2
Are you ready for the you through Changes can help guide Designed your parenting journey. s. just for Sandwell parent
You’ll meet other parents, share ideas and le arn from each other. Your F REE Changes book will give you more hints and tip s and show what an imp ortant role being a paren t is!
RULES ROUTINES SCHOOL
TANTRUM S
LEARNING
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Changes: Ante natal
Helping to gu through a healide you happy pregnanthy and cy.
3
in your child’s life? ONLINE SAFE
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Primary Changes: The School Years
ary navigate prim Helping you to lishing good ab school life. Est ines, tips to ut ro day-to-day ng, managing support learni eas on how id behaviour and family. y th al he a be to
HOMEWORK
Changes The Seco : School Y ndary ears S
upportin as they g your teen g move int row and o world. L the big wide earning, technolo digital g pressur y, teenage es and m ore!
ut re abo o m t u o sit To find es, please vi .uk Chang well.co
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nd althysa e h . w : ww , go to k o o b o or t / hen.com w k o o b www. 4changes book
4
w ha t is
? g i e n e lb l w
eing wellb o t s 5 way
Wellbeing is all about feeling good e. and doing well in our day-to-day lif Lots of things play a part in our wellbeing, including what we do, the way we think - as do other things in our lives like our lifestyle, work, money, education, our health and where we live.
T he 5 w a y s to w el lb ei n g a re a ct io n s w e ca n ta k e to im pr ov e ou r w el lb ei n g. Small things can make a big impact on our wellbeing.
Wellbeing is... life’s The ability to cope with most of problems and make the about life’s opportunities. It is oning feeling good and functi s well, both as individual and collectively.
yo ur
5 ways
eing to wellb
w e l l be i n g
You may have mixed emotions about your pregnanc y and your bab y. However, if you feel you are finding it difficult to cope with a normal day, you should talk this through with your midwife or health visitor. Here are some common signs to look out for:
l Tearfulness l Feeling overwhelmed l Being irritable/arguing l Lack of interest in usual thing s l Problems sleeping l Extreme energy l Lack of concentration l Change in appetite l Racing thoughts l Feeling more anxious
Talking th ro you get t ugh how you are f hro ee time of b ugh the exciting y ling helps ecoming a et challen gin parent. It who you talk to bu doesn’t m g a t it is wo someone y rth having tter ou can tr ust and c right supp an ort – mid wives, hea give you the doctors w lth ill always want to h visitors and elp you.
5
6
5 w a Ys n g ei l b l E w O t
Wellbeing is about feeling good and doing well in your day to day life.
Connect • Spend time with your family an d
friends • Talk to someone instead of sen ding an email • Ask someone how their day wa s and really listen when they tell you • Ask a neighbour how they are • Join a club, hobby or interest group
Be Active • Go for a walk at lunchtime • Take the stairs instead of the lift
• Go to the park with the kids after school or at the weekend • Get off the bus one stop early or park further away • Go to an exercise class. Check out #MoveMoreSandwell for ideas near you
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Take Notice • Take some deap breaths. Look around, what do you see?
• Think about your strengths and reflect on the positives
• Turn the TV off when you are eating
• Take a different route on your journey
• Have a clear the clutter day
Keep Learning • Learn a new word • Try a new recipe and cook something different • Do a puzzle from the newspaper • Read the news or a book: try your local library • Learn something new - find out about courses and activities on DiscoverSandwell.co.uk
Give Back • Make someone a drink • Give your unwanted things to a charity shop
• Let a car out of a junction in front of you
• Give someone a smile • Volunteer
8
g ei n b e ll My W P l e dg es Connect I will...
Be Active I will...
Take Notice I will...
Keep Learning I will...
Give Back I will...
