People experience many different emotions when they discover they are expecting. Becoming a parent can be the most wonderful experience, but it can also be scary and unplanned. Having a young family can be an emotional and challenging time, but you're not alone.
- Find information on maternity and paternity rights at the GOV.UK website.
- The NHS pregnancy planner helps you think through your pregnancy, labour, and the birth of your child
- Expectant fathers can find advice and information on the NHS Best Start in Life advice for partners page.
- Find out about Hereford Hospital's maternity services at the Wye Valley NHS Trust website.
- You can find information on the legal requirements for registering a birth visit our register a birth page.
- There's information on breastfeeding, including places to find local support, at the National Childbirth Trust website.
- The NHS recommends a number of vaccinations for babies and children. You can see a list of recommended vaccines and further information at the NHS vaccinations page.
- Family Hubs and Children's Centres provide a range of different services to help children who are under five years of age, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) and their families and carers. They also host ante-natal and post-natal courses.
- There are many kinds of childcare available within Herefordshire. Search the childcare directory to find a nursery or childminder. There is also some funding available to help parents with childcare costs. See our early education funding (EEF) for parents section for more information.
- You can see if you are eligible for financial help to care for a child on the government's childcare calculator and there is a wealth of information on pregnancy and birth, child benefit and child tax credits and childcare
- If you're a single parent, you can get advice and support from Gingerbread, the national charity for lone parents.
If you are interested in becoming a parent or carer through fostering or adoption see our social care pages for more information.