Qualification: NCFE CACHE Level 3 Diploma for the Early Years Educator
Unit: Unit 1.6: Understand the needs of the mother and baby during pre-conception, pregnancy and the first year of life
Learning outcome: Understand postnatal care
Assessment criteria: Identify sources of support for parents following the birth of a baby
Most parents feel a range of emotions after the birth of their baby, from happiness and elation to fear and anxiety. It can be difficult to know where to find support during this time. Fortunately, there are several resources available to help new parents through the transition period.
Health visitors are a great source of support for parents. They can offer advice on everything from breastfeeding to sleeping patterns. Many health visitors also offer drop-in clinics, which can be a lifeline for parents who need help outside of regular appointments.
Family and friends can also be great sources of support. They can offer practical help, such as childcare or housework, or simply be a sounding board for any concerns you may have.
There are also a number of organisations that offer support to parents of new babies. For example, the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) has the vision of ‘a world in which no parent is isolated’.
Some hospitals offer classes on parenting and newborn care, which can be a great way to get started.
Local libraries often have books on these topics, as well as parenting magazines and websites. There are also many groups for new parents in your community, such as mothers’ groups or fathers’ groups. These groups can offer advice and support from other parents who have been through the experience.