Postnatal leaflets

The day after you go home, a community midwife will visit or call you. This could be at any time during the day; please be available:

• on day 3 after your baby is born, we will also aim to visit you if possible
• on day 5 we will ask you to visit a midwife at your nearest hub so we can weigh your baby and carry out the Newborn Bloodspot Screening test with consent.

You and your baby will be discharged from the community midwife and into the care of a health visitor normally between days 10 and 14 after being seen at a hub or at home.

By law you need to register the birth of your baby within 42 days. Once the birth of your baby has been registered, you may be entitled to child benefits (Opens in a new window).

Book an appointment as per the birth registration letter given to you at discharge from hospital with your baby.

Who can register the birth?

If married, either parent can register the birth, otherwise both parents should attend. If unmarried, mum may register baby on their own but will not be able to register the father’s details. Bring official documents, such as passports, so spelling of names can be checked.

For more information, please visit the gov.uk website. (Opens in a new window)

Breastfeeding is good news for your baby and you (adapted from Off To The Best Start – A guide to help you start breastfeeding leaflet, produced by APS for Public Health England).

• Breast milk is tailor-made for your baby. It boosts your baby’s ability to fight illness and infection – babies who are not breastfed are more likely to get diarrhoea and chest infections.
• Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first 6 months and alongside solid foods thereafter.
• Breastfeeding also lowers a mother’s risk of breast cancer and may reduce the risk of ovarian cancer too.
• Keeping your baby close will help you to respond to their needs for food, love and comfort.

How to Breastfeed

Latching on information (Opens in a new window)

For information on breastfeeding positions visit NHS start4life (Opens in a new window)

Signs that your baby is feeding well

• Your baby has a large mouthful of breast.
• It doesn’t hurt you when your baby feeds (although the first few sucks may feel strong).
• Your baby rhythmically takes long sucks and swallows.
• Your baby finishes the feed, appears content and satisfied after feeds and comes off the breast on his own.
• Your breasts and nipples should not be sore.

How do I know my baby is getting enough milk?

• Lots of mums wonder if their baby’s feeding well and getting enough – especially in the first few days but it’s very rare that mums don’t make enough breast milk for their babies. It may just take a bit of time before you feel confident that you are providing enough milk.
• Generally, your baby will let you know if they’re not getting what they need. Wet and dirty nappies are a good indication that your baby is getting enough, as is hearing your baby swallow.
• Your baby should be back to their birth weight by two weeks and then continue to gain weight.

Vitamin D

• From birth, all breastfed babies up to 12 months old should be given a daily supplement of 8.5 to 10 mcg of vitamin D (340-400 IU/d). But if your baby is having more than 500ml of first infant formula a day they do not need a supplement because formula is already fortified with vitamin D.
• It is recommended that all breastfeeding women take a daily supplement of 10mcg of vitamin D (400 IU/d).

How Can I Tell That Breastfeeding is Going Well?

Breastfeeding is going well when:

• your baby has at least 8 feeds or more in 24 hours
• your baby is feeding for between 5 and 30 minutes at each feed
• your baby has normal skin colour
• your baby is generally calm and relaxed whilst feeding and is content after most feeds
• your baby has wet and dirty nappies (see chart under ‘nappies’)
• breastfeeding is comfortable
• your baby is 3 to 4 days old and beyond, you should be able to hear your baby swallowing frequently during the feed.

Talk to a midwife if:

• your baby is sleepy and has had fewer than 6 feeds in 24 hours
• your baby consistently feeds for 5 minutes or less at each feed
• your baby consistently feeds for longer than 40 minutes at each feed
• your baby appears jaundiced (yellow discoloration of the skin). Most jaundice in babies is not harmful. However, it is important to check your baby for any signs of yellow colouring, particularly during the first week of life. The yellow colour will usually appear around the face and forehead first and then spread to the body, arms and legs. A good time to check is when you are changing a nappy or clothes
• your baby comes on and off the breast frequently during the feed or refuses to breastfeed
• your baby is not having wet and dirty nappies
• you are having pain in your breasts or nipples which doesn’t disappear after your baby’s first few sucks. Your nipple comes out of your baby’s mouth looking pinched or flattened on one side
• you cannot tell if your baby is swallowing any milk when your baby is 3 to 4 days old and beyond
• you think your baby needs a dummy
• you feel you need to give your baby formula milk.

