Antenatal resource pack

We support parents to make an informed choice about how they wish to feed their baby. We want to make sure that parents understand the health benefits of breastfeeding and understanding when your baby wants to be fed and when they are full. For more information visit:

• 0 to 19 public health integrated nursing service: Feeding support/li>
• Unicef: Off to the best start UK

During pregnancy your babies’ brain is growing quickly. To find out how you can support your baby’s development and form a close bond with them visit the following for more information:

• An Introduction to understanding your baby (YouTube)
• LCH infant mental health service

All babies cry. It is a normal way for your baby to communicate with you about what they want and need.

At times, this can be difficult to deal with and sometimes parents find it hard to understand. To keep yourself and your baby safe click the link below to find out about how to cope with a crying baby:

• ICON Cope: Advice for parents

When a 0 to 19 specialist public health nurse comes to your home, they will ask to see where your baby will sleep at night and during the day. This aims to reduce the risk of SUDI (sudden unexpected death in infants) Making sure your baby is safe when they sleep is important.

The Lullaby Trust has lots of information about safer sleep, please visit:

• UNICEF: Caring for your baby at night
• The Lullaby Trust: The best sleeping position for your baby

The website below tells you about the safe use of baby sleep items and car seats:

• The Lullaby Trust: Safer sleep for babies

Immunisations can help protect you and your child.

Your GP surgery will contact you when your child is due for their first immunisations. It is very important that you register your baby with a GP.

For more information :

• NHS: Why vaccination is important
• NHS vaccinations and when to have them
• A guide to immunisation for babies up to 13 months of age

Feelings and emotions can change during pregnancy, after birth and as a new parent. Having a baby and becoming a new parent is a big change – it is ok to ask for help.

How you feel can change through pregnancy and when becoming a new parent. For more information:

• Mental health videos: Best beginnings
• MindWell : Support for new mums and parents
• Leeds Community Healthcare NHS Trust: Perinatal support

It is important to keep yourself and your baby safe. If at any time you are experiencing any form of abuse, you can get advice and support, visit:

• Leeds Domestic Violence Service</li

Being pregnant and becoming a parent can make you think about your own health. Small changes can make a big difference in keeping yourself and your baby healthy and well.

Some families may be able to get help to buy milk and food, vist:

• Get help to buy food and milk (healthy start)

You can get help and support to stop smoking, visit:

• NHS: Stop smoking