracetamol is safe in pregnancy and may help if taken in regular doses. If you need stronger pain relief, your doctor will discuss this with you.

aids such as crutches or a wheelchair for you to use on a short-term basis. Your physiotherapist will be able to advise you about this. Equipment such as bath boards, shower chairs, bed levers and raised toilet seats may be available.

changes to your lifestyle such as getting help with regular household jobs or doing the shopping.

if you work, talking to your employer about ways to help manage your pain. You shouldn't be sitting for too long or lifting heavy weights. You may want to consider shortening your hours or stopping work earlier than you had planned if your symptoms are severe.

If you are in extreme pain or have very limited mobility, you may be offered admission to the antenatal ward where you will receive regular physiotherapy and pain relief. Being admitted to hospital every now and then may help you to manage your pain.

Yes. Most women with pelvic pain in pregnancy can have a normal vaginal birth.

Make sure the team looking after you in labour know you have PGP. They will ensure your legs are supported, help you to change position and help you to move around.

You may find a birthing pool helps to take the weight off your joints and allows you to move more easily. All types of pain relief are possible, including an epidural.

PGP usually improves after birth although around 1 in 10 women will have ongoing pain. If this is the case, it is important that you continue to receive treatment and take regular pain relief. If you have been given aids to help you get around, keep using them until the pain settles down.

If you have had severe PGP, you should take extra care when you move about. Ask for a room where you are near to toilet facilities, or an en-suite room if available. Aim to become gradually more mobile. You should continue treatment and take painkillers until your symptoms are better.

If your pain persists, seek advice from your GP, who may refer you to another specialist to exclude other causes such as hip problems or hypermobility syndrome.

If you have had PGP, you are more likely to have it in a future pregnancy. Making sure that you are as fit and healthy as possible before you get pregnant again may help or even prevent it recurring. Strengthening abdominal and pelvic floor muscles makes it less likely that you will get PGP in the next pregnancy.

If you get it again, treating it early should control or relieve your symptoms.

Pregnant women have a higher risk of developing blood clots in the veins of their legs compared with women who are not pregnant. If you have very limited mobility, the risk of developing blood clots is increased. You will be advised to wear special stockings (graduated elastic compression stockings) and may need to have injections of heparin to reduce your risk of blood clots. For more information, see RCOG patient informationReducing the Risk of Venous Thrombosis in Pregnancy and after Birth.

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This information is for you if you want to know what might be causing the pain in your pelvic girdle joints during pregnancy and what you can do about it.

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Support and information about pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

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Support and information about pelvic girdle pain (PGP)

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Maternity Action is the UK’s maternity rights charity dedicated to promoting, protecting and enhancing the rights of all pregnant women, new mothers and their families to employment, social security and health care.

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challenging inequality : promoting wellbeing

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Impact of Midwife Continuity of Carer on stillbirth rate and first feed in England

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Impact of Midwife Continuity of Carer on stillbirth rate and first feed in England

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Communications Medicine (2025)

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Impact of midwife continuity of carer on stillbirth rate and first feed in England

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Communications Medicine - Roebuck et al. analysed 922,149 records to investigate the impact of midwife continuity of carer throughout the perinatal period in England on stillbirth and first newborn…

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If you’ve chosen to have your baby without healthcare professionals present (sometimes called a “free birth”), this guide explains the simple steps you need to take afterward. August 2025

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NHS England » Your guide to birth notification after an unassisted birth

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NHS England » Your guide to birth notification after an unassisted birth

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How Maternity Continuity of Carer makes a positive difference for women and babies

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How Maternity Continuity of Carer makes a positive difference for women and babies

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AIMS urges action as newly released analysis demonstrates better care when ‘full pathway continuity of carer’ is in place | AIMS

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The AIMS Campaigns Team explains why AIMS is calling for a full pathway continuity of carer model of care to be a key plank of the new Government’s renewed maternity transformation policy

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Doulas and Midwives (how they work together)

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Doulas and Midwives (how they work together)

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If you're considering doula support, this useful 9 minute video from the National Midwifery Council and Doula UK explains the similarities and differences in the care they provide.