Nappies

The contents of your baby’s nappies will change during the first week. These changes will help you know if feeding is going well. Speak to your midwife if you have any concerns.

Baby’s age: 1 to 2 days old
Wet nappies: 1 or more per day. Urates may be present.*
Dirty nappies: 1 or more dark green or black ‘tar like’ called meconium.

Baby’s age: 3 to 4 days old
Wet nappies: 3 or more per day. Nappies feel heavier.
Dirty nappies: 2 or more, changing in colour and consistency – brown, green or yellow, becoming looser (‘changing stool’).

Baby’s age: 5 to 6 days old
Wet nappies: 5 or more. Heavy wet**
Dirty nappies: Yellow; may be quite watery.

Baby’s age: 7 to 28 days old
Wet nappies: 6 or more. Heavy wet.
Dirty nappies: 2 or more at least the size of a £2 coin. Yellow and watery ‘seedy’ appearance.

Your baby’s nappies

• Urates are a dark pink or red substance that many babies pass in the first couple of days. At this age they are not a problem. However if they go beyond the first couple of days you should tell your midwife as it may be a sign that your baby is not getting enough milk.
• With new disposable nappies it is often hard to tell if they are wet, so to get an idea if there is enough urine, take a clean, dry nappy and add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water. This will give you an idea of what to look for.

View the Sleeping safer poster (Opens in a new window)

Symptoms to watch out for

Abnormal vaginal bleeding: Sudden or heavy blood loss
What to do: Contact your Maternity unit immediately. In an emergency, please dial 999.

Infection: A high temperature, fast heart rate and increased breathing rate are signs of infection. This is more likely if you are experiencing other symptoms such as pain on passing urine, diarrhoea and/ or vomiting, a painful perineum or abdominal wound and / or abdominal tenderness. It is important to try to reduce the risk of infection by good personal hygiene, such as washing your hands thoroughly before and after preparing food, using the toilet, changing a nappy or sneezing or blowing your nose.
What to do: If you feel unwell, have a sore throat, cough with mucous or respiratory infection, please contact your GP for advice as you may need treatment with antibiotics.

In the early stages of sepsis it can be difficult to distinguish from flu-like symptoms, gastroenteritis or a chest infection. Also see information regarding sepsis in the following two sections.

Headaches
What to do: If you have a sudden onset headache with neck stiffness and a high temperature, contact your GP or Maternity unit immediately for advice.

If a severe headache occurs within three days of the birth and is accompanied by heartburn type pain, blurred vision or visual disturbances, nausea or vomiting, you should also contact the Maternity unit immediately.

If you have had an epidural and then develop a headache which gets worse when you are standing or sitting up, but is relieved by lying down; this could be a sign of an epidural complication and you should contact the Maternity unit immediately.

Pain, redness or swelling in either leg: All pregnant women are at increased risk of developing blood clots (thrombosis) during pregnancy and in the first six weeks after the birth. This risk increases if you have other risk factors (for example you are overweight or obese, over 35 years of age, smoke or have a family history of thrombosis).
What to do: Contact your GP or midwife immediately if you have any of these symptoms.

Chest pain spreading to your jaw, arm or back; shortness of breath; increased heart rate: Unusually, some women can experience symptoms of heart disease for the first time following the birth of their baby. The risk of heart disease is increased if you smoke, have high blood pressure, high cholesterol, are overweight or obese or have diabetes.
What to do: Chest pain and shortness of breath can also be a sign of a blood clot in the lung. Therefore it is essential that if you develop any of these symptoms you seek urgent medical attention by dialling 999:

• severe chest pain (which might spread to your jaw, arm or back)
• your heart is persistently racing
• you are severely breathless especially when resting
• you experience fainting while exercising.

Persistent tiredness, dizziness, pale complexion or heart palpitations: These are all symptoms of anaemia which can be treated with iron supplements and dietary advice.
What to do: If you are concerned, discuss this with your GP or midwife.

Red, painful area on the breast: This is relatively common in women who are breastfeeding and maybe due to mastitis (an inflammation of the breast tissue which can begin with a blocked milk duct or damage to the nipple). It is relieved by feeding and effective attachment of the baby to the breast. Your midwife will check that your baby is ‘latched’ correctly and will show you how to relieve the symptoms by massage and hand expression.
What to do: If symptoms persist for more than 12 hours, or include a high temperature and generally feeling unwell it is important to contact your GP, as the breast tissue might be infected. Continue to feed your baby from the affected breast, rest, drink plenty of fluids and consider pain relief as required. If the baby will not take the affected breast, you can also remove the milk by expressing. Please contact your midwife if you have any concerns regarding the attachment of baby at the breast.

