Parents can get advice and support around the clock thanks to new online services.
Two new websites have been created to provide all the information new parents need to give their child the best start in life. There are also resources for those who are planning to have a baby to help them navigate pregnancy successfully.
The Start for Life website is a one-stop shop, signposting families to essential information for the first 1,001 days of a baby’s life.
This valuable service is complemented by the Better Births website created by NHS Lincolnshire’s maternity and neo-natal services, in partnership with the county council, to provide helpful resources to support parents through their pregnancy journey.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children’s services, said: “Welcoming a new child into your family is an exciting time, but it can also be a daunting experience for some. These new websites offer new parents reliable advice on a wide-range of topics related to caring for a young family, helping them to find their feet. This support is there 24/7, providing a helping hand whenever you need it.
“Of course, there’s also a wealth of face-to-face support available to families through our network of children’s centres, which also offer opportunities for you to connect with other parents and get involved in great activities, such as breastfeeding support groups, baby massage, messy play, toy libraries, sensory rooms and much more.
“The first two years of a child’s life have a huge impact on their prospects in later life. With these two new websites we can make sure that all Lincolnshire parents have easy access to the advice and support they need to give their child a great start in life.”
Both websites have an easy-to-follow layout that will guide you through all aspects of the antenatal and postnatal process, including who to see and when. There are also contact numbers for local maternity and mental health support services, information on birthing options and financial and wellbeing support.
The Better Births website is also the central point of access for registering your pregnancy with United Lincolnshire Hospitals Trust’s maternity services and provides information on the Lincolnshire Maternity Voices Partnership, an independent group that listens to families’ experiences of Lincolnshire maternity services and provides support as required.