Newborn health and what to expect - Better Lives Healthy Futures

Newborn health and what to expect

Information about newborn health
Parents and baby visiting midwife at clinic

If you are having a baby you may feel you don’t know what to expect, what is normal or not and whose advice to follow. It may be that you already have children but there is something unexpected or you are unsure about. The midwives will give you information, for example, how to care for your baby’s umbilical cord. But there may be other things you are unsure about. See the links below.

You may find it helpful to use one of the apps for advice or support.

You may feel quite isolated and it’s important that as a new parent you have people around you, or someone you can call on, for support. See what’s on in your area, talk to your partner or family, take up opportunities to help you and your baby socialise and find mutual support. If you’re struggling with your emotions or mental health, visit the mental health pages of the website to read more.

Your health visitor may be able to help or direct you to some services, groups or activities if you are feeling isolated.

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Further information

Getting to know your newborn

You'll probably spend a lot of the first few days after birth looking at your baby. If you notice anything that worries you, speak to your midwife. The NHS website has more information on getting to know your baby after birth.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)

Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH) is a condition where the ‘ball and socket’ joint of the hip doesn’t properly form in babies and young children. Find out more information about it here and in your red book.

Better Start Bradford

Better Start Bradford works with families to give children the best possible start in life in Bowling and Bakerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton through a range of innovative projects to support them through pregnancy and the earliest years of their children’s lives.

Start4Life

Sign up to Start4Life for weekly tips to get expert advice, videos, information and tips on pregnancy, birth and beyond.

NHS apps library

Please note these are provided by independent companies and we are not responsible for the content.

Screening tests for you and your baby

Screening tests for you and your baby tells you more about newborn blood spot screening (the heel prick test) and hearing screening, done at birth.

Screening tests for you and your baby leaflet in other languages

This leaflet has information about the screening tests offered, during and after pregnancy, in different languages.

Baby Buddy app

This free mobile app gives you easy access to evidence-based information on range of areas, during pregnancy and the early stages of parenting.

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Events and clinics across Bradford

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Events and clinics across Wakefield

There are lots of events running across Wakefield. Use this page to find out more.
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