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NMC and Doula UK discuss the differing roles of a midwife and a doula

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If you've experienced control, exploitation, trafficking or abuse, this could be modern slavery.

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If you've experienced control, exploitation, trafficking or abuse, this could be modern slavery.

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You're not alone. Support is available and it's okay to ask.

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What do your BadgerApp maternity notes say - Mama Academy

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What do your BadgerApp maternity notes say - Mama Academy

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Your BadgerApp will have notes for both you and your team of healthcare professionals. They contain a lot of information, both medical and professional. You can add reminders in for yourself so you remember to ask your midwife!

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Every pregnant woman should be given a hand-held booklet of notes to carry with her throughout her pregnancy. These are a very useful tool for both you and your team of healthcare professionals. They contain a lot of information, both medical and personal, so keep them safe and carry them with you at all times, […]

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Our FREEPHONE helpline is open Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm

0800 055 4361

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Support Services | Pregnancy Sickness Support

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1-2-1 peer support – support with 1 volunteer. You will have ongoing emotional support via text, email, or WhatsApp. If screen time is a trigger for you, we can organise support via phone calls.

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This guidance is for healthcare professionals to aid the provision of appropriate and balanced information about the potential benefits, risks and alternative modes of childbirth to those considering a planned (elective) caesarean birth

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The Black Child Down Syndrome (BCDS) Project is a groundbreaking advocacy initiative dedicated to increasing awareness, representation, and support for Black children with Down syndrome and their families.About Us

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The Black Child Down Syndrome (BCDS) Project

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The Black Child Down Syndrome (BCDS) Project

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BCDS is committed to redefining perceptions of Black children with Down syndrome. Learn about our journey, mission, and vision as we strive to break barriers, promote representation, and foster a more inclusive society.

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Here at Panda’s Tree our mission is to create a community and support network for Black/Mixed families and their friends, who are expecting, raising, or helping to raise with a child with a Down syndrome diagnosis.

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Log into Facebook to start sharing and connecting with your friends, family, and people you know.

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Choosing to have your baby at the RUH by caesarean

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Choosing to have your baby at the RUH by caesarean section.

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Healthy Eating during pregnancy (Tommy's)

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Healthy Eating during pregnancy (Tommy's)

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Food is important, you do not need to 'eat for two'.

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Tommys - a healthy diet in pregnancy April 2025 v03_0

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Pregnancy in Mind (Face to face and online, BaNES residents)

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Pregnancy in Mind (Face to face and online, BaNES residents)

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Supporting birthing and non-birthing parents who may be finding pregnancy and the prospect of parenting more challenging than others.

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The maternity services dashboard aims to bring together maternity information from a range of different sources.

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Maternity Services dashboard - NHS Digital

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The Maternity Services dashboard aims to bring together maternity information from a range of different sources to support the vision of the Better Births report. View the separate elements of the dashboard sources of data used.

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PLANNING A BIRTH AT HOME? Ambulance Services information (for those planning a birth at home or in a community based midwifery led birth centre)

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PLANNING A BIRTH AT HOME? Ambulance Services information (for those planning a birth at home or in a community based midwifery led birth centre)

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This leaflet is for people giving birth and their support people.

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Maternity Passport for people with Autism or Learning Disabilities (RUH)

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Maternity Passport for people with Autism or Learning Disabilities (RUH)

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Continuity of midwife care is a well-evidenced, safety-critical intervention whose benefits are strongest for the women and babies facing the greatest structural disadvantage.

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CONTINUITY OF CARE - THE SAFETY CRITICAL GOLDEN THREAD 15-07-26

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Vaginal or Caesarean birth? Information and decision aid tool

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Vaginal or Caesarean birth? Information and decision aid tool

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What you can do for yourself and what pain relief is available on the NHS