Physical activity in pregnancy is safe and healthy l Exercise is great for baby’s development l Exercise helps prevent headaches, stress, tiredness, pelvic pain, backache, constipation and swollen feet l If mom is not active during pregnancy, she is 4.5 times more likely to have a caesarean section l
new to exercise start gently and build up – walking is a great start l Make sure mom always chats with their instructor or midwife to make sure the activities work for them. Exercising during pregnancy lifts mom’s spirits and prepares her for childbirth. Being active 2
If
Go out and visit local facilities including parks, children’s centres, and leisure centres to find out what is going on or visit: Sandwell Leisure Trustwww.slt-leisure.co.ukSessions for moms and expectant moms. Places for People West Bromwich Leisure Centre www.placesleisure.org 3
You don’t need to eat for 2 people!
l Moms
diet. l A supplement of folic acid is important
pregnancy and in early
It can
in broccoli, green
oranges, peas, chick peas. l 10mcg of Vitamin D a day is also required. l
Everything that mom eats and drinks reaches baby in some way and can impact on baby’s health before and after it is born.
don’t need a special diet but it is a good idea to have a healthy
before
pregnancy.
be found
beans,
4
EAT HEALTHILY
Instead of snacks that are high in fat and/ or sugar like crisps, biscuits or chocolate, suggest these healthier options: CHOOSEHEALTHY SNACKS pitta bread filled with grated cheese, lean ham, mashed tuna, salmon, or sardines, with salad salad vegetables, such as carrot, celery or cucumber low-fat lower-sugar plain yoghurt or fromage frais with fruit hummus with wholemeal pitta bread or vegetable sticks ready-to-eat apricots, figs or prunes vegetable and bean soups unsweetened breakfast cereals, or porridge, with milk baked beans on toast or a baked potato milky drinks fresh fruit l l l l l l l l l l 5
In pregnancy mom only needs to eat an extra 200 calories in the third trimester only.
Being pregnant doesn’t automatically mean weight gain. Maintaining a healthy weight in pregnancy means it’s easier for mom to carry the baby and helps them have fewer complications at birth.
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women who are underweight women in the normal weight range
women who are overweight women who are affected by obesity
Based on : www.tommys.org/pregnancy-information/im-pregnant/ weight-management/how-much-weight-should-i-gain-pregnancy and: www.nhs.uk/start4life/pregnancy/healthy-eating-pregnancy
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Most women are recommended to gain between 10kg (22lb) and 12.5kg (28lb) weight during their pregnancy
Drinking can increase the risk of premature birth, low birth weight, learning difficulties, behavioural problems and poor growth. l
l
If mom has difficulty cutting down what they drink, ask them to talk to their midwife, doctor or pharmacist.
Drinking in pregnancy can lead to long-term harm to the baby. The more mom drinks the greater the risk. l
The safest approach is NOT to drink alcohol at all while pregnant.
l
Babies cannot process alcohol as well as adults can, and too much exposure to alcohol can seriously affect their development. 8
stop smoking
Stopping smoking is the best thing mom can do for them and their baby
l Every cigarette harms the baby l The smoke restricts the oxygen supply going into the baby, so their tiny heart finds it harder to beat l It’s never too late to stop!
If mom stops smoking they are likely to have a healthier pregnancy and healthier baby
Second hand smoke
If anyone smokes around the pregnant mom it can affect their health and their baby’s health. Ask them to smoke outside, or even encourage them to make an attempt to quit.
If mom struggles to quit, suggest they get some help. We have a free service for moms who are trying to quit.
Get in touch today, and find out how we can help mom give up smoking - 0800 011 4656. There’s also information online - visit www.nhs. uk/smokefree/why-quit/ smoking-in-pregnancy
“I couldn’t quit alone”
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Va ccin at ions
The flu vaccine
The
the
l
It is recommended that all women should have
flu vaccine whatever stage of pregnancy
The flu vaccine protects both mom and baby l Pregnant women have a higher chance of complications if they get flu l The vaccine can protect both mom and baby and be given from around 20 weeks and until 32 weeks l Young babies with whooping cough are often very unwell and most will be admitted to hospital because of their illness l
10
coughwhooping vaccine
Encourage mom to call the midwife if she experiences any of the following...
Trust your instincts: if you feel something is wrong, even if it’s not on this list, encourage mom to contact their midwife or doctor. Source: www.tommys.org/ pregnancy-information/symptom-checker
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BAB Y MOVEMENT
Feeling baby move is a sign that they are well.
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.
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.
It is NOT TRUE that babies move less towards the end of pregnancy.
Mom should CONTINUE to feel their baby move right up to the time they go into labour and whilst they are in labour too.
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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 use any hand held monitors, Dopplers or phone apps to check the baby’s heartbeat. Even if a heartbeat is detected, this does not mean that baby is well.
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.
