Whether you are the baby’s parent, partner, close friend, or relative, there are many meaningful ways to support your loved one throughout their pregnancy.

Welcoming a baby is often one of life’s most significant milestones, but it can also be a challenging time filled with questions and UHCW, we are committed to supporting the entire family during this journey. We’ve created a range of resources and information to guide you, and we value your feedback. If there’s anything missing from our pages or additional information you’d like us to include, please email us at NewBeginningsAntenatal@uhcw.nhs.uk

Skin-to-skin contact is incredibly beneficial for babies. It helps soothe and relax them, regulates their heart rate, temperature, and breathing, and promotes digestion and feeding. This special bonding time is important for both the baby and their caregivers. We recommend that mothers hold their baby skin-to-skin for at least the first hour after birth and during the first feed. When mum steps away for a shower, it’s the perfect opportunity for dads or partners to enjoy skin-to-skin time too. If you plan to do this, please avoid shaving your chest, as stubble may irritate the baby’s sensitive skin.

What Should I Bring With Me?

We understand the vital role of a birth partner and the importance of their support during labour. To ensure you are comfortable and prepared, we recommend bringing a few essentials with you.

Labour can be a lengthy process, and there may be moments when mum needs to rest. During this time, having a book, magazine, or something to keep you entertained can be helpful. It’s also important to stay hydrated and eat well to maintain your energy and prevent feeling faint. Be sure to pack snacks and drinks for both yourself and mum to have during labour.

For more information or ideas regarding what to bring with you, please click here.

DadPad

We are delighted to announce the launch of Dadpad. It is an evidence based app accessible to all fathers living in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull and is FREE of charge. It is designed to reduce your anxieties, create a strong bond and healthy attachment with your baby, build stronger family relationships and recognise when you or your partner might need to get help for your mental health. Download the app at www.thedadpad.co.uk/app

Fatherhood Solutions

Fatherhood Solutions offers support to dads on all aspects of parenting. We also offer training and consultation to NHS, Local authorities, frontline services, third sector and the corporate sector. They offer activities and groups designed specifically for dads. For more information you can access their website to see what they have going on.

MENTalk

MENtalk is about improving health and wellbeing by being active, playing sports and socialising. The talking part is optional and on a 1-1 basis.

It supports individuals struggling with their mental health and wellbeing. The sessions are aimed at people aged 18+ and supports them regardless of the severity of their mental health problems. The session offers a warm, open environment for individuals to take part in activities (such as football, basketball, badminton, table tennis etc) and receive targeted mental health support as and when it is necessary.

• The sport sessions are every week and FREE
• There’s mental health support by experienced mental health support workers, and IMHA (independent mental health advocate) from voiceability.
• The sessions are participant led, it’s not a fitness class, you only do what you can, or you can come and watch and have a chat.
• You can leave early/come late/ miss sessions if you have other appointments.
• Availability for before/after sessions or online for a 1-1 chat (at participants request)

To register your interest please visit MENtalk Referral Form and someone will get in touch with you directly.

Safer Sleep

The Lullaby Trust safer sleep advice gives simple steps for how you can sleep your baby to reduce the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) which is commonly known as cot death. It can give you the peace of mind to enjoy this special time.

The Lullaby Trust’s advice is based on strong scientific evidence and should be followed for all sleep periods, not just at night. You can access their website here.

How to Fit a Car Seat

This website gives you advice on different types of car seats, how to fit them, positing your child in the car seat, airbags and car seats and much more advice and information.

Paternity Leave

This website will give you up to date information on what Paternity Leave you are entitled to, employment rights when on leave, planning the start date of your Paternity Leave and much more information about your Paternity Leave Entitlements and attending Antenatal Appointments.

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