MUMS and their babies in Yorkshire and the Humber are to get new support with a share of a £25m fund.
This announcement comes ahead of the NHS mandate – published next week – which will reinforce commitments around improving care, support and experience for women during pregnancy.
Maternity services in Yorkshire and the Humber will be able to apply for new funds.
They can bid for en-suite facilities, rooms where dads can stay overnight or a wider range of facilities available like birthing pools.
The NHS Information Service for Parents is being expanded to cover older babies up to six months old and by April 2013 will be further expanded to cover children up to 18 months. The Information Service provides parents with free advice that they can trust through regular emails, videos and texts on the issues that matter most to them – including all aspects of pregnancy and baby care, bonding and relationship support.
The service includes emails and video material on post-natal depression so that women and their partners can spot its tell-tale signs.
It reminds both mums and dads to seek help from their GP if they think they or their partner is feeling more tired or down than usual.
This builds on the Government’s pledges to improve diagnosis and support for post-natal depression ensure every woman has a named midwife when they give birth.
