I am pregnant

If you have concerns about your emotional wellbeing, please talk to someone.

It is never too early or too late to share your worries.

Your midwife, GP or health visitor can listen and refer you to specialist services if needed.

If you are struggling with your mental health, and feel able to, you can contact services such as your GP, NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies, or our 24/7 Mental Health Number. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone living in Northamptonshire who needs support with their mental health.

Our Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team provides advice, assessment and specialist intervention for women experiencing moderate to severe mental health conditions during pregnancy and up to 12 months after having a baby. This service does not accept self-referrals so please speak to your health professional if you would like to be referred.

There are lots of things you can do to stay healthy and to care for your wellbeing, such as:

• Gentle exercise such as swimming, yoga or going for a walk with friends
• Keep your body nourished and try to maintain a well-balanced diet
• Prioritise sleep so that you feel well rested and able to cope with any stresses
• Try mindfulness or meditation and breathing techniques to help you relax
• Take time for yourself - have a bubble bath, listen to some music or indulge in a hobby
• Identify a support network so that you feel able to share the way that you are feeling
• Try to connect with other parent - you may be surprised to find that you are not the only one feeling the same way
• Don't try to be 'superwoman'! It's okay to ask for help and admit if you're not coping at the moment
• Avoid substances such as smoking, alcohol and drugs to make you feel better
• Talk to your midwife if you are finding things difficult

Emotional wellbeing during pregnancy tips (Tommy's)

Perinatal Positivity

A website that brings the voices and experiences of women and men who have had mental wellbeing difficulties during pregnancy and beyond. There is a useful self-care section which can help you look after your mental wellbeing.

Other online resources

• Maternal Mental Health Alliance website
• Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service website

Becoming a parent can be an overwhelming time for anyone and it is important for your partner to also care for their emotional wellbeing.

Research shows that up to 10% of new dads can struggle with their own emotional wellbeing following the arrival of a new baby.

Your partner may also be wondering how they can best support you.

Share this page with them so they know where they can seek support for you if needed.

Below are some websites they may find useful for themselves.

They can also speak to their GP, your midwife or health visitor, or contact NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies or our 24/7 Mental Health Number. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone living in Northamptonshire who needs support with their mental health.

• The Dad Pad - a great app offering advice and practical skills to prepare for their new baby and after baby arrives
• Pink Parents - advice and support for same-sex couples
• Postpartum Men - support and advice for dads who may be experiencing postnatal depression
• Hub of Hope - a comprehensive directory of community support services for those struggling with mental health
• Andy's Man Club - peer-to-peer support groups to help tackle the stigma around men's mental health
• Dadsnet - an online support network providing connection and space for dads
• Tommy's - advice on looking after dads' and partners' own mental health

When you are pregnant and during your appointments with healthcare professionals it is likely you will be asked, more than once, about domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse can come in many forms, and for some women it can start when they become pregnant.

No matter the cause, if you have found yourself in a situation where you are being emotionally, financially, mentally, or physically abused or mistreated you should speak to your healthcare professional.

You will be asked about domestic abuse in a private and safe environment. The information you share won't be passed on to other services without your permission, unless there are concerns that you, your unborn baby, or any other children in the family might be at risk of serious harm.

There are support organisations both locally and nationally who are on hand to support you:

• Refuge including a free 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline - 0808 200 0247 
• Women's Aid online support and information
• Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service online support and information
• Ring 999 - if you are in immediate danger, call the police without delay

Breastfeeding grief is a deep emotional pain and sadness a mother may experience when breastfeeding doesn't go as planned.

This is common when mothers feel forced to stop breastfeeding earlier than they want, which can be for a variety of reasons.

The emotional response can be as powerful as grieving in response to any other significant loss.

If you think this is something you would like to discuss please contact the Infant Feeding Team on 07795110109 or email 
infantfeedingteam@nhft.nhs.uk

Breastfeeding is natural and helps to give your baby the best start. Human milk is tailor-made for your baby. However, you may find you need extra support during you and your baby's feeding journey.

Our team includes:

• Infant Feeding Leads (both Lactation Consultants IBCLCs)
• Infant Feeding Health Visitor
• Infant Feeding Advisors

We operate a service across North Northamptonshire, offering face-to-face appointments.

