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, including children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) 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.