Pregnancy
Being pregnant and having a baby can be a really exciting time, but it can also be quite challenging, especially if this is the first time you are expecting a baby. In order to support you through your pregnancy, the NHS has created a pregnancy and baby guide which provides information and advice on:
- getting pregnant
- being pregnant
- labour and birth
- your newborn
- babies and toddlers
This guide give you lots of practical advice and information to help you get started as you begin your journey into parenthood
Access the NHS pregnancy and Baby guide here (Opens in a new window)
How can I get in touch with a midwife?
Contact the community midwives clerical team early for advice and to talk through your options. They will book you an appointment with your midwife before you’re 12 weeks pregnancy which will help provide the best care for you.
Complete self referral here (Opens in a new window)
- email: direct.access@hey.nhs.uk (Opens in a new window)
- telephone: (01482) 605304 (Mon-Fri 9.00am to 4.30pm)
- text: 07825 280 822
Breastfeeding
There is strong evidence that babies who are breastfed exclusively for the first 6 months, benefit from lower rates of gastroenteritis, respiratory infection, sudden infant death syndrome, obesity and allergies. The NHS Start4Life pages tell you everything you need to know about breastfeeding:
Find out more about breastfeeding here (Opens in a new window)
Doula Project and Breastfeeding Peer Support
The Goodwin Doula Project supports vulnerable or isolated women who would benefit from the extra support of a volunteer doula in their pregnancy, birth or postnatal period. We can support with antenatal and postnatal appointments, be a birth partner if you need us to and help with the emotional and practical aspects of adjusting to being a new parent.
The Breastfeeding Peer Support Service supports all women who want to breastfeed. This includes providing information in the antenatal period, helping soon after birth in the hospital and providing home visits, community groups and a helpline in the postnatal period, for as long as you need.
To refer yourself to either project either talk to your midwife or health visitor or contact the office on 01482 497 811.
You can contact the breastfeeding helpline on –
- telephone: 07980 731 013 (8am-10pm)
- email: doulaproject@goodwintrust.org (Opens in a new window)
You can also visit our local groups and activities directory to find local support groups for pregnancy along with baby and toddler groups.
Us Mums
Us Mums is a fun and friendly exercise programme for pregnant women and new mums with babies across the city of Hull. Designed to help women keep fit, active and social during this unique life stage, the project is delivered by fully qualified Level 3 Pre- and Post-Natal trainers.
Find out more about Us Mums here (Opens in a new window)
Postnatal depression
Postnatal depression is a type of depression that many parents experience after having a baby.
It's a common problem, affecting more than 1 in every 10 women within a year of giving birth. It can also affect fathers and partners.
With support and treatment most women make a full recovery. If you think you may have Postnatal depression, speak to your GP or health visitor as soon as possible.
Find more information on Post Natal depression here (Opens in a new window)
Let’s Talk
The Let’s Talk depression and anxiety service can support you with your mental health. The service is made up of different organisations that have come together to support people in Hull with mental health conditions.
They offer a range of services that support a wide range of issues that may affect you mental health. Including the House of Light, who specialise in antenatal and postnatal depression.
To access the Let's Talk depression and anxiety service Hull, you can either book an appointment or speak to your GP for a referral.
To book an appointment –
- telephone: 01482 247 111 (You can contact them 24 hours a day seven days a week)
- text: Talk’ to 61825 - You will then receive a call from a Let’s Talk advisor within 24 hours
The appointment will give you the opportunity to talk to one of the Let’s Talk team about your needs and feelings. The team will work with you to identify the best course of action. Once you are in agreement, you will then be signposted to one of the Let’s Talk services.
The Let’s Talk service is Free to use for people registered with a Hull GP.
Visit the Let’s Talk depression and anxiety website (Opens in a new window)