Contact us

• Phone (please do not text us): 07795 110109 on Monday to Friday, between 9am to 3pm
• Email: infantfeedingteam@nhft.nhs.uk
• You can also contact our 0-19 Administration Hub

While we know it is natural for babies to cry, that does not always make it easy to cope with crying as a parent.

It can sometimes feel extremely overwhelming, especially when you feel you have given your baby everything they need, such as a feed and a clean nappy.

If you feel that the crying is too much to cope with:

• Try putting baby down in a safe space and go into another room (but do check on your baby if they go quiet)
• Calm yourself down by doing some deep breathing, take a sip of a cuppa, watch something on the TV or listen to the radio to distract yourself
• Ask somebody to take over for a while if you can (it's always okay to ask for help)
• When you feel calmer, return to your baby. Never get angry with your baby - this can make the crying worse

If the crying doesn't stop and this is making you worried, contact your health visitor, your GP or call 111.

Babies like to be held, and it is natural that they want to be close to their parent.

Sometimes they just need a cuddle, either cuddled up close to you and skin-to-skin where possible, on their tummy on your chest (but avoid this if you feel sleepy yourself, have been smoking or drinking alcohol), upright with their head supported on your shoulder, or in a sling.  A newborn baby always needs their head and neck supported!

Remember ICON:

I - Infant crying is normal

C - Comforting methods can help

O - It's OK to walk away

N - Never, ever shake a baby

It is important to understand that rough handling - especially shaking - of babies can cause serious injury. This does not happen during normal play so you should continue to cuddle, play with and enjoy your new baby.

It only takes a few centimetres of water for a baby to drown as their lungs are smaller and fill quickly.

Baby drowning is silent and takes seconds. Babies should never be left alone in a bath.

• Always have everything you need ready beforehand
• Supervise your baby the whole time they are in the bath and keep them within arm's reach
• Bath aids and seats can easily topple over, or baby can slip from the seat. They are not safe to leave your baby alone in, even for a moment
• Fill the bath with cold water first and then top up with warm water to avoid scalding. Test the temperature with your elbow (it should feel neither hot or cold) or a thermometer
• Do not rely on an older sibling to supervise your baby in the bath

Most scalding injuries to babies are caused by hot liquid spills.

• Before you or anyone else picks up your baby, make sure that hot drinks are put down in a safe place and well out of reach
• If you are making up a formula feed, make sure to keep baby away from the hot water

We do not expect our own dog to bite - but all dogs will bite if at any time they feel threatened or nervous.

• Remember to never leave your baby alone with your dog
• Know your dog's body language - a worried or nervous dog may give you signs that they are feeling that way

Cats may also be curious about your new baby, and they like nice warm places to sleep, such as a Moses basket. Because of this, cats should not be left alone with your newborn baby either.

• Make sure that any carpets or rugs have a non-slip backing and no turned-up corners to help prevent trips or falls while holding your baby
• Ensure that walkways and stairs are clutter-free so that there are no trip hazards to accidentally fall over when carrying your baby
• Never leave baby unattended on a high surface as they can kick, wriggle or, as they get bigger, roll, and fall off
• Always use a well-fitted safety harness in prams, pushchairs, highchairs or bouncers
• Do not leave baby in a bouncer on a raised surface as they could fall off with the movement
• The use of baby walkers and table-mounted highchairs is not recommended
• If you have any gas, oil or solid-fuel appliances in your home, make sure that you have carbon monoxide detectors fitted
• We advise that you have smoke alarms fitted on every floor of your home - ideally connected to the mains electricity or with sealed batteries. If your property is rented it is your landlord's responsibility to do this. Make sure that you test the alarms at least once a month. Northamptonshire Fire and Rescue Service offers free home safety visits if you have any concerns or need further advice or support
• The temperature of your home is important for your baby's wellbeing. Ideally, the room where you will regularly spend time with the baby should be heated to 18C. It is important that your baby does not get too hot or cold while sleeping. You can easily check their temperature by feeling their back or stomach (not their hands or feet as these will always feel colder)
• When bringing your baby indoors after being outside, make sure to remove any hats and outdoor clothing so that your baby does not overheat
• When your baby begins to show interest, always use age-appropriate toys that display the CE safety marking
• Be aware of nappy sack safety

When travelling in a car, never carry your baby in your arms or on your lap. It is illegal and dangerous.

