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Help your unborn child

Helen Tither
28/ 7/2008

WE all want to give our children the best start in life. But how many of us know when best to start thinking about boosting their health?

The truth is, before they are even born. Because evidence increasingly shows the importance of a healthy mum during pregnancy when it comes to healthy babies.

What's more, health changes you make when you are expecting could have an impact on your child's health for the rest of their lives.

Recent government programmes, including the Every Child Matters policy, have shown the need to focus more on preventing health problems developing in the first place - rather than waiting for them to crop up later in life.

And evidence shows the best time to make a start is when your baby is still in the womb.

"Recent policy documents have indicated a fundamental shift in ways of thinking about child health," says Salford University's Professor Deborah Baker in her report, Setting Standards for Preventative Services to Reduce Child Health Inequalities in Greater Manchester.

"Emphasising the crucial role of preventative action as well as treatment for ensuring that children have the best start in life."

Deprivation

Unfortunately, not all parents are aware of the health benefits they could be passing on to their children from birth, with the poorest and most deprived areas of the country being most affected.

In fact, research has shown that babies born in areas of child poverty face not only a social disadvantage but in some cases a shorter life expectancy.

With Greater Manchester particularly affected, as seven of our 10 local authorities listed in the top quarter of the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

However, you don't have to spend a fortune to make a difference to your baby's health chances.

There are a few simple dietary changes you can make whatever your background or budget.

Plus, if money is really an issue, you could qualify for the Healthy Start scheme if you are on benefits or are pregnant and under 18, meaning you could be eligible for free vouchers every week worth £3 which you can swap for milk, fresh fruit, fresh vegetables and infant formula.

Plus, you could also be eligible for free vitamins during your pregnancy and for your children under four. Visit www.healthystart.nhs.uk for more information on how to apply and where to redeem vouchers.

Whether you are eligible for the scheme or not, there are some basic points to remember when it comes to your diet that should keep you and your baby fit and healthy. It's just a question of knowing what to eat - and what not to eat.

Visit www.eatwell.gov.uk for more ideas and advice.


SMOKING IN PREGNANCY

SMOKING during pregnancy is still relatively common – with recent studies showing between one in five and one in three pregnant women in developed countries smoke.

Of course, there are several health risks associated with smoking for your own wellbeing. But also for your baby's sake too.

During pregnancy, maternal smoking carries an increased risk of placental complications which could result in pre-term labour, uterine infections and low birth weight.

Indeed, babies born to smokers, Professor Baker's report highlights, weigh on average 200g less than those born to non-smokers.

The Department of Health aims to reduce the percentage of pregnant women smoking from 23 per cent to 15 per cent by 2010.

But you can make a start now by deciding to quit for the sake of your child's health.

There are a whole host of ways the NHS Stop Smoking services across Greater Manchester can help you – with a range of services on offer depending where you live. Including advice and support.

Call the numbers below to get more information:

MANCHESTER
Manchester Stop Smoking Service is available at a wide range of venues including pharmacies, GP practices, community centres and local markets. Call 0161 205 5998.

SALFORD AND TRAFFORD
For information log on to salford-pct.nhs.uk or trafford.nhs.uk and click on Public Health. Or call 0161 212 4050.

BURY
Bury Stop Smoking Service offers a selection of free and confidential support. Call 0845 223 9001 or text your name to 81066.

WIGAN AND LEIGH
Wigan and Leigh Stop Smoking Service offers friendly support for anyone wanting to quit in that area. Call 0500 7867 669

ROCHDALE
TASK is the Stop Smoking Service for Rochdale offering support, advice, and information. Call 01706 708000 or visit hmrpct.nhs.uk

STOCKPORT
For free help contact Stockport Stop Smoking Service on 0161 426 5085 or email stopsmoking@stockport-pct.nhs.uk.

BOLTON
Bolton Stop Smoking Service runs community-based clinics. For more information visit bolton.nhs.uk or call 01204 462 345. TAMESIDE
Tameside and Glossop Stoop Smoking Service offers support to quit smoking at a number of venues at all times of day. Call 0845 053 3302.

OLDHAM
Oldham offers a flexible service offering a choice of venue and appointment times. Call 0800 328 8534 or 0844 873 0032


BREASTFEEDING

It's not just about keeping in tip top health while your pregnant. Your baby's first weeks and months will also have a long-term impact on their wellbeing and life expectancy.

NHS experts feel breastfeeding has a major role for the health of mothers and their babies. As breast milk not only provides complete nutrition for developing infants but protects from several illnesses including repertory infections and gastro-enteritis.

Plus, it could boost your health by cutting risks of developing ovarian cancer.

The Department of Health recommends exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months of your baby's life, continuing after this age alongside other types of solid food.

Peer support

Unsure about breastfeeding? Why not simply talk to other mothers about their experiences? Some local NHS authorities even have peer support schemes that could give you helpful hints and tips.

One recent project in Lancashire – the Be A Star campaign – used real mothers as models to show how easy and acceptable it can be.

Keep it in the family

Don't suffer in silence if you are finding breastfeeding hard. Speaking to family members can help

Don't panic

If you are having trouble breastfeeding, it is not the end of the world. There are plenty of ways your local GP or NHS service can help you make sure your baby still receives a healthy start in life. Visit your local GP for advice.