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t h a l h e a l e M nt oaster c r e l l o r a e b n t ca Being pregnan plenty e r a e r e h T . y l emotional ns . . . w o d d n a s p u f o If the ‘downs’ mean that mom is teary and anxious most of the time, have lost interest in themselves or their pregnancy – whatever the reason – then you need to do something about it. These feelings are not uncommon and mom should not feel guilty about not feeling happy.
tory of Women with a his must es mental health issu they so tell their midwife is might can discuss how th ncy and affect their pregna and re birth. The right ca anned. pl support can then be
l a n o i Em o t bei ng W el l
llbeing e W l a n io t o m E l a n Sandwell’s Mater d their n a n e m o w r fo t r po Team provide sup h of a baby. t ir b e h t r e ft a d n families before a They are able to listen or offer practical advice to help manage the feelings mom is having and help them cope better. They can also:
l
Support with postnatal depression
l
Miscarriage
l
Traumatic delivery
l l l
Low self esteem
Relationship problems
Mental health problems
0303 033 9903 Contact via the HUB: minds@nhs.net hy lt ea lh el dw an .s pft Email: bc minds.nhs.uk www.sandwellhealthy
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BAB Y S T E N M M O VE is a Feeling baby move well. sign that they are
Most women usually begin to feel their baby move between 16 and 24 weeks. A baby’s movement can be described as anything from a kick, flutter, swish or roll.
How often should the baby move? There is no set number of normal movements.
It is NOT TRUE that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy.
The baby will have their own patterns of movements that mom should get to know. From 16-24 weeks on mom should feel the baby move more and more up until 32 weeks then stay roughly the same until they give birth.
Mom should CONTINUE to feel their baby move right up to the time they go into labour and whilst they are in labour too.
Mom must NOT WAIT until the next day to seek advice if she is worried about her baby’s movements. If mom thinks her baby’s movements have slowed down or stopped, make sure they contact their midwife or maternity unit immediately (it is staffed 24 hrs, 7 days a week). l DO NOT put off calling until the next day to see what happens. l Don’t worry about phoning it is important for the doctors and
midwives to know if the baby’s movements have slowed down.
Do not us e held monit any hand o or phone rs, Dopplers a check the pps to heartbeat baby’s . heartbeat Even if a is detecte d this does not mean , that baby is well.
Why are the baby’s movements important? A reduction in a baby’s movements can sometimes be an important warning sign that a baby is unwell. Around half of women who had a stillbirth noticed their baby’s movements had slowed down or stopped.
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I G N D F BREAST EE Breastfeeding is normal and natural and is the healthiest way to feed baby. However, it is not always easy. This is especially true if mom does not get the right support.
07505 775357
07816 061633
milk t s a e r B ect is perf y for bab
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BR E AS T F EE D I N G
s f i t e e n b h t hea l Benefits for mom: Lowers their risk of... l Breast cancer l Ovarian cancer l Osteoporosis (weak bone s) l Cardiovascular disease l Obesity
Benefits for baby:
Lowers their risk of...
er visits to hospital as a result
l Infections, with few
ng, spital with fewer visits to ho as a result
l Diarrhoea and vomiti
l Sudden infant death
syndrome (SIDS)
ia l Childhood leukaem l Type 2 diabetes l Obesity
e
as l Cardiovascular dise in adulthood
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LE T T BO N G I D F EE
to bottle feed g in n n la p is m o m If t milk or s a e r b d e s s e r p x e with will help formula, these tips healthy. d n a fe a s y b a b p e ke Tips on bottle feeding: l Only give first milk, not follow-on milks, any brand will do l Hold baby close and give eye contact l Keep the teat full otherwise baby will take in air l Baby may need winding during the feed and may need to burp sometimes l Feed baby when they’re hungry, don’t force them to finish a bottle l Throw away unused formula within 2 hour s l Never leave a baby alone to feed with a propped-up bottle as they may choke
G I N S L I R I ST E S LE T T BO R YO U
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leaned c e b o t uce s need d e e l t r t o o t b d ’s Baby re use a y e h t e arm, w every tim f tummy upsets. n i o Wash ater using k s i r e th w e baby’s bottles: is il er st o t Ways Cold water st
soapy tle brush. a bot
s to be changed
- The solution need on for 30 mins. ti erilising solution
e solu ed to be left in th ne s le tt bo e th d every 24 hours, an me with the structions that co in . w llo fo g n si facing downwards e ar s at Steam sterili te d an s e sure the bottle equipment. Mak s water is dangerou t ho as l fu re ca be ment - be Boiling the equipbaby. The bottles and teats will need to the to adults and to t 10 minutes. boiled for at leas
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P L E E S R S A FE S E BI A FO R B :
an do c u o y s g n Thi
Keep baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth.