Always use an appropriate sized car seat with a 5-point harness.

Never put a seatbelt around yourself and your baby.

A good car seat is one of the most important pieces of equipment you will buy. Use a reputable dealer that can help and assist you with finding a car seat that's correct for your car and baby, and can help you to fit it.

• Practise fitting the car seat yourself before baby arrives
• Keep the instructions with the seat so that you can refer to them if needed
• Your baby is safest rearward facing for as long as possible in the back of the car in a passenger side seat
• It is against the law to use a rearward facing car seat with an active airbag
• Only use a second-hand car seat if you know its history as they may be weakened or damaged
• If you're driving long distances with your baby in the car it is a good idea to take regular breaks
• If you baby is asleep when you take a break, remove them from the car seat for a while and place them somewhere flat and safe to sleep
• When placing your baby in a car seat, remove any bulky, outdoor clothing so that it is not restrictive and so that they do not overheat

When taking your baby out in the pram, they may need one or two layers of lightweight blankets on top, a sheet underneath and maybe a rainproof cover.

• Use the safety harness in the pram. If the pram bounces or falls over, then your baby will not fall out
• Make sure the base of the pram is flat and not sloped
• Regularly check your baby's temperature to ensure that they are not too hot or too cold in their layers
• Use a clip-on sunshade or a parasol on the pram when it is very hot. Do not cover the pram with a blanket or sheet as this can raise the temperature inside the pram, causing your baby to overheat. It also means that you cannot see if your baby is okay
• Check the stability and the brakes of the pram (particularly if they are second-hand to you)
• If the pram is fitted with a cup-holder, use this for hot drinks and do not be tempted to place them in the pram with the baby

• Handle with care: How to keep your baby safe - NSPCC Need-to-Know Guides
• ICON Cope - helping people who care for babies to cope with crying
• Child safety advice - Child Accident Prevention Trust
• Preventing accidents to children: Safety tips for parents and caregivers - RoSPA 
• Carrying premature and low birth weight babies in child car seats - RoSPA Road Safety Research
• Choosing a baby car seat - NHS
• Safer sleep away from home in emergency situations - The Lullaby Trust
• Pushchair safety: what you need to know - BabyCentre
• Nappy sack safety - Barnardo's Family Space

It is very normal for babies to wake often. This is because they have tiny tummies, they digest their milk quickly and need feeding regularly.

Once they have digested their last feed, they often feel hungry again. This means they need to be fed whenever they are hungry, 24 hours a day. This of course can be tiring.

Breastfeeding your baby has been shown to reduce SIDS risks. The longer you can breastfeed, the more the risk is reduced.

The Department of Health and Social Care recommends exclusive breastfeeding until baby is at least 6 months. Your Health Visiting team can help and support you with this.

Babies love to be held close to their parents and have skin-to-skin contact. This helps them feel comforted and calm.

By keeping baby close to you, you can tune in and quickly respond to their needs. This really helps with healthy brain development in the first few months.

This is why we recommend making sure your baby is in the same room as you for all their sleeps, even during the day. You could keep a crib or basket in your living area as well as in your bedroom to make this easier.

Babies often love being carried in a sling because it helps them feel safe being next to their parent. They enjoy being held upright and this can be convenient for busy parents.

Take extra care when babies are born prematurely, born at low birth weight or have health conditions.

Breastfeeding hands free and moving around is unsafe. Always remove babies aged under 4 months for breastfeeds. 

If you choose to use a sling make sure baby is positioned safely and the sling fits you both well, especially checking baby's airway is clear from your clothes and skin and their head is well supported.  

You can help reduce risks while carrying your baby by simply following the guidance from the Consortium of UK Sling Manufacturers, known as TICKS:

• Tight
• In view at all times
• Close enough to kiss
• Keep chin off the chest
• Supported back

There is support in Northamptonshire from trained and experienced Carrying Consultants.

