How does your health, environment and experiences affect your baby's development?
A happy and responsive parent means a baby's development will flourish. Your baby's development is shaped by their interactions with others and their experiences of the world. For example, if a parent responds sensitively to their baby when they cry, the baby learns that they matter and that their parents will be there to help them. Positive experiences like this build important bonds of trust, help a child learn how to resolve difficult emotions and go on to shape how that child interacts with others through their life.
A baby's brain develops rapidly through pregnancy and responds to the world around it. So if a baby has a calm environment, their experiences and response will be very different to babies who mothers are suffering from high levels of stress and anxiety. It's important therefore that if you are struggling, to seek help.
How and where can you find help?
Eating a healthy diet and taking gentle exercise can keep you physically well but your emotional wellbeing is equally as important.
Pregnancy can be a difficult time; you may feel overwhelmed, worried or stressed about becoming a parent or giving birth, you may be concerned about your financial situation or living arrangements or you might feel unsure on how to care for a baby. Some parents may suffer from anxiety, depression or other mental health issues, others may lack support from friends or families and feel isolated and alone.
Having someone to talk to about these concerns can make all the difference and help you prepare for parenthood. If you feel like you need some extra support then please do talk to your midwife. Your midwife can refer you to your local peer support service. Alternatively you can use the Hearts & Minds website to find an organisation near you.
How it works
Peer support during pregnancy varies. Some offer to match you with a volunteer as early as possible in your pregnancy and their support will continue through birth and the first few weeks or months after birth. Peer support is often offered on a voluntary basis from someone with parenting experience; many have been through difficult times themselves and want to simply help other parents through this time. You can read stories about how peer support has helped from other mums over in our Community Voices.
Peer support during pregnancy gives you the opportunity to build a trusting relationship that is different to family or friends. They are there to talk to about any worries you have, big or small and to help you emotionally and practically prepare for birth. They can attend medical appointments with you, help you find out about local services (antenatal classes, mother and baby groups etc.) or help you access extra professional support should you need it.
Peer supporters are there to walk the journey from pregnancy to parenthood with you. They help you find the information you need to make informed choices about your care and can help explain any processes or medical jargon. They listen but don't judge.