Maternity & Paternity

Best Start In Life

best-start-in-life-header

Trusted health advice and guidance for parents.

Here you'll find NHS Advice on pregnancy, babies and supporting your toddler's development. 

The Best Start In Life website also contains information about childcare and education support!

Best Start In Life

 

Contents

 

Just Found Out You're Expecting...What Next?

You will need to decide where you would like your antenatal care, and which hospital you wish to deliver in. 

All of our local hospitals use a Self-Referral process:

 

Most people won't need to book a GP appointment unless you have some specific concerns. This may include:

  • Taking Prescribed Medication
  • Epilepsy
  • Rheumatological Conditions
  • Mental Health Problems
  • Asthma
  • Smokers
  • Hypertension
  • Haemoglobinopathies
  • Diabetes
  • Cardiac Care
  • Thyroid Disease
  • High Risk of or Previously Had Blood Clots
  • Illicit Drug or Alcohol Misuse
  • Kidney Disease
  • Inflammatory Bowel Disease

For advice on keeping well in pregnancy; what to start doing and what to stop doing, along with information about when your baby is due and antenatal classes, visit the Best Start in Life Website. 

 

Health Visitors

If you haven't met your Health Visitor before you give birth, you certainly will after!

As part of the healthy child programme, children and families are entitled to routine health and development reviews with their Health Visitor. 

They can also offer additional support when needed, and can signpost you to help for you and your family. 

Your health visitor will be able to answer many of your questions about your baby's health and development during your scheduled visits. 

 

Postpartum Care

Your routine care will be carried out by the health visitor in the weeks after having your baby, but it is very important to schedule and attend your 

During this appointment, it's very common to forget all the important questions you have been thinking of over the past couple of weeks. 

It's helpful to write things down that you want to ask and bring these questions with you to the appointment, and remember to be honest!

Your GP is here to help you, not to judge. Many of the feelings that you may have experienced are common.

baby feet

 

Resources for New Parents

 

Postpartum Anxiety(PPA) and Depression(PPD)

Depression after a baby is born can be extremely distressing. Postnatal depression is common, and is thought to affect around 1 in 10 women.

When you have postnatal depression, you may feel increasingly depressed and despondent. Looking after yourself or your baby may become too much. Symptoms of PPA/PPD may include:

 

Emotional Signs of PPA/PPD

  • Loss of interest in the baby

  • Feeling of Hopelessness

  • Not Being Able to Stop Crying

  • Feelings of Not Being Able to Cope

  • Not Being Able to Enjoy Anything

  • Memory Loss or Being Unable to Concentrate

  • Excessive Anxiety About the Baby

 

Physical Signs of PPA/PPD

  • Panic Attacks

  • Sleeplessness

  • Extreme Tiredness

  • Aches and Pains

  • Feeling Generally unwell

  • Loss of Appetite

 

If you think you have postnatal depression, don't struggle alone. It's not a sign that you're a bad mother or are unable to cope. Postnatal depression is an illness and you need to get help, just as you would if you had the flu or a broken leg.

You may find it beneficial to get out with other parents - We have been informed of a local well-being choir group for maternal health.

They are inclusive to all women and you are invited to bring your babies, children, grandchildren etc! Singing is proven to be a powerful antidepressant and is a great way to connect with other local mums. 

 

PPA/PPD in Fathers

Whether it’s sleep deprivation, money worries, new responsibilities, or the relationship dynamic shifting, dads also have a lot to take on board.

This is a huge life change for both parents. On top of this, dads might feel guilty about what their partner is going through, knowing they aren’t the ones breastfeeding at 3 am or healing from labour and birth.

Dads can also experience PPD in the first year after birth, and as with PPD in mums, it often goes undiagnosed. The symptoms can look a lot like the everyday stresses of having a newborn.

Hormonal changes can also play a role. Hormones such as testosterone, vasopressin and prolactin may change in dads during the period after their babies arrive.

 

man holding baby

Postnatal depression in dads can show itself in different ways. Symptoms can include:

  • Fear, confusion, helplessness and uncertainty about the future

  • Indecisiveness

  • Marital conflict

  • Negative parenting behaviors

  • Physical symptoms like indigestion, changes in appetite and weight, diarrhea, constipation, headaches, toothaches and nausea.

  • Withdrawal from family life, work and social situations

  • Frustration, irritability, cynicism and anger

  • Partner violence

  • Alcohol and drug use

  • Insomnia

 

We understand that for men it might feel uncomfortable to talk openly about your mental health, but there is no shame in seeking help. 

For further information to help with your mental health journey, we have a dedicated Men's Health page with reliable recourses to guide you.

 

New Fathers Support

Dads are a major part of many families but don't always have the tools to complete parenting programs. Movember has launched the world's first parenting programme designed for dads: Family Man.

Parents, especially dads, need proven parenting strategies known to work. Family Man is 100% backed by research-helping you keep cool during the worst meltdowns.

Watch the episodes to unlock the toolkit and become the family man you know you are!

 

Last Reviewed: 20/02/2026