Always place baby on their back to sleep.
Breastfeeding is best for baby.
For the first six months, baby should sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as mom and dad.
Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in a good condition.
S A F ER S L E F O R BA B E P IE S Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with baby.
Don’t sleep in the same bed as baby if you smoke, drink or take drugs or if baby was born prematurely or was of low birth weight.
Syndrome h t a e D t n a Sudden Inf sudden and he (SIDS) is t ath of a baby for de h unexpected nd althoug a n o s a e r s no obviou how to w o n k t e y we don’t SIDS, it is t n e v e r p ly r complete cantly lowe ifi n ig s o t g possible it happenin f o s e c n a the ch e advice. h t g in w o ll by fo
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Things to av
oid:
Avoid letting baby get too hot. Don’t cover baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding.
Email: info@lullabytrust.org.uk Telephone: 0808 802 6869 Website: www.lullabytrust.org.uk
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y a r b b u y o i g t A vo i d l e t n
t ho oo t e g t
Make sure that your baby is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold
l
l
A room temperature of 16-20°C, with light bedding or a lightweight baby sleep bag
l
l
Use a room thermometer in the rooms where your baby sleeps and plays
Babies who are unwell need fewer, not more bed clothes
l l
he safest Remember: t baby to ur place for yo same he sleep is in t for the ou room with y . ths first six mon
Babies do not need to wear hats indoors, nor sleep under a duvet or quilt
intended as a guide. Advice on room temperature is your baby regularly to Every baby is different, so check y’s tummy or the back see if he or she is too hot. Feel bab and feet will usually of their neck (your baby’s hands r baby’s skin is hot or be cooler, which is normal). If you ers of bedclothes. sweaty, remove one or more lay
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6 t o w n fa m i ly of e f r De livered through core children’s centre s in each town of the borough. Offering su pport to children, young people and families. vices in the area
l Information and advice about ser l Antenatal education classes l Health Visitor clinics and groups s l Links to local early years nurserie ns l Welfare rights and advice sessio ng for Two places l Support on accessing Early Learni children 0-2 years l ‘Ready, steady learn’ activities for rt l Autism spectrum disorder suppo l Early help support for families l Parenting groups es and l Links to family learning opportuniti employment support l Volunteering opportunities
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Y M l I F A E D L L a W S N INFORMATION HUB
Visit Sandwell’s Family Information Service Hub to find out more information about childcare options and other family support services. Just Youth
Just Youth is a website designed for young people by young people and lets you know what’s on in Sandwell, wherever you are, any time you like.
Children and Families
Information about applying for funding, child care and services available in Sandwell for all families, children, young people and professionals.
Care Leaver Local Offer
Information for young people who are in care or have been in care in Sandwell ages 16-25. This website lets you know what support is available to you.
SEND Local Offer
Supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0-25.
For more information visit:
https://fis.sandwell.gov.uk/ Email: family_information@sandwell.gov.uk or call: 0121 569 4914
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H E a lt h y s an d w e ll, h e a lt h y y o u ! If you live in Sandwell we have lot s of free help and support available to make your life healthier and happier. Our most popular ser vices are:
Get active Alcohol services
es
ervic
s Drug
Healthy eating
Best start
NHS Health check
Stop smoking
For more information visit:
www.healthysandwell.co.uk
Healthy weight
Well being
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R E CA G T A KI N F L S E R O F YO U B IRT H E H T E R T AF exciting ly the most b a b o r p is t n e r a p Being a body’s life! y n a f o e m ti l a n o and emoti
h a small thing Who would have thought that suc feeding, could demand so much attention, ng! changing and washing. It’s exhausti But whilst you are spending all of your time looking after your baby, take a moment to think about yourself.
