Expecting a baby can be both exciting and overwhelming. These are a range of services and support to assist you throughout your pregnancy and to prepare you for the birth of your baby.
Maternity services
Midwives and health visitors provide comprehensive support for your physical and mental wellbeing throughout pregnancy, childbirth and in the postnatal period.
It is important to see a GP or a midwife by the time you are nine weeks pregnant. This gives you access to screening tests for you and your baby.
They will also assist with birth planning, coordinate follow-up care and offer guidance on registering your baby's birth.
- Midwives and health visitors
- Find a GP in Hackney
- NHS pregnancy guide
- Antenatal classes in your area
Infant feeding
We work in partnership with a range of services to deliver a blended offer of advice and support that will help parents understand the benefits of breastfeeding and meet their infant feeding goals.
Fathers, co-parents and carers can also receive support to ensure they are included and feel confident in supporting their partner.
Our health partners and Children and Family Hub team is trained to the UNICEF Baby Friendly Initiative Standards which aims to:
- Support pregnant women with information about feeding and caring for their baby and developing close and loving relationships from pregnancy onwards
- Enable prolonged breastfeeding
- Support mothers to make informed decisions about introducing non-breastmilk foods and fluids
- Support close and loving parent-baby relationships
You can also get free equipment hire and personalised assistance on infant feeding, hunger cues, starting solids and weaning from our Children and Family Hubs.
- Information about free infant feeding support at Children and Family Hubs
Further advice:
Local feeding support
Ann Tayler Children and Family Hub
- Tuesday 1:00pm to 2:30pm
- 1-13 Triangle Road, E8 3RP
- 020 7275 6020
Daubeney Children and Family Hub
- Wednesday 1:00pm to 2:30pm
- 103 Daubeney Road, E5 0EG
- 020 8525 7040
Woodberry Down Children and Family Hub
- Thursday 10:00am to 11:30am
- Springpark Drive, Woodberry Down, N4 2NP
- 020 8815 3270
Linden Children and Family Hub
- Friday 1:00pm to 2:30pm
- 86-92 Rectory Road, N16 7SH
- 020 7254 9939
National breastfeeding helpline
Anybody seeking breastfeeding information and support can call the helpline on 0300 100 0212. This is a 24 hour service, 365 days a year.
24/7 AI powered infant feeding companion
Access round-the-clock, personalised breastfeeding support with the Anya app. The AI-powered companion and 1:1 specialist chat provides guidance anytime, anywhere - especially during those late-night feedings.
Download the Anya app from your app store and complete the registration using your Hackney postcode.
Baby Steps
Baby Steps is part of First Steps, Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS).
The team supports parents of infants under two to form positive early relationships and promote good mental wellbeing. They also support expectant parents as they prepare for parenthood.
The team is available if you are feeling overwhelmed, experiencing a dip in confidence, or struggling with the adjustment and new responsibilities of parenthood. They can also help if you are having challenging feelings about yourself, your partner or even your baby at times.
If you would like to speak with someone 1-to-1 about any aspect of parenting a baby or the emotional impact of becoming a parent, please get in touch by calling Emma on 07951 683823 or Hannah on 07436 049 302.
You can also contact the Baby Steps team at huh-tr.FirstSteps@nhs.net or book a slot at a drop in session at one of our Children and Family Hubs.