Helpful Resources for Parents
Helpful Resources for Parents
Information and Support for Families
Reliable information and specialist support for pregnancy, birth, infant feeding, early parenthood, complications and loss.
Start with trusted guidanceUse NHS information for general health guidance and preparation.
Find specialist supportChoose the category that best matches your circumstances.
Speak to your care teamExternal information should complement advice from qualified healthcare professionals.
Important: These are independent organisations and inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by FEDANT. If you need urgent medical advice, contact your maternity unit or NHS 111. Call 999 in an emergency.
Pregnancy, Birth and Maternity Rights
- NHS Pregnancy – NHS guidance covering pregnancy, labour, birth and the early weeks with a baby.
- NHS Best Start in Life – Practical NHS information to support a healthy pregnancy and early parenthood.
- AIMS – Independent information and support to help maternity service users make informed decisions.
- NCT – Information, courses and peer support for pregnancy, birth and early parenthood.
- Birthrights – Information and advice about human rights and choices in maternity care.
- Maternity Action – Advice on maternity rights, employment, benefits and access to healthcare.
- Independent Midwives UK – Information about independent midwifery care in the UK.
Infant Feeding and Early Parenthood
- La Leche League Great Britain – Breastfeeding information and mother-to-mother support.
- The Breastfeeding Network – Independent, evidence-based breastfeeding information and support.
- Association of Breastfeeding Mothers – Breastfeeding information, helpline support and local groups.
- Family Lives – Confidential support and practical information for parents and families.
- Twins Trust – Support and information for families with twins, triplets or more.
- The Lullaby Trust – Evidence-based safer sleep advice and support for bereaved families.
Pregnancy Health and Complications
- Action on Smoking and Health – Evidence and policy information about tobacco and smoking; NHS services should be used for personal stop-smoking support.
- MAMA Academy – Pregnancy information designed to help expectant parents recognise when to seek advice.
- Tommy’s – Research-led pregnancy information and support relating to pregnancy complications and loss.
- Action on Pre-eclampsia – Information and support for people affected by pre-eclampsia.
- Group B Strep Support – Evidence-based information about group B Strep in pregnancy and newborn babies.
- Pregnancy Sickness Support – Information and support for nausea, vomiting and hyperemesis gravidarum.
- ICP Support – Support and information about intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy.
- Pelvic Partnership – Information and support for pregnancy-related pelvic girdle pain.
- Tiny Tickers – Support and information for families affected by congenital heart conditions.
- International Vasa Previa Foundation – International information and awareness relating to vasa previa.
Screening, Genetic Conditions and Neonatal Care
- Antenatal Results and Choices – Non-directive information and support before, during and after antenatal screening and diagnosis.
- Genetic Alliance UK – Information and advocacy for people affected by genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions.
- Down’s Syndrome Association – Information and support for people with Down’s syndrome, their families and carers.
- Bliss – Support and information for families of babies born premature or sick.
Pregnancy and Baby Loss
- Sands – Bereavement support and information following pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
- The Miscarriage Association – Support and information for anyone affected by miscarriage, molar pregnancy or ectopic pregnancy.
- The Ectopic Pregnancy Trust – Information and support for people affected by ectopic pregnancy.
Mental Health and Family Wellbeing
- PANDAS Foundation – Peer support for parents and families affected by perinatal mental illness.
- Maternal Mental Health Alliance – Information and resources about perinatal mental health support in the UK.
- Meningitis Now – Meningitis information, signs and symptoms, and support for people affected.
More Specialist Organisations
Pregnancy, Birth and Postnatal Recovery
- Birth Trauma Association – Peer support and information for people affected by traumatic birth.
- The MASIC Foundation – Support and information for women affected by serious injuries during childbirth.
- Birth Companions – Support and advocacy for pregnant women and mothers experiencing severe disadvantage.
- Best Use of Medicines in Pregnancy (BUMPS) – Evidence-based information about the use of medicines during pregnancy.
Feeding, Babies and Family Life
- UNICEF UK Baby Friendly Initiative – Evidence-based resources on infant feeding, relationship building and neonatal care.
- First Steps Nutrition Trust – Independent information about infant milks and eating well in the early years.
- Home-Start UK – Local volunteer-led practical and emotional support for families with young children.
- Cry-sis – Support for parents and carers of babies who cry excessively or have sleep difficulties.
- Gingerbread – Information, advice and community support for single-parent families.
Additional Needs and Family Support
- Contact – Advice, information and support for families with disabled children.
- Cleft Lip and Palate Association – Support from diagnosis onwards for people affected by cleft lip and palate.
- Shine – Specialist support relating to spina bifida and hydrocephalus, including during pregnancy.
- Working Families – Advice for parents and carers about employment rights and balancing work and family life.
Loss and Emotional Wellbeing
- Petals – Specialist counselling following pregnancy or baby loss.
- Aching Arms – Comfort and support for families following pregnancy or baby loss.
- Child Bereavement UK – Support for families when a baby or child dies or is facing death.
- Association for Post-Natal Illness – Information and support for people affected by postnatal depression.
Using Health Information Safely
Check when information was reviewed and whether it refers to recognised clinical guidance. Discuss personal medical questions with your midwife, GP or maternity team. Availability and eligibility may vary by location.