Toggle mobile menu visibility

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

While you're pregnant, you will normally see a small number of healthcare professionals regularly, led by your midwife or doctor. They want to make you feel as comfortable as possible while you're pregnant and when you have your baby.

Health visitors

Health visitors are specially trained nurses who support and educate families from pregnancy through to a child's fifth birthday. You will meet your health visitor at least five times, from before the birth of your baby right up until they are three. You may continue to see your health visitor or a member of the team at home or at your child health clinic, health centre or GP surgery.

A parenting programme is also offered to all first time parents. This four week programme looks at areas of parenting such as relationships, breastfeeding, baby brain development and preparing for your baby's arrival.

Further information on the health visiting service and how to contact your health visitor.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is the natural and healthy way to feed babies. It provides all the nutrients he or she needs for the first six months of life, giving children a better start and reducing the risk of illness.  Breastfeeding can also bring health benefits to mothers. To find out more, visit NHS Choices or Just One Norfolk (opens new window)

Breastfeeding support and advice is offered to all families in Norfolk through the health visiting service. For more information speak to your health visitor or visit the NHS website to find out more about breastfeeding support groups across the county. You can also contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline 365 days a year on 0300 100 0212.

Further support

  • Norfolk parents also have free access to online learning on pregnancy and parenting, called the 'Solihull Approach'. Learning is split up into three sections;
    • Understanding pregnancy, labour, birth and your baby (antenatal)
    • Understanding your baby 
    • Understanding your child (0-18)

It is free to access the online learning, using the code JON70