Emotional Wellbeing: Many women experience episodes of low mood after giving birth due to the sudden change in their hormone levels.
What to do: If these symptoms persist for more than two weeks or become severe, please contact your GP.

Keeping healthy

What to do: If you think you need to lose weight, talk to your GP, midwife, health visitor or practice nurse. The best way to lose weight healthily is by eating a well-balanced diet and taking regular moderate exercise. Being overweight (body mass index over 30) has a risk for long-term health.

Quitting smoking for you and your baby – One of the best things that you can do for you and your baby is to quit smoking. Among other serious illnesses such as asthma, glue ear and chest infections, babies are at increased risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) if they are exposed to cigarette smoke.
What to do: Please seek support from the smoking cessation specialist midwife, One Life Suffolk or speak to your GP, midwife, health visitor or practice nurse.

 If you or your loved one is extremely worried, go straight to your nearest Emergency Department (A&E).

Sepsis

• Slurred speech or confusion
• Extreme shivering or muscle pain
• Passing no urine (in a day)
• Severe breathlessness
• “I feel like I may die”
• Skin that is mottled or discoloured

If you suspect sepsis, ensure that you receive urgent medical attention. Do not be afraid to say: “I think this may be sepsis”. If sepsis is confirmed, treatment – even one hour earlier – can make the difference between life and death.

How is sepsis treated?

If sepsis is detected early, and the vital organs have not yet been affected, it may be possible to treat the infection at home with antibiotics. Most people who are detected early make a full recovery.

There is a sepsis care bundle which is a group of medical interventions which need to be delivered together within a timeframe of 60 minutes. If the medical team feels you could be septic, these six interventions will be delivered to you in a timely fashion:

• Oxygen is given if you need it.
• Antibiotics are given – usually intravenously if you are in hospital.
• Intravenous fluids are given and your urine output measured.
• Blood samples are taken to assess organ function and for microbiology cultures.
• A separate blood test is taken to measure lactate levels. The build-up of this acid in your body indicates how unwell you are.
• A senior doctor or nurse will review your care.

Admission to intensive care may be needed to care for people with sepsis or septic shock* if they are very unwell. This is where the body’s organs can be supported until the infection is treated. In most cases – with correct, timely treatment – you will go on to make a full recovery.

* Septic shock is a life-threatening condition that can happen when your blood pressure drops to a dangerously low level due to an infection.

Further reading

• Sepsis Trust information (Opens in a new window)
•  How to spot sepsis on the Sepsis Trust website (Opens in a new window)

Temperature – Your midwife will check how warm your baby feels to the touch. Your midwife can advise on the amount of clothing and bedding to use, whether in the house, car or pram. The recommended room temperature should be 16 – 20ºC.
What to do: If there are concerns about your baby’s temperature your midwife will assess using a thermometer.

Muscle tone (activity and reflexes) – In the early days and weeks your baby will have some involuntary movements which are called reflexes.

These include the root reflex which begins when the baby’s cheek is stroked or touched. The baby will turn his or her head and open his or her mouth to follow and ‘root’ in the direction of the stroking. This helps the baby find the breast or bottle and begin feeding. Babies are born with the ability to suck and during the first few days they learn to coordinate their sucking and their breathing.

The startle reflex occurs when a baby is startled by a loud sound or movement. The baby throws back their head, extends out their arms and legs, cries, then pulls their arms and legs back in.

A baby’s own cry can startle them and begin this reflex. They can also grasp things like your finger with either hands or feet and they will make stepping movements if they are held upright on a flat surface. All these responses, except sucking, will be lost within a few months and your baby will begin to make controlled movements instead.

What to do: Your baby’s reflexes are assessed routinely as part of the new-born infant physical examination within 72 hours of the birth. If you have any questions about this, please speak to your midwife.

If you are concerned that your baby is ‘floppy’ dial 999 immediately.

Jaundice – A common condition in new-born babies. Babies develop a yellow colour to their skin, whites of the eyes (sclera) and their gums; it is a normal process and does no harm in most cases.

