Pregnancy, breastfeeding and early parenthood

If you are not sure if you are pregnant or not, free pregnancy testing is available through your GP or you can buy a test at your local pharmacy.

If you're under 24 years old you can also access testing through a No Worries pharmacy.

As soon as you know you are pregnant contact your GP via your local surgery to plan your pregnancy.

It's very important that you keep healthy during pregnancy by eating well, keeping active, avoiding alcohol and smoking. Find out more by reading the pregnancy and baby guide on the NHS Choices website.

The Healthy Start Scheme provides vouchers to some pregnant women and families. The vouchers can be exchanged locally for milk and vegetables and vitamins for you and your baby. To find out if you can apply for these vouchers visit the Healthy Start website.

We know that it can be difficult to quit smoking. But we also know that you want to give your baby the best possible start in life.

No matter what stage you're at in your pregnancy, it's never too late to stop smoking. Speak to your midwife or local maternity unit for details of support available.

It can be daunting making the transition to parenthood. For comprehensive information on feeding and caring for your baby go to the NHS pregnancy and baby guide.

For independent, confidential, non-judgemental breastfeeding support and information contact the National Breastfeeding Helpline on 0300 100 0212 (Open 9.30am to 9.30pm daily).

Breastfeeding is the healthiest way to feed your baby. Exclusive breastfeeding is recommended for the first six months of your baby's life, although any amount of breastfeeding has a positive effect. The longer you breastfeed the greater the benefits.

Breastfeeding support is available from trained volunteers at Mum2Mum groups and from your local midwifery or health visiting team. If you are new to the area register with your local GP and ask for details.

Electric breast pumps are available on loan from your local Children's Centre.

Public places in Wiltshire including cafes, restaurants, libraries, leisure centres, are showing their support for mothers to breastfeed comfortably by joining the Breastfeeding Welcome Scheme. Find places local to you that are 'Breastfeeding Welcome'. 

If you are a public place in Wiltshire, find out more about joining the scheme from our breastfeeding welcome guide (available in the downloads section of this page).

All births, by law, must be registered within 42 days with a Registrar of Births and Deaths. You can find out more information on registering the birth of your baby in Wiltshire on our registrations page.

Whether you're a parent, or mum or dad to be, we are looking for volunteers interested in improving local maternity services and an opportunity to meet new people:  

• You decide how much time you can get involved
• You help decide what matters most in maternity care
• You can make a difference

For more information or to register your interest contact Wiltshire Public Health by email - publichealth@wiltshire.gov.uk.