Support for new parents
Whether you are looking for specialist help, medical reassurance, or just a listening ear and a virtual cup of tea, there are always people to help. We’ve curated a list of support for new parents to share.
Parenting classes and communities
Parenting classes can be a great way to meet new people, and also calm those first-time parent nerves we all experience. There’s no shame in asking for a bit of guidance. Here are a few places you can reach out to:
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National Childbirth Trust (NCT)
For antenatal courses and the chance to make local friendships that can last a lifetime -
Action for Children
Judgement-free advice and emotional support from parenting coaches -
Bounty
Pregnancy week-by-week, online support, parenting community and special offers -
MumsMeetUp
Connecting mums locally and across the UK
Phone and online helplines for parenting support
If you’re finding it tricky to talk to people face-to-face, why not seek parenting support online or through the phone?
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Gingerbread
Support and forum for single parent families -
Families Need Fathers
Supporting dads, mums and grandparents following separation -
Pink Parents
Gay and lesbian parenting support
Health Advice for new parents
Health and pregnancy can be scary. But, there is support available for those who need it. Here are a few organisations offering this:
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Asthma UK
Advice and support for parents of children with asthma -
National Eczema Society
Help and information for eczema sufferers, from newborn to adulthood -
Pregnancy Sickness Support
Support network is for sufferers of Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) and Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG) and their carers -
British Skin Foundation
UK charity funding research into all types of skin disease, offering support and information -
The Lullaby Trust
The Trust raises awareness of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome, offers support for bereaved families and advice on safer sleep for babies
Mental Health during pregnancy
Taking care of your mental health during pregnancy is just as important as maintaining your physical health. The below organisations can offer you mental health support throughout your pregnancy.
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Anxiety UK
Helpline services, courses, groups and free resources -
MIND
Provides advice and support to empower anyone experiencing a mental health problem -
Maternal Mental Health Alliance
Expert support with mums and babies in mind
Allergies
Whether you’re experiencing allergies during pregnancy, or it’s your new baby who is experiencing an allergy, there is support and advice available for yout through the following organisation:
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Allergy UK
Providing support, advice and information for those living with allergic disease
Bedwetting
Bedwetting can be inconvenient and frustrating, but there are products and information that can help you and your child beat this phase. Or, maybe there’s an underlying issue that needs to be addressed. Find out more at the below resources.
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Huggies® DryNites®
Head here for product solutions and information about Huggies® DryNites® pyjama pants and bed mats. You’ll also find plenty of articles here that offer support and advice. -
ERIC
The children's bowel and bladder charity
Government bodies and benefits
Sometimes, the only thing holding someone back from enjoying their new pregnancy is the daunting wonder of how they are going to afford it. But, there is financial support for new parents. Information and how to apply can be found below.
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Sure Start Maternity Grant
Find out how to get a one-off payment of £500 to help towards the costs of having a child -
Maternity prescription charge exemption and free dental treatment
Claim for free dental treatment and avoid paying for prescriptions -
To claim child benefit
How to claim child benefit as soon as you’ve registered the birth of your child