Making sure you’re ok will mean that you’ll be doing your best for your baby.
Ask for help l
25 TA K I O F YN G CA RE OU R S ELF
Getting help from your partner, family, or friends - whether that’s washi ng, cooking, cleaning, or looking aft er the little one for a bit, is really impo rtant to help you get through this busy tim e.
Get some sleep l
Sleep is more precious than gold when you have a baby! The truth is tha t for the first few weeks or months you wo n’t get enough. But remember, it will ge t better, and those late night cuddles with your little one really are a special tim e that you will treasure forever.
l
tive, and You could try to get ac inking and to hold back on the dr make sure smoking - they all help sleep. you have good quality
26
Get active l
If you’ve had a straight forward birth, you can start gentle exercising as soon as you feel up to it - walking , gentle stretches, pelvic floor exercises and deep stomach ex ercises
l
l l l
Walking is the easiest way to get out and about. And exercise helps you and your child to sleep better. So just use your two feet whenever you can: If you already have kids, walk them to school
Walk to work, to a friend’s house, the park or the shops
Park the car further away than you need
l
Take the long way
l
Talk and walk with a friend
l
l
Talk and walk with your baby in a buggy or sling
Wait until your 6 week postnata l check until you do any high impact exercise
27 TA K I O F YN G CA RE OU R S ELF
ime
layt P e v i t c A l l
l
Even very little babies can be active!
Getting them out of their cot or rocker for a cuddle or a game of peek-a-boo is a great way of getting them to interact and move their muscles
They also love to kick their legs and wiggle about so make sure they have enough space when they lie down
Swimming l
Most swimming pools have separate areas or times for parents with babies or toddlers
l
Babies will love the feel of being in the water, as well as gentle play or splashing in the pool
28
t hy a l e h e A ti ng s nt a re p fo r n e w ill
iority. It w r p a ll e w g n ti a e Try to make hy eating is lt a e h d n a , r e tt e b make you feel whole family. important for the
l
l
e portions Aim to eat at least fiv a day of fruit and vegetables
of there’s lots , t h ig e w e p support. ed to los e u n o r u g o d y n k a l in idua If you th luding indiv P should be able to c in , le b a il G help ava u midwife or r, o it is ons near yo v ti h p lt o a t e u h o r b u a Yo on re informati o m u o y e giv
e 4 Life g n a h C Try the for healthy website ctivity tips a food and d your child. an for you ge4Life n a h C / k .u www.nhs
l
If you attend a group, be sure to tell them that you have recently had a baby – and let them know if you’re breastfeeding – so they can give you the right advice
29
Time-saving food tips for new parents l l
l
Try cooking more than you need and freeze a couple of extra portions for another day
Tinned or frozen fruit and vegetables are quick to prepare, and count towards your five portions a day
Choose vegetables that can be eaten raw – for example, carrots and celery – and snack on these between meals if you get peckish
l l
Steaming is a healthy and quick way to cook vegetables and fish
keen to help, take If friends or family are thy home-cooked up their offer of a heal dinner once in a while
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g i n o k m s t op s y b ba a nd fo r y o u and your do for you n a c u o y g in th t s e The b stop smoking. to is h lt a e h ’s y b a new b
l
l
are three times Children whose parents smoke themselves. more likely to become smokers
is especially Passive smoking s as they harmful for babie eveloped have less well-d d airways, lungs an s. immune system
l
Smoking has also been linked to sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS, or cot death).
l
You’re up to four times more likely to stop smoking successfu lly if you do it with support.
l
Give up with support from Healthy Sandwell.
Contact them on 0800 0114656 to find out how they can help you quit!
A VO I D a LC OH OL l
31
After a long, hard day, it can fee l like you need to unwind with a glass of wine or be er. But it’s actually easier to get a good night’s sleep if we avoid drinking too much.
l
h Why not unwind with a long bath, a chat wit tner. your best friend, or a cuddle with your par
l
If you’re breastfeeding, it’s important not to drink too much or too often. Alcohol makes it difficult to release milk - which means your baby may need to feed more often, or may not want to feed at all. Alcohol can also pass into your breast milk which may affect your baby’s feeding, sleeping or digestion.
