Pregnancy and the birth of your child
Congratulations, you have found out you’re expecting!
Here's what to do next:
We can imagine you have a lot of thoughts running through your mind and you are probably worrying about a few things. First things first, it’s important to book your maternity care as soon as possible.
You can do this by calling the Maternity Helpline or completing an online referral form. Information on how to do this is available here: https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/antenatal/
Expecting a baby can feel overwhelming, these pages will cover everything you need to know from advice, support, sessions and services available to you.
You can find information on becoming a parent, where to have your baby and booking your antenatal care via these links:
Antenatal classes
Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust offer a full range of free antenatal classes which can help to prepare for your baby's birth and learn to look after and feed your baby. They can help you to stay healthy during pregnancy, and give you confidence and information. You can learn about the different choices for labour and birth, which can help you to make your own birth plan. You will be able to discuss your plans and any worries with our midwives and other parents.
You can find more information about the free antenatal classes that are available for expectant parents in Lewisham here: https://www.lewishamandgreenwich.nhs.uk/self-refer
Enrol in a Triple P Baby course
Triple P for Baby programme aims to prepare parents for a positive transition to parenthood and the first year with baby, promoting sensitive and responsive care in the perinatal period.
Parents actively participate in a range of exercises to learn strategies to develop a positive relationship with their baby, promote their baby’s development and help teach their baby new skills and behaviours
Our 6 week Triple P for Baby course supports your transition into parenthood and is suitable for expectant parents and those with a baby under 1.
You can book on by clicking here, or email lg.startforlifelewisham@nhs.net
Family Nurse Partnership
The Family Nurse Partnership provides a home visiting services to support young first time mothers (age 22 and under) during early pregnancy until your child is 2. Family Nurse Partnership | Lewisham and Greenwich.
Health Visitors
Health Visitors work with children up to the age of 5 and hold clinics at children and family centres. They can provide you with advice and guidance on concerns about feeding, sleeping, crying, toileting and illnesses.
Find out more Lewisham Health Visitors NHS (lgt.nhs.uk).
Registering your babies birth
You can book an appointment to register the birth of your baby.
Lewisham Council - registering a birth.