However, it is important to check your baby for any yellow colouring; particularly during the first week of life. Ask your midwife to show you how to check if you are not sure.

What to do: If you think your baby is jaundiced contact your maternity department day or night for advice. They will perform a painless and quick bilirubin test. Some babies may also need a blood test.

Most babies will not be affected, but a small number will require treatment. Most only need monitoring, some require light treatment and a few require specialist support. Sunshine is not a treatment so please do not place your baby in direct sunlight. Regular feeding can help.

Eyes: Your baby’s eyes are observed for any signs of stickiness, redness or discharge. Special cleaning of your baby’s eyes is not required unless your baby develops an infection. This can occur for no apparent reason and appears as a yellow discharge in one or both eyes.

What to do: If this happens, your midwife may take a swab or arrange for your doctor to prescribe treatment.

Mouth – Soon after birth, the midwife will examine your baby’s mouth and palate. There is a piece of skin under your baby’s tongue called the frenulum and in a small number of cases this can be tight and affect the way your baby feeds; this can be treated and your midwife can give advice about this.

The midwife will also check your baby’s mouth for thrush. Signs of thrush are redness, white spots or white coating that does not disappear between feeds.

What to do: If you are experiencing any feeding issues, please let the midwives know and they will complete a feeding assessment.

The palate is the soft tissue and bony part of the roof of your baby’s mouth. If it hasn’t formed correctly it can also affect feeding.

If a problem is identified, a referral to a paediatrician will be made to discuss treatment. Thrush can often be avoided by good hygiene. Always wash your hands before preparing bottles and after changing your baby’s nappy. Wash bottles and teats thoroughly and sterilise before use. If your baby develops thrush, it may be necessary to treat with prescribed medicine from your GP.

Skin: Your baby’s skin is very sensitive in the early weeks. Your midwife will check your baby’s skin for any spots, rashes or dryness.

After your baby is born, he/she may have small amounts of vernix left in the skin folds, such as under the arms. This is the white creamy substance that protects the baby’s skin inside your womb. It is not harmful to your baby and will disappear over the next few days, there is no need to try and remove it. Avoid skin lotions, medicated wipes, or adding cleansers to your baby’s bath water.

After washing pat your baby’s skin dry, paying special attention to skin creases. Faint red marks or spots that you may notice mainly on the head and face of your baby usually fade away (although this may take some months).

What to do: If you have any concerns, ask your midwife/ health visitor or GP for advice.

Urine and nappy rash – Your baby should have at least two wet nappies per day in the first two days, increasing to six or more per day by seven days.

Urates are tiny orange or pink crystals that look like brick dust that may appear in the nappy, but with regular feeding will disappear.

The skin on a baby’s bottom is sensitive and prolonged contact with urine or stools can cause burning or reddening of the skin. Nappies should be changed frequently, either before or after feeds to prevent this.

What to do: If the skin does become sore, it is better to use warm water and cotton wool rather than wipes or lotions and apply a barrier cream.

Bowels (stools) – The first stools are sticky, greenish-black and are called meconium. As the baby takes milk feeds, the stools become a mustard colour and sometimes have a seedy appearance.

All babies should pass at least two soft stools per day for the first six weeks regardless of feeding method.

What to do: If you have any concerns, ask your midwife/ health visitor or GP for advice.

Breasts and genitals: Quite often a newborn baby’s breasts are a little swollen and may ooze some milk, whether the baby is a boy or a girl.
Girls may also have some vaginal discharge and slight spotting. This is a result of hormones passing from the mother to the baby before birth and is no cause for concern.

The genitals of male and female new-born babies often appear rather swollen but will look in proportion with their bodies in a few weeks.

What to do: If you have any concerns, ask your midwife/ health visitor or GP for advice

Early development – Newborn babies can use all their senses. From birth your baby will focus on and follow your face when you are close in front of them. They will enjoy gentle touch and the sound of a soothing voice and will react to bright light and be startled by sudden, loud noises.

By two weeks of age babies begin to recognise their parents and by 4 to 6 weeks start to smile. Interacting with your baby through talking to, smiling and singing to them, are all ways of helping your baby feel loved and secure.

What to do: If you have any concerns, ask your midwife/ health visitor or GP for advice.

Excessive crying: All babies cry but some babies cry a lot. Crying is your baby’s way of telling you they need comfort and care. This can be very stressful and there may be times when you feel unable to cope. This happens to lots of parents and is nothing to be ashamed of.

