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Start4Life

Start for Life: Free support for all parents and carers, helping give your baby the best start.

Your pregnancy

Your midwife will schedule regular appointments during your pregnancy.

And our Health Visiting team will contact you with helpful information.

Bump and Beyond

Join our free 'Bump & Beyond' classes with other parents-to-be.

Feel more prepared for your baby's arrival.

Different classes available depending on whether this is your first time or not.

Parenting videos

Our videos on parenthood can help you feel more prepared.

Illustration of a baby in the womb

Breastfeeding

Join our session to learn everything you need to know about breastfeeding.

Mental and emotional well-being

Being pregnant can be exciting but it’s natural for parents to be worried or feel low in mood too. Some parents can connect with their baby well during pregnancy. Others can have mixed emotions.

When things don’t feel ok, it can feel unexpected and unsettling. Share with your Midwife or GP. Support is always available.

Baby and toddler years

Image of mum with baby

Your midwife

In the first few weeks after your baby arrives your Midwife will continue to support you.

Feeding your baby

There are lots of ways you can get support with feeding your baby. Peer support volunteers are available at some clinics and groups. Look out for the pink t-shirts.

We will call when your baby is 4-9 days old to offer support on feeding your baby.

Support from Health Visitors

Our supportive Health Visiting team will contact you at

  • 10 -14 days to offer a new birth visit
  • 6 - 8 weeks to see how you are doing and invite you to our postnatal group
  • 10 – 12 months and
  • 27 months to see how your child is developing

Ongoing support

We will visit you at home or through appointments at Family Hubs and can provide advice and support until your child starts school.

Well-being and mental health

Being a parent can be exciting but also overwhelming at times, we understand.

Every time we talk, we’ll ask how you’re feeling and how you’re finding being a parent. We’re here for you and have extra support available if you need it, speak to your Health Visiting team or GP.

Family Hubs

Visit your local Family Hub to access lots of free groups and fun activities to help you on your parenting journey.