Baby on the way

As a new parent to be, you are likely to have questions about how to stay healthy and prepare for the arrival of your baby, how to get started with breastfeeding, bathing your baby or changing their nappy. 

Preparing for your baby

Maternity care and midwifery

Maternity care (also referred to as antenatal care) is the care you receive from health professionals during your pregnancy. You will be offered appointments with a midwife, or sometimes with an obstetrician. 

To help you get the healthiest start for you and your baby, it is important to arrange your first antenatal booking appointment by the 10th week of your pregnancy. 

Arranging your first maternity care appointment

To arrange your appointment, you can:

• speak to your general practitioner (GP)
• self-refer your pregnancy via www.croydonhealthservices.nhs.uk  

If you speak to your GP, they can give you advice on medical conditions and help you with any concerns you might have. Your GP can also explain how maternity care works and give you advice on other available support. 

Local maternity support is available through NHS Croydon Health Services.

Stay healthy during your pregnancy 

Better Health – Start for Life is a website with trusted NHS advice and guidance to help you have a healthy and happy baby during pregnancy, birth and parenthood. 
The website has information relating to a week-by-week guide to pregnancy and preparing for labour and birth. Increase your knowledge in the following areas:

• feeding your baby
• weaning
• your mental health
• baby basics
• early learning and development
• bonding with your baby 

Eating a healthy, varied diet in pregnancy will help you get most of the vitamins and minerals you need. You may be eligible for free vitamins during pregnancy. 

Visit the NHS website for further information on the vitamins needed for a healthy pregnancy.

Healthy food support during pregnancy 

The NHS Healthy Start scheme helps families on low incomes to buy healthy food and milk.

To be eligible for the scheme, you must be:

• more than 10 weeks pregnant or 
• have children under 4 years old, and receive certain benefits

Once on the scheme, you will receive a prepaid card, which you can use to buy fruit, vegetables, pulses, milk and infant formula. You can also get free Healthy Start vitamins. The card will be topped up with payments every four weeks and you can use it in most places that sell healthy food and accept Mastercard® payments. 

Find out if you’re eligible for NHS Healthy Start and apply online

Building a relationship with your baby 

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Building a relationship with your baby helps to:  

• provide them with a happy and healthy life 
• make them more confident 
• create a strong bond between both of you

If you are worried about your own relationship with your baby, we suggest you talk to your health visitor, midwife, children’s centre or GP. They will be able to offer you some support and provide guidance to other local services that can help you.

Creating a strong bond with your baby can take time, but it will make you and your baby feel happier and healthier.