See this link for their details and services they can help you with: Slings and Carriers Northamptonshire and Milton Keynes

Do

• Place baby on their back for naps. Never on their front or side. Babies have heavy heads and weak neck muscles. This means their airways may become blocked if they are sleeping on their front or side as they are too small, young and vulnerable to rescue themselves. It has been recommended that babies sleep on their backs for many years and research indicates this practice has saved many lives: Sleeping position - The Lullaby Trust
• Always prepare the sleep space to be as safe as possible every time. This is especially important if you bring your baby into the bed as you may fall asleep too
• Baby should be placed on a firm, flat, waterproof mattress
• Place baby at the foot of cot. This is so they cannot wriggle down and become trapped under covers
• Ensure blankets are no higher than baby's armpits and they are tucked in. Loose covers can cover baby's heads
• Blankets should be cellular, breathable blankets. Never use a fleece blanket. Although they are soft against baby's skin, they are dangerous as they trap heat. Babies cannot adjust their own body temperature and overheating is dangerous for them
• Always remove hats when indoors to prevent overheating. Babies release heat from their heads when they get too hot. Hats trap this heat in and prevent them from adjusting their body temperature.
• Make sure the room temperature is between 16C and 20C. The risk of SIDS is higher in babies that get too hot. This may be more difficult in summer months, although it is recommended to ventilate the room by opening windows and using a circulating fan

Do not

• Expose baby to drugs, alcohol or smoke fumes (including vapes and cigarettes)

Marketing

There are many products in the shops and online and clever marketing can convince parents that they need to buy them. This is an unregulated market and it is easy to buy items in shops you may believe you need. 

Remember your baby only needs a firm, flat, waterproof mattress and cellular blankets - tucked in below the armpits.

We do not recommend items such as sleeping pods, pillows, fleece blankets, bumpers, or teddies in the cot. These all have been shown to increase the risk of SIDS.

Planned bed-sharing

We recommended that whenever you share a sleeping space with your baby - even if you do not plan to fall asleep with baby at that time - you prepare the sleep space to be as safe as possible.

Babies may fall asleep unexpectedly while breastfeeding in bed. Many mothers use this as a way to rest and breastfeed at night.

By preparing the sleep space safely every time, even if you fall asleep accidentally (unplanned bedsharing) the sleep space is already a planned safer space. Find more information about this at Co-sleeping - The Lullaby Trust

Unplanned bed-sharing

Unplanned bedsharing increases the risk to your baby. This is where you fall asleep accidentally, such as on the sofa or in the bed without moving any hazards first. This creates a higher risk for SIDS.

Breastfeeding is natural and helps to give your baby the best start. Human milk is tailor-made for your baby. However, you may find you need extra support during you and your baby's feeding journey.

Our team includes:

• Infant Feeding Leads (both Lactation Consultants IBCLCs)
• Infant Feeding Health Visitor
• Infant Feeding Advisors

We operate a service across North Northamptonshire, offering face-to-face appointments.

Contact us

• Phone (please do not text us): 07795 110109 on Monday to Friday, between 9am to 3pm
• Email: infantfeedingteam@nhft.nhs.uk
• You can also contact our 0-19 Administration Hub

Our Nurturing Families (North Northamptonshire) and Thriving Families (West Northamptonshire) services offer a range of personalised voluntary support programmes for families of all ages.

They are designed to help you with developing your parent-infant relationship and with your family support needs.

Expectant parents are often given lots of well-meaning advice from friends and family, but we now have evidence to show that babies need to be close to their main caregiver and it is normal to for babies to wake frequently and need comfort from their parent(s) throughout the day and night.

Books that promote set routines and schedules for babies are not recommended.

Videos

You may feel pressured to buy lots of things when preparing for your baby to arrive. This has more to do with clever marketing tactics that target new parents - actually babies don't need a lot of 'stuff'.

This Lullaby Trust guide about safer sleep outlines what equipment you need, and some products you don't need (such as cot bumpers and sleep pods).

If you are worried about how you will afford the necessities, or you are not sure about what to buy, please speak to your midwife or health visitor for support and advice.

In pregnancy your baby's brain is growing at a fast rate. You can help this growth by taking time to relax, talking to your baby, stroking your bump, and playing music. Getting other family members involved is also lovely as baby will start to recognise their voices and respond to them after they are born.