Mom must NOT WAIT until the next day to seek advice if she is worried about her baby’s movements.
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Why are the baby’s movements important?
Talk to someone instead of sending an email
Ask someone how their day was and really listen when they tell you
Ask a neighbour how they are
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
for ideas near you
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•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
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5 waYs tO wEllbeing Wellbeing is about feeling good and doing well in your day to day life. Connect
Spend time with your family and friends
Join a club, hobby or interest group Be Active
#MoveMoreSandwell
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 15
M y W e l l b e i n g P l e d g e s
I will... I will... Connect Be Active 16
I will... I will... I will... Take Notice Keep Learning Give Back 17
M e n t a l h e a lt h
Being pregnant can be a rollercoaster
emotionally. There are plenty of ups and downs. . .
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.
Women with a history of mental health issues must tell their midwife so they can discuss how this might affect their pregnancy and birth. The right care and support can then be planned.
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EmotionalWellbeing Sandwell’s Maternal Emotional Wellbeing Team provide support for women and their families before and after the birth of a baby. Contact via the HUB: 0303 033 9903 Email: bcpft.sandwellhealthyminds@nhs.net www.sandwellhealthyminds.nhs.uk 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: Support with postnatal depression l Miscarriage l Traumatic delivery l Low self esteem l Relationship problems l Mental health problems l 19
WAYS TO SUPPORT MO M Tips: Perhaps pop round for a cup of tea and a chat? Can you go out for walk in the park? Can you offer to cut the grass or do some gardening? Offer to do some household chores? 20
W AYS T O SU PP OR T
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BREASTFEEDING 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. 07816 061633 Breast milk is perfect for baby 07505 775357 22
B R E A S T F E E D I N G h ea lt h b e n e f i t s Benefits for mom: Lowers their risk of... l Breast cancer l Ovarian cancer l Osteoporosis (weak bones) l Cardiovascular disease l Obesity Benefits for baby: Lowers their risk of... l Infections, with fewer visits to hospital as a result l Diarrhoea and vomiting, with fewer visits to hospital as a result l Sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) l Childhood leukaemia l Type 2 diabetes l Obesity l Cardiovascular disease in adulthood 23
BOTTLE FEEDING
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 hours
l Never leave a baby alone to feed with a propped-up bottle as they may choke
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If mom is planning to bottle feed with expressed breast milk or formula, these tips will help keep baby safe and healthy.
YOUR
Cold water sterilising solution Steam sterilising Boiling the equipment Wash in warm, soapy water using a bottle brush. 25
STERILISING
BOTTLES Baby’s bottles need to be cleaned every time they are used to reduce the risk of tummy upsets. Ways to sterilise baby’s bottles: - The solution needs to be changed every 24 hours, and the bottles need to be left in the solution for 30 mins. - follow instructions that come with the equipment. Make sure the bottles and teats are facing downwards. - be careful as hot water is dangerous to adults and to the baby. The bottles and teats will need to be boiled for at least 10 minutes.
SAFER SLEEP FOR BABIES
Things
you can do:
Always place baby on their back to sleep.
For the first six months, baby should sleep in a separate cot or Moses basket in the same room as mom and dad.
Keep baby smoke free during pregnancy and after birth.
Breastfeeding is best for baby.
Use a firm, flat, waterproof mattress in a good condition.
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Never sleep on a sofa or in an armchair with baby. Avoid
baby get too hot. 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.
Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is the sudden and unexpected death of a baby for no obvious reason and although we don’t yet know how to completely prevent SIDS, it is possible to significantly lower the chances of it happening by following the advice.
Don’t
SLEEP FOR BABIES Things to
SAFER
avoid:
letting
cover baby’s face or head while sleeping or use loose bedding.
Email: info@lullabytrust.org.uk Telephone: 0808 802
Website: www.lullabytrust.org.uk 27
6869
A v oid l e tti ng ba by ge t too h ot
Make sure that baby is a comfortable temperature – not too hot or too cold
A room temperature of 16-20°C, with light bedding or a lightweight baby sleep bag
Use a room thermometer in the rooms where baby sleeps and plays
Babies who are unwell need fewer, not more bed clothes l
Remember:
six months.
Babies do not need to wear hats indoors, nor sleep under a duvet or quilt l
Advice on room temperature is intended as a guide. Every baby is different, so check baby regularly to see if he or she is too hot. Feel baby’s tummy or the back of their neck (baby’s hands and feet will usually be cooler, which is normal). If the baby’s skin is hot or sweaty, remove one or more layers of bed clothes.
l
l l
the safest place for baby to sleep is in the same room as their parents for the first
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The child car seat must: Conform to the United Nations standard, ECE Regulation 44.04 (or R 44.03) or to the new i-size regulation, R129. Look for the ‘E’ mark label on the seat.
