| Maternity Support
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When
you are first pregnant
Free pregnancy tests used to be available
but most women are now expected to purchase a pregnancy testing kit from a pharmacy to do
their own home test. For details of centres in Devonport that will carry out
pregnancy tests click here. It is very important for the health of the
expectant mother and of her developing baby that she should visit her doctor as soon as
she thinks she is pregnant. Community Midwives are attached to each family
doctor's surgery/health centre. A mother-to-be will usually meet her Community
Midwife at the surgery or by prior arrangement at home in early pregnancy.
Alcohol in Pregnancy
There has been much media publicity about
safe levels of alcohol for mothers-to-be. Follow the link for the
guidance offered by the
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists
Devon and Cornwall Independent Midwives offer holistic care which
is individually tailored to your pregnancy and birth. They
guarantee that you will know the midwife who will support you in labour.
Their aim is to make your birth a joyful and empowering experience.
To find out more about their service call Nicky on (01752) 721505 or
follow the link to the DCIM website.
(They are not part of the NHS.)
Pilates for Pregnancy is offered
at Lipson Vale Primary School on Wednesday evenings by a qualified Pilates instructor who
also offers post-natal Pilates 6-week courses (babies are also welcome!). Telephone Sue Smith on 07713 485806 to book or for further
information.
National
Childbirth Trust (NCT)
The broad aim of the NCT is education for parenthood, which includes increasing awareness of the natural processes of pregnancy and childbirth and
understanding of the medical assistance which is available for those who need it. It also realises the need for parents to explore and come
to terms with their new role of parenting and caring for children.
The
National
Childbirth Trust main Website has advice and information on Pregnancy, Birth, After
the Birth, Becoming a Dad, Child Development and much more. The Plymouth and West
Devon Branch welcomes new members. Contact details are available through the NCT
website.
Breastfeeding
The Midwives in Plymouth give every
encouragement and support to breast-feeding mothers, as do the community health visitors.
The
National
Childbirth Trust Website has more information about breastfeeding. For a list of
places in Plymouth with facilities for breast-feeding mothers please click here.
Visit the
Plymouth
Latch On website for information on support groups in Plymouth.
Advice on Reducing the Risk of Cot Death
Research continues into the causes and
possible means of preventing cot death (otherwise known as sudden infant death syndrome).
The Plymouth Hospitals NHS Trust Maternity Services Information booklet 2000
contains the following advice, which has resulted from considerable research into the
possible causes of cot death.
Lie your baby on his back to sleep.
Avoid smoking during and after
pregnancy and smoky rooms.
Do not let your baby get too hot (or
too cold). To check how warm your baby is, feel the tummy not hands and feet which
often feel cold.
Use thin layers of clothing and
bedding that can be easily removed. When indoors babies over 4 weeks old do not need
more clothes than their parents. The amount of bedding needed depends on the room
temperature.
Do not overheat your home - 65 °F
(18 °C) is ideal for a baby.
Remember to remove warm outdoor
clothes when you take your baby indoors.
Do not use duvets, cot bumpers or
pillows for babies under 1 year old.
Do not share a bed with an infant
less than eight weeks old (new advice January 2004) - the safest place
for a baby up to the age of 6 months is in a cot beside your bed.
The midwife and health visitor will
help parents who need further advice and it is worth remembering that cot death is rare.
The
Stillbirth and
Neonatal Death Society
is a support group for parents who have suffered bereavement and they have compiled an
advice section on their Website.
The Foundation for the
Study of Infant Deaths is working to prevent sudden deaths and promote
health. Please click here.
Pregnancy
testing is available in the Devonport area at
Twelves
Company.
Smoking Advice Service
"Giving up smoking is
the single most important thing you can do for your health and to give your baby a healthy
start in life." There is a lot of support and advice available to help you,
your partner and your family to give up smoking. Call the specialist service
helpline on (01752) 314040. The specialist service offers individual and group
support sessions at Mount Gould or Derriford Hospitals or at your own home. |
