graphic with illustrations of different type of people including a man with a pram, a pregnant woman, a family with two parents and a daughter, a family with mother holding a baby and a child in school uniform , a man in a wheelchair, a group of young people sat on the bench with a dog and a climbing frame. Text reads: Nottinghamshire Family Hub Network, helping families get the right support at the right time.

Pregnancy and new parents

Many parents and carers find it hard to talk about difficult feelings during pregnancy or after having a baby because they feel under pressure to be happy. Knowing more about some of the things that new parents and carers can struggle with may help you feel more prepared, and we are here to help you.

The first 1001 days of your child’s life, from the moment you get pregnant, to their 2nd birthday, is the most critical period of development – this is because the earliest experiences starting in pregnancy, shape a baby’s brain development and have a lifelong impact.

During the first two years of life the brain develops a remarkable capacity to absorb information and adapt to its surroundings. From birth to 18 months, connections in the brain are created at a rate of one million per second. Having the right start makes a big difference to their future.

We understand the importance of good care during pregnancy and throughout the early years of your child’s life and work closely with midwives and health visitors to help you give your baby the best start in life.

We have qualified workers in our teams who offer one-to-one or group support with:

  • preparing for a baby
  • breastfeeding
  • sleep
  • children’s development, including listening, speech, language and communication
  • playing with your child
  • child and parent interaction
  • the emotional health of you or your child
  • setting routines and boundaries and managing behaviour
  • feeding your child (including weaning)
  • under ones and new parents' groups
  • your emotional health and wellbeing needs

You are welcome to come into any of our buildings and use our self-weigh facilities. 

Best Start for Life Offer 

Information for expectant families and new parents is available at our Best Start for Life Offer. This is available online and in a leaflet. This is the main place to find out local information and advice about pregnancy, being a new parent and bringing up babies and toddlers. 

Breastfeeding 

If you decide to breastfeed, we have regular BABES (Babies and Breastfeeding Encouragement and Support) groups, and both staff and volunteers who are trained to give support and advice over the phone, or in person.

We are proud to be linked to UNICEF Baby Friendly and help run the Nottinghamshire Breastfeeding Friendly scheme. Find out more information about the benefits of breastfeeding and maternal health for you and your baby.

If you need support during your pregnancy or as a new parent please visit, call or email your local Family Hub.

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