There is a lot to think about before getting pregnant. The Aneurin Bevan University Health Board Healthier Together website has lots of information from pre-conception to during pregnancy and right through to feeding and caring for your baby in the first six months. You can also follow the ABUHB Maternity Services on Facebook for regular updates.
The section Who will look after me? provides details of professionals who may support you through and after your pregnancy. If you have any antenatal concerns of a medical nature please contact Ysbyty Ystrad Fawr Hospital – Birth Centre. Useful information is also available by following ABUHB Maternity Services on Facebook.
These pages may answer some of your questions as your child grows and develops. If they do not, or you need support, please contact us or complete our Antenatal and Early Years Registration Form.
You can get lots of information by attending the Gwent Antenatal Programme .
The Gwent Antenatal Programme provides information and support through pregnancy and after birth. You can access information sessions, community-based and online courses, as outlined below:
You can attend a local Antenatal Information session which provides information on all services available before and after birth. These are open to all expectant parents following their 20 week scan. There is an opportunity to speak to a midwife, health visitor and staff from the Responsive Feeding Team. You can also find out about the support that is available from a range of services including Families First projects, the Early Years Family Support Team and the Early Years Hub. You should receive an invitation to one of these sessions following your scan. Alternatively, you can sign up here.
Sign up for the Antenatal Information Sessions here
During your pregnancy journey, you may want to learn about the various aspects of pregnancy, the growth of your baby, their brain development, relationships, childbirth, and what to expect when your little one arrives. The Solihull Antenatal course, is a 5-week programme, designed specifically for expectant parents and their families. It encompasses a wide range of topics that aim to enhance your understanding of pregnancy, labour, birth, and your baby.
The course is facilitated by Family Support Workers, Health Visitors, and Midwives. It offers a nurturing experience where you can connect with other expectant parents and families.
Sign up for the Antenatal Courses here
For those who prefer a more flexible learning option, the Solihull Antenatal Course, along with many others, is also available as an e-learning course. Simply visit www.inourplace.co.uk and use the access code GEYAP for free access.
Once your baby is born, Bright Beginnings is a free 8 week course that supports parents in the early months. Parents will receive support, information, and advice on a range of topics including feeding, developmental milestones, home safety, well-being and baby massage.
For more information visit the Bright Beginnings webpage.
If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4 years of age, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk.
If you’re eligible, you’ll be sent a Healthy Start card with money on it that you can use in some UK shops. We’ll add your benefit onto this card every 4 weeks.
You can use your card to buy:
You can find out more including how to apply on the Healthy Start website.
Advice to help you with the day to day challenges of being a parent is available from the Welsh Government. Visit their Parenting. Give it Time website for free practical tips and expert advice for all your parenting challenges.
Your child’s brain is always growing and making new connections. When you talk with your little one, you help their brain to grow even more, giving them the best start in life. Playing, listening, and chatting with them can help them learn to talk. This will mean they can make friends more easily and help them to feel happier.
We have lots of tools, tips, and advice to help you to get your little one talking.
From before they are born until they grow up, you can have a positive impact on your child. Look at these fun videos for our top ten tips to get your child talking.
Let’s Talk with your baby is a FREE, fun and interactive course for all families with babies aged 3-12 months. It is run by the Gwent Association of Voluntary Organisations (GAVO) in association with ELKLAN and can be delivered either online or in person. It offers structured time to engage and play together, whilst gaining some top tips on supporting the development of babies’ speech and language skills both now and in the future. Visit the Gavo website for details or register here.
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