Congratulations on your pregnancy

Useful information

The following links can help to support, and prepare you for the arrival of your baby, with as little stress as possible. If you do not have access to the internet, or you are not able to view any of these web sites, please speak to your midwife.

We hope you find this information useful and we look forward to taking this journey with you.

General information

• Bump, Birth and Beyond: Kent and Medway

  This website covers all aspects of pregnancy, from conception to mental health, to screening in pregnancy. It can be accessed in any language.

• East Kent Hospitals' Maternity Patient Information Library

  Links to leaflets produced by the East Kent Hospitals' Maternity Team, and external organisations we think would be of interest to our patients and their families.

• Healthy eating pregnancy: Better Health Start for Life

  Advice from the NHS about eating a healthy diet during your pregnancy.

• Pregnancy: NHS

  Information from the NHS about pregnancy.

• Screening tests for you and your baby

  This website contains information from the government about screening tests offered for you and your baby during your pregnancy.

• Tommy's Pregnancy Hub

  Information regarding a healthy pregnancy including movements, mental health, and wellbeing.

• Tommy's: Welcome to our Helpline for Black and Black Mixed-Heritage women

  Specialist support for Black or Black Mixed-Heritage pregnant women or birthing people living in the UK.

• Your choice where to have your baby

  Information produced by the NHS for healthy, low-risk women having their first baby.

Mental health

• Mental health: Kent County Council

  Mental health support from Kent County Council, including local services.

• Mental Health Matters (MHM)

  A website with helpful leaflets regarding mental health. The information can be accessed in many ways, including British Sign Language (BSL).

• Mind

  Website for general mental health advice.

• NHS Talking Therapies

  Kent counselling and talking therapies. You can self-refer to these services if needed.

• Tommy's: your mental health after the birth

  Mental health information from Tommy’s, covering the whole pregnancy journey.

Smoking in pregnancy

• East Kent Hospitals. Alcohol and smoking: keeping well during pregnancy

  Information from the hospital's Maternity Team, regarding the affect smoking and alcohol can have on your baby during pregnancy. It outlines the benefits of giving up, and the help and support we can give you.

• Stop smoking in pregnancy: NHS

  Information about smoking in pregnancy. The benefits of stopping and the risks to yourself and your unborn baby.

Feeding your baby

Each of the links below provide advice and support for feeding your baby

• Bottle Feeding Resources: UNICEF The Baby Friendly Initiative

  Resources, information, support and advice for bottle feeding.

• Breastfeeding and bottle feeding advice: NHS

  Breastfeeding and bottle feeding advice from the NHS.

• Breastfeeding helpline
  Telephone: 0300 100 0212
  Open 9.30am to 9.30pm, every day of the year.
  Independent, confidential, non-judgemental breastfeeding support and advice.

• Breastfeeding in Kent: #bedside you

  Provides local breastfeeding support.

• Friendly breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards: La Leche League GB

  Breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards.

• The Breastfeeding Companion

  Some videos for various stages of feeding your baby.

• The Breastfeeding Network

  Independent breastfeeding support. 

Social support

• Benefits and financial support for families

  Government advice on benefits and financial support for families.

• Family Action: building stronger families 

  For families needing financial, practical or emotional support.

• Housing help and advice: Thanet District Council

  Housing help and advice from Thanet District Council.

• Money Helper

  Advice on what you may be able to claim whilst you are pregnant.

• Porchlight

  Housing, financial, and mental or physical health support for people who may be homeless or vulnerable.

Domestic violence support

• Rising Sun Domestic Violence and Abuse Service

  Rising Sun supports women and children affected by domestic abuse in Canterbury and East Kent.

• Domestic abuse support services in Kent and Medway

  Specialist support services for domestic abuse in Kent and Medway.

• Oasis: helping survivors live a safe life 

  For support with domestic abuse.

Drug and alcohol support

• Change Grow Live

  Supporting various aspects if you want to change your life.

• Forward: Thanet Hub

  Supporting various aspects including drug and alcohol use, housing, financial support, employment and family support.

• Red Zebra

  Links to various community groups and social support in East Kent.