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l t a n a s t o p t is i ? n s i o e d ep r s l
l
Depression after a baby is born can be extremely distressing. Postnatal depression is thought to affect around one in 10 women (and up to four in 10 teenage mo thers). eir friends, relatives Many women suffer in silence. Th ow how they’re feeling. and health professionals don’t kn
l
l
Postnatal depression usually occurs two to eight weeks after the birth, though sometimes it can happen up to a year after the baby is born.
tability or poor appetite Symptoms such as tiredness, irri by. But these are are normal if you’ve just had a ba leading a normal life. usually mild and don’t stop you
l
When you have postnatal depression, you may feel increasingly depressed and despondent. Looking after yourself or your baby may become too much.
Emotional s postnatal d igns of epression may includ e:
33
l loss of intere st in the baby l feelings of ho pelessness l not being able to stop crying l feelings of no t being able to co pe l not being able to enjoy anythin g l memory loss l being unable to concentrate l excessive anx iety about the b aby
of Other signs sion pres postnatal de lude: may also inc l panic attacks l sleeplessness ness l extreme tired ins l aches and pa l anxiety te l loss of appeti erally unwell n e g g n li e fe l
If you postnatathink you hav then tr l depression e someoney talking to you can trust. Talk to a friend your partner, or make, health visito r with yo an appointmen t ur loca l GP.
g i n k ta l b y a b r t o yo u
34
s that n io t a d n u o f any of the m p o l e v e elopment d v e d e g a Babies u g n ech and la e p s in p r e d un months. 2 1 t s ir f ir e in th
Talk to your baby Talk to your baby and treat them as a talker.
l
l
l
When you finish talking, wait for them to respond – they will!
ts babbling, When your baby star bble back. copy your baby and ba at they babble You’ll probably find th is keeps the back to you again. Th eat fun! talking going and is gr
35
n.gov.uk ig a p m a .c s ylittlemind www.hungr arlyyears e / k .u g r .o t icationtrus n u m m o c e h es.co.uk www.t m o c t u o ly r countryea www.black
Read wit
h your b
l
aby
Read and share lots of books wit h your baby. Reading to your child helps them learn new words from the books you share; words we don’t usually use when we talk.
l
Reading lets your child hear words in different contexts, which helps them learn the meaning and function of words.
l
Hearing your voice stimulates an interest in sounds and helps your baby develop listening skills.
l
Reading aloud is a wonderful shared activity you can continue for years to come.
SP EE C H A N D L
36
ANG UAGE
Speech and Langu age Therapists off er support about swallowing , communication a nd language development from pregnancy onwar ds. If a child does not make progress with the support of community services a referral for specialist support from the local Speech and Language Th erapy service should be considered. Contact 0121 61 2 2010 for referral. You can find help and ideas about communication, language and speech...
l
ittleminds.campaign.gov.uk yl gr un .h w w w l k rlyoutcomes.co.u a e y tr n u o c k c la www.b
r E f t a G n k i loo h e t e t s ’ b y ba l
Start brushing baby’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first milk tooth breaks through. Use a fluoride paste, as this helps to prevent and control tooth decay.
l
ce just before Brush their teeth twice a day: on e during the day. bedtime and at least one other tim
l
Take your child to the dentist wh en their first milk teeth appear. Th is is so they get to know the dentist.
