The Birth of a Baby
Life Events
Congratulations, You're Having A Baby
An insight into some of the services that may be available to new parents and baby
Just found out that you are pregnant?- Antenatal Care
- The Birth
- Grants and Benefits
- Pregnancy and work
- Registering the birth
- Re-registering the Birth
- After the birth
- Searching the Birth Indexes
Just found out that you are pregnant?
Your first step should be to contact your GP. Your GP can confirm your pregnancy, give you advice and support and arrange your antenatal care.
If you do not have a GP you should register with one immediately - for a list of GPs in your area, www.nhs.uk 
Your Health during Pregnancy
The BBC provides comprehensive details on becoming a parent. Including advice about vitamins and supplements; healthy eating; pregnancy and weight; smoking during pregnancy; drinking alcohol; pills, medicine and other drugs; fitness; and dealing with emotions. Visit their website at http://www.bbc.co.uk/parenting/support_for_you/health.shtml
Pregnancy Complications
You should be able to speak to your GP or midwife at any time, but if you think something may be seriously wrong, contact them or your local hospital immediately for advice and help. NHS Direct offers general information and details of publications about pregnancy complications including ectopic pregnancy, miscarriage and stillbirth.
The Miscarriage Association also provides support and information for those suffering the effects of pregnancy loss.
Antenatal Care
If you have booked a hospital birth, you may be able to go to NHS antenatal classes at Tameside General Hospital or at your local clinic. You may also be able to do these if you have booked a home birth with NHS midwives.
NHS antenatal classes are taught by midwives who are very knowledgeable about labour and birth, and also the hospital's policies and procedures. Classes will include information about what labour is like, pain relief, interventions and Caesarean birth. You will also learn about the skills you need as a parent, such as how to bath a baby and changing nappies.
Tameside General Hospital runs Early Bird classes which also give you the opportunity to visit the hospital and include a tour of the maternity unit.
The classes are free and are a great opportunity to meet other parents-to-be and share their experiences.
If you wish to go to NHS antenatal classes let your midwife know as soon as possible.
Aquanatal
Ashton-under-Lyne swimming pool offers aqua-natal classes. These are classes that are run by a midwife and combine exercise with relaxation techniques.
The classes are recommended for women in the last ten weeks of pregnancy as the main aim of the class is preparation for labour.
There is a relaxed atmosphere in the class and after there is the chance to chat with the other mothers-to-be and have access to a midwife in an informal setting. Refreshments are included in the price.
There is no need to book these classes just turn up.
If you are looking for safe exercise in the earlier stages of pregnancy, aquafit classes are available at a number of local pools. Click here for details of your local pool and don't forget to tell the instructor that you are pregnant.
The Birth
BBC Online explains what you can expect during labour, how you might deal with it and what will happen during childbirth. A hospital birth is described, but this section will also be useful if you are having a home birth. It may help to have someone present during your labour and this information should also be useful for them.
Grants and Benefits
Statutory Maternity Pay (SMP)
This is a weekly amount that you may be able to get from your employer. The amount of SMP depends on how much you earn. SMP can be paid for up to 18 weeks. For more information about SMP you can visit the HM Revenue and Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/employers/employee_pregnant.htm
Maternity Allowance (MA)
Maternity Allowance provides you with some money to help you take time off work for the birth of your baby. It is paid up to a maximum of 26 weeks and is not subject to tax and National Insurance.
Visit the JobCentre Plus website for more information: http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/JCP/Customers/WorkingAgeBenefits/Dev_008115.xml.html
Incapacity Benefit
If you cannot get Statutory Maternity Pay or MA, you may be able to get Incapacity Benefit. If the normal conditions for payment are satisfied, benefit is paid for 6 weeks before the week your baby is due and 14 days after the baby is born.
Iinformation about Incapacity Benefit can be found at http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/DisabledPeople/FinancialSupport/DG_10016082
Sure Start Maternity Grant
You can get a Sure Start Maternity Grant if you or your partner are getting Income Support, Income based Jobseeker's Allowance, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit (which includes an amount higher than the family element) orWorking Tax Credit where a disability or severe disability element is included in the award.
For more information about Sure Start you can visit the Department for Work and Pensions website at www.dwp.gov.uk/publications/dwp/2002/maternity/index.asp
Child Benefit
Child benefit is a benefit for people bringing up children. It is paid for each child under 16 or under 19 in certain circumstances. Claim as soon as your child is born. For more information about Child Benefit you can visit the HM Revenue and Customs website at www.hmrc.gov.uk/childbenefit/
Local Benefits Office
For more detail about benefits you can contact your local benefits office or look at the Department for Work and Pensions website.
Pregnancy and Work
Maternity Leave
All employees are entitled to 18 weeks ordinary maternity leave whether or not they qualify for Statutory Maternity Pay or Maternity Allowance. In addition, employees who have worked for the same employer for at least one year before the 11th week before their baby is due, are entitled to additional maternity leave which lasts for 29 weeks from the start of the week in which the baby is born.
During pregnancy women are allowed reasonable paid time off work for antenatal care. For further information see the Department of Trade and Industry website.
Parental Leave
Employees whose child is born or adopted on or after 15th December 1999 and who have worked for the same employer for at least one year, are entitled to 13 weeks parental leave to care for the child.
You may be able to get Income Support when on unpaid statutory parental leave if you are:
- Sick or disabled
- A lone parent or
- On a low income
and when you were working you were getting any of the following:
- Working Tax Credit/Child Credits
- Housing Benefit or
- Council Tax Benefit
All employees also have the right to take time off work to deal with an emergency involving a dependant. This right is not affected by the length of employment.
After the birth
Visit the National Childbirth Trust 
website for more information regarding breastfeeding and parenting.
Childcare
Surestart Tameside provides objective, impartial information about all aspects of childcare and returning to work. Their extensive range of information covers:
- playgroups
- nannies
- nurseries
- childminders
- creches
- babysitters
There is also an on-line form if you wish to enquire about childcare provision and availability within Tameside. Surestart can give you advice and help you make an informed choice about the childcare that will suit you and your child.
Meeting other new parents and babies
There are a variety of different groups in Tameside that give new parents the opportunity to meet with other new parents whilst spending quality time with your baby.
Wally Walrus Club
The Wally Walrus Club is a swimming club for parents and children under the age of five. The clubs are held at a number of local pools throughout Tameside. There is a cost for the sessions but you can get the costs reduced with a Tameside Leisure Pass.
Visit Tameside Sports Trust website.
Toddler Groups
These are groups run by parents with young children and give the opportunity for you to socialise whilst allowing your child to interact with other children.
Bookstart
Its never too early to start reading books to your baby! Bookstart is a project that gives free books to babies at their 34 week clinic appointment. View more information on Bookstart.
Starting School
Before you know it you'll be looking at schools for your child! Find out more on starting school.
Searching the Birth Indexes
You can search through the birth Indexes online by visiting www.cheshirebmd.org.uk