Expecting a new baby

If you are expecting a baby the information on this page can help you to find out what services are available to you.

Speak to your midwife about online courses or face to face support they can offer you before and after giving birth.

NCT antenatal courses: Practical baby care courses. There is a charge however discounts are available if you are claiming benefits or have a low income.

Mums2B: Antenatal Support from Welcare.

Antenatal infant feeding classes.

Join your local Children’s Centre where all families with children under 5 years, expectant mothers and fathers, can go to help their children to get the best start in life. If you haven’t visited one of our Centres in the past or you are an expectant or new parent complete an online registration form.

Join Kingston Baby Talk to find out what’s happening near you or online

If you are pregnant and receive benefits or are under 18 you could be eligible for Healthy Start Vouchers. With Healthy Start, you get free vouchers every week to spend on milk, fresh, frozen, and tinned fruit and vegetables, fresh, dried, and tinned pulses, and infant formula milk. You can also get free vitamins.

Sure Start Maternity Grant is a one-off payment you might get to help with the cost of baby things if you are getting certain benefits or tax credits.

Find out what other maternity and paternity benefits and leave you may be eligible for on the NHS website.

Talk to your health visitor. From 28 weeks of pregnancy, you will be sent a letter offering you an antenatal appointment with a Health Visitor should you wish one. The letter also offers an online antenatal class which is free to join. The Health Visitor will discuss many aspects of pregnancy, parenthood, and health and wellbeing with you and can answer questions if you have any concerns. If you've not heard from your health visitor and you think you should have, please contact 020 8339 8000.