Be suitable for the child’s l Be correctly fitted according to the manufacturer’s instructions l information see the website: www.childcarseats.org.uk/choosing-using 29
Car Seats
l
H A Z A R D S I N T H E H O ME
Notes...
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Face-to-face and sessionsvirtual availableare Booknow! Online: https://bookwhen.com/book4changes Telephone: Healthy Sandwell on 0800 011 46 56 Text: GETHEALTHY to 87007 l Paediatric first aid l Tree Babies l Babbling Babies l Sensory Play for babies l Zumbini for pre-walkers l Splash & chat l Ready, Steady, Wean l Coffee, craft and chat l Plus more... NewFreeParent Activities To find out more information and book your Changes activity: 32
H E f a m i ly o f f e r Delivered through children’s centres in each of Sandwell’s six towns. Offering support to children, young people and families. l Information and advice about services in the area l Antenatal education classes l Health Visitor clinics and groups l Links to local early years nurseries l Welfare rights and advice sessions l Support on accessing Early Learning for Two places l Free Play Talk Read Sessions that promote early language development, and build social skills l Autism spectrum disorder support l Early help support for families l Parenting groups l Links to family learning opportunities and employment support l Volunteering opportunities 33
t
W A Y S T O S U P PO R T N E W P A R E N TS Can you babysit? Tips: Can you do some batch cooking for the freezer? Can you do some shopping? Can you do the ironing or some otherchores?household Are you able to offer financial support? 34
W AYS T O SU PP OR T
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S a N D W E L L F A M I lY I N F O R M A T I ON H U B 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. For more information visit: https://fis.sandwell.gov.uk/ Email: family_information@sandwell.gov.uk or call: 0121 569 4914 SEND Local Offer Supporting children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) aged 0-25. 36
H E a lt h y s a n d w e l l, h e a lt h y y o u! If you live in Sandwell we have lots of free help and support available to make your life healthier and happier. Our most popular services are: For more information visit: www.healthysandwell.co.uk Alcohol services Drug services Get active Healthy eating Best start Healthy weight NHS Health check Stop smoking Wellbeing 37
Looking for something fun to do with friends and family? Then look no further than Sandwell. For more information visit: www.visitsandwell.com 38
l Free to join and borrow up to 30 books, talking books, e-books and more l Free activities for children and adults e.g. rhythm and rhyme, craft activities and homework help l Free access to IT and Wi-Fi in all libraries l Just turn up and make new friends at one of the groups, e.g. reading groups, friends groups and mother and toddler groups Becoming a member is free and entitles you to borrow books, DVDs, CDs and other items from any Sandwell library. The library is an excellent place for my children to learn. The library has great facilities. It is so great to have kids, family, baby events and activities here. www.sandwell.gov.uk/ libraries sa n d w ell L I B R A R i es 39
www.sandwell.gov.uk/resilientresidents Supporting you to make the most of your money and find help if you need it.
Residents 40
Resilient
Proactive support for ‘Moms to Be’ about any benefits they may be able to claim. 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) welfare rights team Tel: 0121 569 3158 Email: welfarerights_team @sandwell.gov.uk Web: www.sandwell.gov.uk/ Benefitsandgrants 41
n ity
i ce The Young Parents’ Maternity Service provides a friendly and non-judgmental service to support young parents in Sandwell. They want every young parent in Sandwell and their family to receive the help and support they require to have a happy and healthy pregnancy - and a healthy start to parenthood. The Young Parents’ Maternity Service work alongside community midwives and other colleagues from various other agencies such as Health Visiting, Education, Family Nurse Practitioner, Welfare Rights and the Young Parent’s Children’s Centre. For further information contact the service on 0121 507 2726 42
you ng P ar ents’ m ater
se rv
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk. he a l th y s tar t SC HEMe l Milk l Fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables l Fresh, dried, and tinned pulses l Infant formula milk You can also use your card to collect: l Healthy Start vitamins – these support you during pregnancy and breastfeeding l Vitamin drops for babies and young children – these are suitable from birth to 4 years old. The Healthy Start Card can be used to buy: If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that can be used in some UK shops. Your benefit will be added onto this card every 4 weeks. To see if you are eligible, and to apply for a card: www.healthystart.nhs.uk 43
lookinG aftEr baby’s teeth
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.
Brush their teeth twice a day: once just before bedtime and at least one other time during the day.
Take your child to the dentist when their first milk teeth appear. This is so they get to know the dentist. When you visit the dentist, be positive and make the trip fun!
l
l
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SP EE C H A ND LAN G U AGE Speech and Language Therapists offer support about swallowing, communication and language development from pregnancy onwards. If a child does not make progress with the support of community services a referral for specialist support from the local Speech and Language Therapy service should be considered. Contact 0121 612 2010 for referral. You can find help and ideas about communication, language and speech... www.hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk www.blackcountryearlyoutcomes.co.uk l l 45
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Parent Support Team 2022 Version 2
