If you are hoping to start a family, there are many positive steps you can take to prepare your body and mind for pregnancy.
The West Yorkshire Healthier Together website have pulled together key information that can support your fertility and overall wellbeing during this important time.
‘The Story of You’ video celebrates the journey of early childhood, highlighting the vital role parents play in your child’s life and the support available.
The film is scripted by children’s author Camilla Reid (author of the Pip and Posy books), illustrated by Rob Biddulph (illustrator of Blown Away and Odd Dog Out) and narrated by famous parents; dancer and author Oti Mabuse, TV personality Billie Shepherd, online creators Ms Apple and Tay Kabs, as well as much-loved character, Mummy Pig from the Peppa Pig series alongside ‘Secret Life of 4 Year Olds’ childhood expert Professor Sam Wass.
Being a parent is full of joyful firsts but can also feel daunting, with questions both big and small, which is why our Best Start in Life website brings together trusted advice, support and guidance for parents to turn to. Whether you are wondering when the right time is to wean your baby, looking into childcare support options, or thinking about activities to get your child ready for school, the Best Start in Life website offers a broad range of information for families, including eligibility for childcare offers, help to find free breakfast clubs in their area, and support on pregnancy through to starting school and beyond.
Subscribe to the Best Start in Life newsletter or personalised weekly emails for tailored updates, tips, and guidance throughout your journey as a parent.
Before the birth of your child, your midwife will organise your care and offer you a range of appointments. You can book classes that focus on your wellbeing, offer advice on your pregnancy and prepare you for birth. Find out more about maternity services here.
The Early Pregnancy Assessment Unit offers help and support for those experiencing problems in early pregnancy up to 16 weeks. For further support, visit: Mid Yorks – Early Pregnancy Assessment.
At your booking appointment, your Midwife will provide you with a Mothers & Others Guide. This booklet will give you all the key information you need about making feeding choices, building strong bonds and caring for your new baby.
Baby and Me is for expectant and new parents to help you prepare for parenthood and the first year with your baby. This programme looks at responding to your baby, implementing routines and lots of other support using the Triple P (Positive Parenting Programme) resources which have been tried and tested across the world.
Baby and Me is the natural next step in your parenting journey after your antenatal classes and is delivered at your local Family Hub, contact them to find out more.
Watch this short docu-film following the early life and brain development of baby Margot. Learn about how the first 6 months lay the foundations for lots of big life skills.
You can learn more about baby brain development below:
Comforting methods can help and it is okay to walk away if your baby is safe. Never shake your baby. Talk to your health visitor or GP or visit iconcope.org/ for more info.
The safest place for your baby to sleep is in a clear, flat and separate sleep space. You can talk to your health visitor or visit www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep-advice/ for more information.
The health visiting service offers every family a series of visits and appointments to check if you and your baby are healthy and developing well.
The Wakefield 0-19 Service have launched a new app. The app provides information including videos on a wide range of topics:
Download the app here: on Google Play (Android), or in the App Store (iOS)
getUBetter is a FREE NHS Perinatal app to support women who are pregnant or have given birth. The app gives you everything you need to care for your pelvic health, including advice on symptoms, work, and return to activity.
Find out more here: getUBetter app
Limit screen time for young children wherever possible.
For children under 2 years, avoid screentime other than for shared activities with family that encourage bonding, interaction and conversation.
Shared activities could include video calling with friends and family or looking through digital photo albums together.
To see the full guidance for screen time for children under 5, visit: Baby and toddler screen time guidance – Best Start in Life
Most children are ready to master potty independence from around 18 months, and research shows it is better for your child’s bladder and bowel health to stop using nappies between 18 and 30 months.
If you’re wondering when and how to start potty training with your child, the ERIC website has information, tips, resources and podcasts to support you with every step.
The Starting Reception website also has a Potty Training Guide with tips and information on potty training from your child being 18 months as well.