R NHS emembe r FREE dental c ... ar for child e is ren!
l
When you visit the dentist, be positive fun! and make the trip
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Looking for something fun to do with friends and family? Then look no further than Sandwell . n events and We have lots of fu place across activities taking wns in Sandwell’s six to ms and our parks, museu for all. libraries suitable
View the events calendar to find out about events or if you know of any events not listed, you can submit a new event to the calendar.
a For more inform
tion visit:
dwell.co n a s r e v o c is .d w ww
.uk
39
s an d w e l l L I B R Ri s A e Becoming a member is free and entitles you to borrow books, DVDs, CDs and other items from any Sandwell library. l Free to join and borrow up to 30 books, talking books, e-books and more
www.s
andwe ll.gov.u k/ librarie s
l Free activities for children , and adults e.g. rhythm and rhyme lp craft activities and homework he raries
l Free access to IT and Wi-Fi in all lib
at one of l Just turn up and make new friends friends groups the groups, e.g. reading groups, and mother and toddler groups
The library has great facilities.
at to e r g o s It is ily, m a f , s d i have k nts and e The library is baby ev here. an s e i e x t i c e v ll i ent place act my children to for learn.
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e r fa e l w m a t e s t gh ri
e’ about B o t s m o ‘M r o port f Proactive sup to claim. le b a e b y a m y e any benefits th l Help with the completion of all welfare benefit forms l They offer representation at appeal tribunals l Give advice and support on benefits l Benefits payments when they cease or are reduced l Offer appointments to discuss any help with benefits issues l Offer home visits (where appropriate)
Tel: 0121 569 3158 Email: welfarerights_te am
@sandwell.gov.uk Web: www.sandwell.gov .u Benefitsandgrants k/
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hea lthy e rs h c o u v rt sta der four n u d il h c a h it w e os r th Pregnant women o rt vouchers. ta S y h lt a e H t e g years old could
Healthy Start vouchers can
be used to buy:
l Milk l Plain fresh or frozen fruit and vegetables l Infant formula milk l Vitamins You qualify if you’re at least 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under four years old and you or your family get:
l Universal Credit l Income Support l Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
l Income-related Employment and Support Allowance l Child Tax Credit (but not Working Tax Credit)
l You are under 18 and pregnant, even if you don’t get any of the above benefits or tax credits For more information and an ap pli ca tio n fo rm , ple as e go to :
ww w. he alt hysta rt. nh s.u k
free nhs d en t a l c a e r NHS dental care is fr
43
ee in the UK while you’re pregnant and a year afte r your baby is born. Many of us put it off, but it makes sense to see the dentist while it’s free. Some women have sensitive teeth and gums while pregnant, so getting them checked might help ease any discomfort.
cost you about £23.80, A NHS check-up would otherwise ed would cost even more. and any treatment you might ne tween £65.20 for fillings Depending on the treatment be 82.80 for treatments like and removing teeth and up to £2 d bridges. root canals, crowns, dentures an
Free dentist an are appointments not to opportunity . be missed To find a local NHS dentist vis it: www.nhs.uk or telephone 111
44
your he a lt h vi s i to r
Health visitors are trained nurses who support and educate families from pregnancy through to your child’s fifth birthday. You will receive 5
l l
gnant
When you are around 28 weeks pre
r baby g the birth of you in w llo fo s ay d 4 10-1
l l
key visits:
aby is 6-8 When your b
weeks old
’s A review of your child months development at 9-12
l
’s A review of your child years development at 2-2½
45
Health Visitors can provide help with a wide range of issues related to health and well-being, including:
l
l
Post-natal depression
l
l
Stopping smoking
Domestic abuse
Safeguarding advice
l
Contraception and sexual health Some Health Visitors can also prescribe medicine for minor ailments in children.
Sandwell’s Health Visiting Team can be contacted on
0121 612 5021
46
ns e i i z t c a d vi c e l l e d w s an ee,
Citizens Advice offer fr confidential and impartial advice. People go to Citizens Advice for all sorts of issues. You may have money, benefit, housing or employment problems. You may be facing a crisis, or just considering your options.
l Benefits entitlement l Specific maternity grants hts l Employee maternity and parental rig
ahead l Managing your money and thinking
l Income maximisation, including fuel poverty support, warm homes discount scheme, energy savings l Debt advice l Dealing with rent or mortgage arrears
Tel: 03444 111 44 4
22 Lombard St, Wes t West Midlands B70Bromwich, 8RT Email: info@citize nsadvi
sandwell.org.uk ce Web: www.citizen sadvice sandwell.org.uk
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Notes ...
Parent Support Team 2021 Version 1