The resources below can help you access services that can support you to live a positive lifestyle when you are pregnant and become a parent. Click on the purple box to find further information and useful links.
Breastfeeding Support
Birmingham Forward Steps Early Years Service (NHS Health Visiting and Children’s Centre Partners) support all families across Birmingham with children up to the age of 5 years. They provide information during pregnancy and once baby is born you will have continued access to the groups for on-going support and encouragement to breastfeed your baby for as long as you wish.
You are very welcome to come along to a group, meet other mothers, share experiences and support each other in a safe space.
Find out more and find your local group here: Community Breastfeeding Support – Birmingham Forward Steps (bhamforwardsteps.co.uk)
If you wish to access antenatal courses, breastfeeding groups, 1 to 1 breastfeeding support and more, contact your local Children’s Centre. You can find your nearest centre by using the postcode checker here: https://www.bhamforwardsteps.co.uk/
You can find some useful resources, including video tutorials to get you started with breastfeeding and information on how to get support if you are finding it a bit difficult to get started here: Responsive Breastfeeding – Birmingham Forward Steps (bhamforwardsteps.co.uk)
If you wish to access antenatal courses, breastfeeding groups, 1 to 1 breastfeeding support and more, contact your local Children’s Centre. You can find your nearest centre by using the postcode checker here: https://www.bhamforwardsteps.co.uk/
Domestic Abuse Support
Find out more about support available if you are experiencing domestic violence, including counselling and refuge: Home - Ashiana Network
You can contact the Ashiana 24 hour helpline at 0808 2000 247
Bharosa provides culturally appropriate and sensitive support to women and families experiencing domestic abuse
Birmingham Crisis Centre is a local charity which provides a safe haven for victims of domestic abuse. Their purpose built accommodation provides a home for up to twenty three women and their children in self-contained bed-sitting rooms, each with its own kitchen and bathroom. Communal facilities include a residents’ lounge, laundry, children’s playroom and an outside play area with an all-weather games facility.
Everyone at the Birmingham Crisis Centre works hard to provide security and comfort to women who have suffered the trauma of physical and mental abuse and to this end their support staff spend a great deal of time helping, advising and counselling residents.
For over 40 years Birmingham and Solihull Women’s Aid has provided frontline domestic violence and abuse support services to women and children in the Birmingham and Solihull area.
If you, or someone you know, needs help or support call our confidential helpline on 0808 800 0028 or chat online via their webchat facility. If you would like to talk to someone in person, you can visit the Early Intervention Hub conveniently located in Birmingham city centre.
For information on how to get help visit: Homepage - Birmingham Solihull Women's Aid (bswaid.org)
Rape Crisis England & Wales is the feminist charity working to end sexual violence and abuse. They can provide help and information for victims of rape.
Freedom Programme is a domestic violence programme which was created by Pat Craven and evolved from her work with perpetrators of domestic violence.
The programme usually lasts for 11 or 12 weeks and is FREE. It provided by hundreds of agencies across the UK. Some of them are rolling so women can join at any time but this varies according to local needs.
If you live in Birmingham and are interested in attending the Freedom Programme please vist The Freedom Programme – Birmingham Forward Steps (bhamforwardsteps.co.uk)
Groups and Activities
Information on local children's centres and a postcode checker to find your nearest centre can be found here:
Children’s Centres – Birmingham Forward Steps (bhamforwardsteps.co.uk)
Children's Centres offer social groups throughout the week for you and your baby, such as Rhyme Time and Stay and Play, as well as access to support services and emotional wellbeing.
New Baby Network connects you together in safe, non-judgmental spaces so you can create a strong social network.
Their peer supporters empower you in your parenting choices with empathetic listening and evidence-based information.
Their are local 'Milk Mates' groups across Birmingham and the Black Country to meet new people and get support with breastfeeding, as well as a closed Facebook group where you can chat to other parents and get support. New Baby Network also run sessions for before your baby is born and have lots of resources on their website to help you get prepared.
A Stay and Play group for pregnant teenagers and teenage parents to meet with other parents, share experiences and to have one to one family support if required.
The sessions will include various creative and stimulating activities to encourage parents to support their babies and children's all round development.
Find out more: Teenage Parents Stay & Play | all saints youth pro (allsaintsyouthproject.org.uk)
Support for Dads
Acacia Family Support offer a range of free services including peer led listening and befriending support to families across Birmingham experiencing pre and postnatal depression/anxiety. However you are feeling and whatever you are going through, they are here to help.
You can find information on support for Dads here: Acacia Family Support | Postnatal Depression Support Services | Dads / Partners