What to do: Ask your family and friends to help and discuss this with your midwife, health visitor or GP.

There is an organisation called CRY-SIS who can put you in touch with other parents who have been in the same situation.

You can get further information via Cry-sis or helpline number 08451 228 669.

If your baby is crying and the cry doesn’t sound like their normal cry and they can’t be comforted it could be a sign that they are ill. If you think there is something wrong, always follow your instinct.

Breathing, Colour and Movement

If your baby has any of the following call 999 immediately:

• Any change in colour (very pale, blue or dusky).
• Difficulty breathing (noisy grunts, rapid breaths, ineffective breathing, frequent pauses or working hard to breathe).

Regular jerking of the arms and legs like a fit.

Further reading

For more information about how to spot sepsis, visit:

• The Sepsis Trust website (Opens in a new window)

Although the risks are very low, you may be concerned that your baby could get coronavirus. This page tells you what to look out for. Do not delay seeking help if you have concerns.

Reduce your baby’s risk of catching Coronavirus (COVID-19) by:

• hand washing before touching the baby, breast pumps or bottles
• hand washing after nappy changes and contact with other members of the family
• avoiding coughing or sneezing on the baby whilst feeding
• following pump cleaning recommendations after each use
• if you feel unwell, ask someone who is well to feed your baby with expressed milk
• if using a bottle follow sterilisation guide-lines fully.

How will I know if my baby has Coronavirus (COVID-19)?

Many babies with the virus will not show signs of illness and will recover fully. Some can develop an unstable temperature and/ or a cough. Babies with infections do not always develop a fever.

• If your baby has a cough, fever or feels unusually hot or cold, but otherwise well, then call NHS 111.
• If your baby is jaundiced or feeding poorly call your midwifery team.

If your baby shows any signs which concern you in relation to their breathing, colour or movement, then call 999 straight away

Is my baby at risk?

Babies can potentially catch Coronavirus (COVID-19) after birth from anyone infected with the virus, even if that person does not feel unwell. It is recommended that you take your baby home as soon as it is safe for you to do so, and follow government advice for self-isolation and social-distancing. In particular you should keep your baby away from people with a cough, fever or other viral symptoms such as a runny nose, vomiting or diarrhoea.

How to help

Reduce your baby’s risk of catching coronavirus by:

• hand washing before touching the baby, breast pumps or bottles
• hand washing after nappy changes and contact with other members of the family
• avoiding coughing or sneezing on the baby whilst feeding
• following pump cleaning recommendations after each use
• asking someone who is well to feed your baby with expressed milk, if you feel unwell
• follow sterilisation guidelines fully if using a bottle

Coronavirus after baby has been on the Neonatal Unit (NNU)

If your baby has been on the neonatal unit or transitional care ward because they were born prematurely or were unwell, please also access the Bliss website (Opens in a new window).

For general information on new-born jaundice, feeding difficulties and other signs of illness in the newborn then further information can be accessed by visiting www.nhs.uk and searching ‘illness in a baby’ and ‘newborn jaundice’.

For any non-emergency concerns you can also call NHS 111 if you are unable to contact your midwife.

For more information visit the NHS Coronavirus (COVID-19) webpage (Opens in a new window).

You may not have thought about it yet, or perhaps you already have some ideas about contraception now that you have had your baby. This information aims to give you a starting point so that you are aware of your options in order to make a choice that is right for you. Research suggests that spacing your pregnancies out, at least 12 to 18 months apart, may reduce the risk of complications such as premature birth or having a small baby. We also recommend that you consider contraception so that you have control over planning your family. For these reasons, we hope you find the following information helpful.

What types of contraception are there?

There are many different contraceptive methods available, each with their own advantages and disadvantages including how effective they are at preventing unintended pregnancy. It is important to think about what your priorities are when choosing a method so that it fits in with your life and family plans. The websites listed at the end of this leaflet might help you to decide, using their contraception choice guides and calculators.

