Pregnancy is a time of great wonder for mother as the fetus grows and
develops and their body undergoes a series of changes to adapt to the
needs of their baby.
Naturally, mothers are fascinated by all
this and deeply interested in understanding what is happening and how
she might do the best for her new baby by practicing sensible
nutrition. Their Healthcare Professional is often the first person they
turn to provide information and reassurance they can trust.
In this section you will find articles to help you provide this support
with articles covering the health and well-being of both mother and
baby.
Working with young fathers – good practice updateThe impact of young fathers on young mothers and babies A young father’s behaviour and attitudes a have a strong influence on the health of the young mother and the baby. ...Screening and ScanningAntenatal screening and scanning and associated screening tests for foetal abnormalities and defects. IntroductionParents today consider the first antenatal scan as a normal and significant step in pregnancy, usually regarded as a milestone, a confirmation, ...Pain relief in childbirthHaving a baby is quite possibly the most important event in a woman’s life, and for many women, the focus of pregnancy is planning for labour and birth.Midwifery is the only medical profession where we regard pain in a positive way. It is a major signal ...Giving Baby the Healthiest Possible StartAs a midwife, you play a critical role in preparing mum for the birth and giving the baby the best possible start in life. Nutrition of the mother and developing foetus is a key part of this preparation. This is more important than ever when viewed in the ...Experiences of delivery and early parenthoodWhat choices, expectations and needs do first-time parents have? Do they fit with maternity services and parenting support? This article reports new mums' experiences and indicates where healthcare professionals provide excellent care. The Government has pledged ...Maternal obesity and breastfeeding successA 2004 study suggested that being overweight or obese may affect a mother’s ability to initiate breastfeeding1. Maternal weight has always been an important factor for a new mother’s general health, but research has indicated that obesity may also ...
