Health in pregnancy and the early years

Information, advice, and support groups that can help you.

It can take time before you feel confident with breastfeeding. However, there's plenty of support available to help you along the way.

Support will begin in the hospital with your midwife. This will continue for the first 28 days through Breastfeeding Clinics run by

• a dedicated team of midwives
• health visitors
• community staff nurses

They will offer practical help and support during the early days of your pregnancy.

The NHS has more information on how to breastfeed including:

• the first few days
• benefits of breastfeeding
• breastfeeding in public
• and much more.

Better Health Start for Life has a digital tool called Breastfeeding Friend. It offers practical information and advice on breastfeeding and is available 24/7. It is available on Alexa-enabled devices or Facebook Messenger.

If you're unable to breastfeed, or you choose not to, your midwives will provide support in the hospital. This will continue with the health visitors once you and the baby arrive home.

The NHS has advice on bottle feeding, including:

• how to bottle feed
• sterilising bottles
• making up baby formula

The government recommends all children aged 6 months to 5 years be given vitamin supplements containing vitamins A, C and D.

Babies who have more than 500ml of infant formula a day should not be given vitamin supplements. This is because formula is fortified with vitamins A, C and D and other nutrients.

Babies who are being chestfed should be given a daily vitamin D supplement from birth.

For more information visit the NHS website.

You should begin introducing your baby to solid foods at around 6 months old. This is sometimes called complementary feeding or weaning.

If you're on benefits or a low income you may qualify for extra help during pregnancy until your child turns 4. These vouchers are for fruit, vegetables and milk You can also get free vitamins.

Visit the Healthy Start website for more information on eligibility and how to apply.

To ensure that parents and families are aware of the scheme, there is a toolkit that provides posters, leaflets, and information. Schools and professionals can share these.

Search our directory for pregnancy and maternity support, classes and groups.