Telling your GP and/or midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences. You can book an appointment with your GP or directly with your midwife as soon as you know that you’re pregnant.
It’s best to see them as early as possible to obtain the information you need to have a healthy pregnancy, and because some tests, such as screening for sickle cell and thalassaemia should be done before you’re 10 weeks’ pregnant.
Midwife
The Midwife works with the doctor to give care to women having a baby, both before and for ten days after the baby is delivered. Antenatal appointments are now generally provided by the midwife at the hospital or satellite clinic. For further information please contact your Practice.
The role of the midwife
A midwife is a qualified nurse who has undertaken further training to provide and promote normal midwifery.
They help you to prepare for motherhood and promote good health for yourself and your baby by advising on the effects of drinking, smoking and good diet whilst you are pregnant.
The midwife guides you through your pregnancy and endeavours to detect any problems and make relevant referrals if necessary.
Your antenatal care
When you first learn that you’re pregnant, get in touch with a midwife or GP as soon as possible. Ideally this should be by 10 weeks of your pregnancy. Telling your GP and/or midwife promptly will help to make sure you receive maternity healthcare that takes into account all your health needs and preferences.
Badger Notes is now available for expectant parents across Dorset, allowing you to see the plan for your pregnancy, add in comments, birth plans, queries to your team, and see the appointments. More information: https://maternitymattersdorset.nhs.uk/badgernotes/
The DadPad® app is an easy-to-use, freely downloadable resource for new dads and dads-to-be in the Dorset area, packed with relevant information, as well as details on local support groups and service providers. Its aim is to provide new fathers with guidance on how to develop the mindset, confidence and practical skills needed to meet their babies’ physical and emotional needs.
Building a strong attachment will not only enable dads to better enjoy their new role but also contribute towards positive long-term social, health and educational outcomes for their babies. Crucially, the app also provides dads with guidance on how to support and seek help (when needed) for their partners and themselves as they adjust to their new roles, and cope with the physical and emotional strains that this can place on individuals and relationships.
The DadPad® app covers topics such as:
· Feeding, holding, changing and cleaning your baby
· Surviving without sleep and coping with crying
· Getting to know your baby
· Home safety and first aid
· Looking after yourself and supporting your partner
The app is being supported across Dorset with the availability of hard copies of the DadPad®, the Quick Read DadPad® and the Co-ParentPad©, with the latter written to meet the specific needs of LGBTQI+ non-birthing parents.
DadPad | DadPad app | Essential guide for new dads (thedadpad.co.uk)