Getting to know your baby in these ways before they are born increases the feel-good hormone called oxytocin which is good for your wellbeing and acts as a 'fertiliser' for baby's brain. Continuing to respond to them when they are born helps your baby to feel more secure and keeps growing their brain.

Keeping your baby close helps to create a strong attachment with you. This builds a blueprint in their brain which sets them up for future relationships. It lays the foundation for good mental health. Cuddling and responding to babies does not spoil them! It actually helps them to be more independent and confident when they are ready.

Read UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative 'Building a Happy Baby' parents' guide for more information.

Family Hubs are a free community resource that brings together lots of different kinds of support for families in one place.

This video explains more about what you can expect when visiting a Family Hub.

Find your local Family Hub

North Northamptonshire (including Corby, Kettering, Wellingborough, East Northamptonshire areas)

North Northamptonshire Family Hubs

Strong Start for Life

West Northamptonshire (including Daventry, Northampton, South Northamptonshire)

West Northamptonshire Family Hubs 

Strong Start

Anya is a digital tool that gives parents and carers 24/7 access to evidence-based information about their pregnancy and caring for their baby. It includes 3D latching animations, webinars, online communities and the 24-hour 'Ask Anya' feature. All information provided through the app is evidence-based and complies with NHS guidance.

Families in North Northamptonshire can get full premium access to the Anya app throughout pregnancy and for 3 months after baby is born. This includes asking Anya unlimited questions and direct access to a feeding specialist, as well as a library of resources and exclusive online communities.

Download the Anya app and redeem the special offer for North Northamptonshire residents

Families in West Northamptonshire can still benefit from the free version of the Anya app, which provides access to many of the articles and webinars, some of the online communities and allows users to ask Anya up to 5 questions in 24 hours.

Download the Anya app

If you have any questions about your pregnancy or your unborn baby, please contact your midwife or maternity team. You may also find these links useful:

• Northamptonshire Maternity Services - your pregnancy
• Northamptonshire Maternity and Neonatal Voices Partnership - Facebook group
• Northampton Maternity Services - Facebook page
• Kettering Maternity Services - Facebook page

Northamptonshire Children's Trust offers different levels of support depending on what a family may need.

The trust offers a variety of support programmes and community resources - all provided free of charge.

Parenting Support and Resources - Northampton Children's Trust

When you are pregnant and during your appointments with healthcare professionals it is likely you will be asked, more than once, about domestic abuse.

Domestic abuse can come in many forms, and for some women it can start when they become pregnant.

No matter the cause, if you have found yourself in a situation where you are being emotionally, financially, mentally, or physically abused or mistreated you should speak to your healthcare professional.

You will be asked about domestic abuse in a private and safe environment. The information you share won't be passed on to other services without your permission, unless there are concerns that you, your unborn baby, or any other children in the family might be at risk of serious harm.

There are support organisations both locally and nationally who are on hand to support you:

• Refuge including a free 24-hour national domestic abuse helpline - 0808 200 0247 
• Women's Aid online support and information
• Northamptonshire Domestic Abuse Service online support and information
• Ring 999 - if you are in immediate danger, call the police without delay

If you have concerns about your mental health or emotional wellbeing, please talk to someone.

It is never too early or too late to share your worries.

Your midwife, GP or health visitor can listen and refer you to specialist services if needed.

If you are struggling with your mental health, and feel able to, you can contact services such as your GP, NHS Northamptonshire Talking Therapies, or our 24/7 Mental Health Number. This number is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week for anyone living in Northamptonshire who needs support with their mental health.

Our Specialist Perinatal Mental Health Team provides advice, assessment and specialist intervention for women experiencing moderate to severe mental health conditions during pregnancy and up to 12 months after having a baby. This service does not accept self-referrals so please speak to your health professional if you would like to be referred.

We are committed to working with our families to co-design services and ensure they meet the needs of our local communities. If this is something you would like to be part of, please visit our Co-production and participation page.

Co-production and Participation

• Home-Start UK - Volunteer-led support to strengthen vital family bonds for healthy, happy children
• Baby Basics - Supporting new mothers and families who are struggling to meet the financial and practical burden of looking after a new baby
• Milk & You Northamptonshire - trained breastfeeding peer support volunteers offering guidance on infant feeding