New advisory service aims to help teenage mothers

June 28, 2001

Teenage mothers are to receive help and advice from a new ‘drop-in’ service launched by the West Suffolk Hospitals NHS Trust.

The Antenatal Clinic will hold regular drop-in days every three months. Teenagers expecting a baby can visit the West Suffolk Hospital and be given professional advice from midwives about all aspects of childbirth and caring for their newborn.  The first session will be held on Saturday 7th July from 11am until 3pm.

Young mothers will be taught how to listen to their baby’s heart and will be told about the various methods of pain relief available during childbirth as well as advice about future contraception.  They will be given a tour of the Maternity Unit and have the opportunity to chat to staff from the Special Care Baby Unit.  Midwives and Health Visitors will be available to answer any questions.

“Teenagers often have different needs to older women, and perhaps don’t feel comfortable accessing maternity care with more experienced mothers who may be the same age as their own mothers,” said Alice Waterman, Assistant Head of Midwifery.  “This new service is intended to provide teenage mothers with the advice they need to make having their baby and caring for them after birth go as smoothly as possible.”

“Eventually we would like to extend the service and provide more drop-in days at other towns in West Suffolk.”

Expectant young mothers throughout West Suffolk will be sent an invitation to a drop-in day after they have reached 24 weeks of pregnancy.  However, teenagers who are less than 24 weeks pregnant are welcome to turn up on the day.

Sandwiches and a drink will be provided.  The mothers are invited to bring along their friends, family, partner or anyone else who is important to them.

An award of £500 from the East Anglian Obstetrical & Gynaecological Society has helped towards the launch.  The initiative is in response to the NHS Plan, which includes reducing the rate of teenage pregnancy in the UK by 50% by 2010.