Pregnancy, Childbirth and Parenting and adoption helplines
NHS
Sleep and tiredness after having a baby
All you need to know to have a healthy and happy pregnancy, and to make sure you get the care that's right for you. It has over 250 pages of NHS-accredited information, including videos and interactive planning tools. You'll also find all the facts you need to choose the best maternity services in your area.
NHS inform is Scotland's national health information service. Our aim is to provide the people in Scotland with accurate and relevant information to help them make informed decisions about their own health and the health of the people they care for.
Tommy’s
Pregnancy Line: 0800 0147 800
Pregnancy and Post-birth Wellbeing Plan
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
Comprehensive website with details of all aspects of pregnancy and giving birth to a healthy baby, as well as a Midwife Helpline.
The National Childbirth Trust
Helpline: 0300 330 0700
Hypnobirthing - where to start
Becoming a parent is a life-enhancing experience, but it can also be challenging and sometimes stressful. We are here to help you through this transition, offering relevant information, reassurance and mutual support.
We provide a safe space for mothers, expectant mothers and those trying to conceive to build friendships, ask questions and find support. Introducing you to women nearby who are at a similar stage in life, Peanut provides access to a community of women who are there to listen, share information and offer valuable advice. Whether it’s understanding IVF, adoption, pregnancy, first years or nursery and beyond, Peanut is a place to connect with women like you.
The Baby Centre
How to recover after a traumatic birth
As parent, you won't need telling that you could do with some more sleep. You may be so tired that you can barely remember your own name, let alone where you’ve put your car keys. Though a good night’s sleep is the obvious remedy, this can sometimes seem impossible when you've got a baby to look after. Here's how to get through the days that follow those sleepless nights.
Peeps
Call: 0800 987 5422
Peeps is the only UK charity dedicated to supporting those affected by HIE (Hypoxic-ischaemic encephalopathy), a lack of oxygen to the brain that can cause injury. We provide information to both families and professionals. Peer support, because speaking to a parent or grandparent who has been through the same, or similar experience, can be helpful. Counselling and trauma therapy - Peeps is run by parents and volunteers. We are always happy to lend an ear but we’re not trained professionals. If someone affected by HIE would benefit from speaking to a trained counsellor, then we can arrange support and fund. We also help with costs for equipment if your child needs a little extra support you can apply for help towards the cost of equipment. In addition, we also have a separate bereavement fund.
Kicks Count
Count the Kicks is a UK registered charity that aims to empower mums to be with knowledge and confidence throughout their pregnancy. A baby’s movement indicate its wellbeing and by understanding their baby, mums can be empowered to trust their instincts and ensure the healthy delivery of their baby. The charity produces leaflets with important information about baby’s movements, antenatal note stickers and kick counting wristbands to help mums keep track of baby’s movements and encourages them to contact their midwife or antenatal ward if they notice any change in their baby’s regular pattern of movement. A similar campaign in Norway saw the rates of stillbirth drop by 33% and in the UK a similar awareness campaign in the 1980′s around cot death saw rates of sudden infant deaths fall by a massive 70%.
Bliss
Bliss was established 30 years ago and continues to champion the care of our most vulnerable babies and their families. We are the only national charity dedicated to improving the survival and long-term quality of life for babies born too soon, too small or too sick to cope on their own.
The Breastfeeding Network
National Breastfeeding Helpline: 0300 100 0212
www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk Comprehensive source of information and support for breastfeeding women and for those involved in their care.
La Leche League
For friendly mother-to-mother breastfeeding support from pregnancy through to weaning.
Twins Trust (Formerly Twins and Multiple Birth Association)
Twinline: 0800 138 0509
Whether you would like to chat about expecting twins, triplets or more; feeding, sleeping, starting school, friendships, getting to grips with the teenage years, or anything multiples related, Twinline can provide the support you need. Sometimes you just may need a listening ear from somebody who understands. All our trained volunteers are parents of twins. This is a free service and available to everyone.
Family Lives
Parentline: 0808 800 2222 (9am-9pm weekdays. 10am-3pm weekends)
Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families. If you need to talk, we're here to listen. Find advice on all aspects of family life from relationships, special educational needs, stepfamilies, fostering, to holidays and online safety.
Netmumswww.netmums.com Netmums is a unique local network for Mums (or Dads), offering a wealth of information on both a national and local level. Once you have registered on your local site you can access details for all kinds of local resources, from child-friendly cafes to childminders, places to go and much, much more.