Being a parent

People experience many different emotions when they discover they are expecting. Becoming a parent can be the most wonderful experience, but it can also be scary and unplanned. Having a young family can be an emotional and challenging time, but you're not alone.

• You can find information on maternity and paternity rights at the GOV.UK website.
• The NHS pregnancy planner helps you think through your pregnancy, labour, and the birth of your child - you'll find it on the NHS your pregnancy and baby guide page.
• Expectant fathers can find advice and information on the NHS pregnancy, birth and beyond for dads and parents page.
• You can find out about Hereford hospital's maternity services at the Wye Valley NHS Trust website.
• You can find information on the legal requirements for registering a birth visit our register a birth page.
• There's information on breastfeeding, including places to find local support, at the National Childbirth Trust website.
• The NHS recommends a number of vaccinations for babies and children. You can see a list of recommended vaccines and further information at the NHS childhood vaccines page.
• Children's centres provide a range of different services to help children who are under five years of age and their families and carers. They also host ante-natal and post-natal courses. See more on our children's centres web page.
• There are many kinds of childcare available within Herefordshire. Search the childcare directory to find a nursery or childminder. There is also some funding available to help parents with childcare costs. See our free early education and childcare page for more information.
• You can see if you are eligible for financial help care for a child on the government's childcare calculator and there is a wealth of information on pregnancy and birth, child benefit and child tax credits and childcare
• If you're a single parent, you can get advice and support from Gingerbread, the national charity for lone parents. For more information, visit the Gingerbread website.

People who are interested in becoming a parent or carer through fostering or adoption can visit our social care page for more information.