Support group launched for mums and pregnant women

Expecting and new mums will be able to get help with housing, benefits and wider practical support at a new weekly midwife‑led drop‑in session.

The Meet the Midwives workshop will run every Monday at the Leeds Baby Bank Hub in Armley.

As well as advice on pregnancy and baby care, families can get help with form‑filling, understanding local services and navigating the healthcare system.

Nada Abdul-Majid, specialist midwife for health equity at Leeds Teaching Hospitals, said: "We want families to feel supported and give their babies the best start in life."

The sessions, led by midwives from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust, will run every week from 10:00 GMT to 12:00 and are open to anyone who is pregnant or has a baby up to about one year old.

"The idea came from speaking to families who said they needed more help with housing, benefits and understanding local services," Abdul‑Majid said.

"Many people want a place where they can be around others experiencing similar things and talk to a professional about any worries."

Support on offer will include advice on pregnancy and maternity care, infant feeding, bathing and changing nappies.

Midwives will also help with booking appointments, form filling and explaining how the maternity and healthcare system works for those new to the UK. Interpretation services will be available for families who need them.

Abdul‑Majid said: "Families often arrive feeling isolated, and the weekly sessions aim to help people to make friends and build support networks, as well as get practical help.

"You don't need to have a specific problem, you can just come in, say hello and have a cup of tea."

The sessions will run in partnership with other organisations, including health visiting teams, children's centres, perinatal mental health services and Leeds North and West Foodbank, which will offer targeted support.

The first session will take place on 23 March and workshops will continue to take place during school holidays, excluding bank holidays.

The Leeds Baby Bank, which hosts the sessions, provides essentials such as nappies, formula, cots, buggies and clothing to families who need support.

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