Contraceptives can be:

• Combined hormones: these contain synthetic forms of two normal female hormones, oestrogen and progesterone. Examples are the combined pill, contraceptive vaginal ring, and contraceptive patch.
• Progesterone-only: these contain synthetic forms of the normal female hormone progesterone without other hormones. Examples are the progesterone-only pill (mini pill), hormone coil (intrauterine system or IUS, brand names include Mirena and Levosert), the contraceptive implant, and the contraceptive injection.
• No hormone: these include copper coils (also sometimes called an intrauterine device, IUD or intrauterine contraceptive device, IUCD), barrier methods (condoms, diaphragms), male or female sterilisation, and natural family planning (fertility awareness methods).

Not every method is suitable for everyone, and the methods you can choose will depend on your medical background, the medications you are taking, and your personal preferences. It is advised that you discuss your options with your doctor or family planning nurse.

When can I start contraception after giving birth?

You may begin to ovulate again about 21 days after giving birth. For this reason it is recommended that your choice of contraception be started by three weeks after having your baby. However, many methods can be started at any time. Some methods are safe to be started immediately or soon after birth if available, if you would like to, and if you are eligible for those methods. These include the contraceptive injection, progesterone only pill, and contraceptive implants. Contraceptive coils (either copper or hormone IUS) are usually fitted no earlier than four to six weeks after giving birth, but in some cases your local family planning clinic may be able to fit coils earlier than this. Only trained professionals can fit implants or contraceptive coils. It is not recommended that you start using any combined hormonal contraception (combined pill, patch, vaginal ring), if you are eligible, until at least six weeks after giving birth, as this can increase your risk of blood clots. In some specific cases it may be possible to start these methods earlier, but it is more common to wait. Some women may use a temporary or ‘bridging’ method while they wait to start their chosen form of contraception; for example, if it is not appropriate to start yet or if they need to wait for a fitting. If this applies to you, please speak to your doctor or family planning nurse.

Does breastfeeding make a difference?

If you are breastfeeding you should not start any combined hormone methods (combined pill, patch, vaginal ring) until your baby is six weeks old because the hormone oestrogen contained in these methods, can affect the initiation of milk production. It is considered safe to use them after this time, if you are eligible.  Progesterone-only methods and those without hormones are considered safe while breastfeeding.

Which method of contraception is the most effective in preventing pregnancy?

The effectiveness of contraceptive methods can vary depending on whether they are used consistently or not. Consistent use is especially important for pills, vaginal rings, patches, barrier methods (diaphragms and condoms), natural family planning, and withdrawal methods. Some methods, referred to as long-acting reversible contraception (LARC), are more reliable in preventing pregnancy. These are the hormone coil (IUS), copper coil (IUCD), contraceptive implant, and contraceptive injection. Barrier methods are the only contraceptives that are effective in preventing sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Where can I get more information or arrange to start a contraceptive?

• Your health visitor, for advice
• Your GP surgery
• Your local family planning clinic:
  • Suffolk: including Ipswich, Lowestoft and Bury St Edmunds. Your nearest clinic to the Ipswich Hospital is the Orwell Clinic iCaSH suffolk (Opens in a new window), Lindbergh Road, Ipswich, IP3 9FA, Tel: 0300 300 3030
  • Essex: Essex Sexual Health Service (Opens in a new window)located in several locations including Clacton and Colchester
• Contraception Choices (Opens in a new window)
• Sexwise (Opens in a new window) (by the Family Planning Assoc)
• NHS (Opens in a new window)

Websites

Association for Improvements in the Maternity Services (AIMS) (Opens in a new window)

Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (Opens in a new window)

Baby Friendly Initiative (Opens in a new window) – up-to-date information on research and breastfeeding

Baby Lifeline (Opens in a new window)

Bliss (Opens in a new window) – a special care baby charity that provides support and care

Breastfeeding Network (Opens in a new window)

Health and Safety Executive (HSE) (Opens in a new window) – health and safety at work whilst pregnant and breastfeeding

Health Promotion (One Life Suffolk) (Opens in a new window)

ICON Cope (Opens in a new window) – advice related to infant crying

La Leche League National Breastfeeding (Opens in a new window)

Lullaby Trust (Opens in a new window)

National Breastfeeding Helpline (Opens in a new window)

NHS Wellbeing Service (Opens in a new window)

NSPCC (Opens in a new window) – have a range of information and advice for parents and carers

Public Health England (Opens in a new window) – information about childhood immunisations

TAMBA – The Twins and Multiple Births Association (Opens in a new window)

The Lactation Consultants of Great Britain (Opens in a new window)

Working Families (Opens in a new window) – rights and benefits

Telephone helplines

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