Lewisham Council - Pregnancy and birth

Having a baby can be a wonderful, joyful and daunting experience. Lewisham is a great place to raise kids with lots of provision for families.

This page has links to information on Lewisham Council's website and to other useful websites about having a baby and being a parent.

Pregnancy and birth

Lewisham Hospital

Lewisham hospital – maternity services
The maternity service provides a comprehensive midwifery and childbirth service for local people in Lewisham.

Early pregnancy information sessions
The hospital also runs early pregnancy information sessions which are free and open to anyone who is thinking of becoming pregnant or are pregnant.

Midwives

Lewisham Hospital Community Midwives

There are four community midwifery teams, in different areas, providing antenatal and postnatal care.

Find an independent midwife
Search by postcode to find an indpendent midwife in your area.

Midwives online
A midwife-led website for expectant and new parents.

National Childbirth Trust (NCT)

Lewisham and Greenwich NCT
Offering support and information in Lewisham.

Helplines
The NCT run helplines on pregnancy, birth and breastfeeding.

Registering births

Registering a birth
Births must be registered within 42 days at the register office of the district where the baby is born.

Re-registering a birth
If you need to change any details on a birth certificate, for instance, changing the name of your child, you may need to re-register.

Once your baby is born

Real nappies for Lewisham
Parents and parents-to-be can receive a £30 voucher for real nappies and accessories, or nappy laundry services.

Childcare
There are a large range of childcare providers in Lewisham and this section aims to help you understand the different sorts of childcare available and how you can access them.

Children’s directory
Lewisham Council's children's directory includes listings of childminders, parents and toddler groups and nurseries, as well as organisations offering services covering advice, activities, health, education and more.

Parents
This section offers more information about how Lewisham Council can support you as a parent.

Other useful websites

General

Directgov – having a baby
Information on health in pregnancy, complications, feeding and support and equipment for disabled parents.

Surestart
Surestart is a government programme aiming to deliver the best start in life for every child, bringing together early education, childcare, health and family support.

BBC Parenting – Babies
Lots of advice on the BBC website from bathing to weaning.

Ask a mum
Ask a mum has advice and information from Mother and Baby and Pregnancy and Birth magazines. It also allows mums and mums to be to contribute their views and experiences.

Surestart links pages
Comprehensive list of links to other websites for parents.

Health and well being

NHS Choices – Child health 0-1
Practical tips to help you through the first few months, including sleeping, learning, home safety and accident prevention.

Association for post natal illness
The Association aims to provide support to mothers suffering from post-natal illness and increase public awareness.

Breastfeeding network
The network provides breastfeeding support and information for breastfeeding women and for those involved in their care.

Benefits

Child tax credit
The majority of families are eligible for child tax credit. Find out about qualifying and applying on the HM Revenue and Customs website.

Child Trust Fund
A savings and investment account for children. Children born on or after 1 September 2002 will receive a £250 voucher to start their account.