I’m not keen on websites which seem to offer lots of advice but nothing to back up their suggestions.
As Abraham Lincoln once said “The problem with quotes (and blogs!) on the internet is that it is hard to verify their authenticity.”
I want you to feel confident that the advice given on this website is up-to-date and accurate and based on the latest research and national guidance.
I have therefore complied a list of a few of my favourite charities, organisations and websites dedicated to pregnancy and parenting, as well as the online sources for the research completed on many of the topics I mention here at tinyfluttersandkicks.co.uk
You may notice that I haven’t included websites for companies which make money out of promoting their services for parents e.g. clothing or baby item retailers or baby photographers. I have also not included forums for parents. Although forums can be a helpful source of support for prospective and new parents, they can also end up sharing scare stories based on one person’s experience rather than the objective truth borne out of research and many years professional experience.
National Maternity and Health Organisations and Research Databases
NHS pregnancy – Your go-to page for all the up to date information that you need to know as recommended by the NHS in England and Wales
Ready Steady Baby – Our friends in the Scottish NHS have their own website with plenty of useful tips and information which carries over well for pregnant women and families beyond the Scottish Borders.
Emma’s diary – a useful site run in association with the Royal College of General Practitioners, many mums get a free Emma’s diary at the beginning of their pregnancy. Whilst there are plenty of ads, the information here is up to date and covers lots of topics like fertility, pregnancy, newborns and toddlers. You can also sign up to receive a free gift pack – anything free is useful as you’ll find babies are expensive creatures!
UNICEF Baby Friendly – A great resource for breastfeeding hints and tips. It also has a really good selection of leaflets in other languages for those who need them
Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists – Whilst more of a professional’s resource, you may be interested to read the current guidelines followed or adapted by many maternity units in the UK.
Royal College of Midwives – Whilst much of the website is dedicated to midwives and their professional requirements, there are a few resources for women, including a ‘Topics to Ask Your Midwife’ print out you can download.
UK Government website – Do check out this helpful website with all the latest information on maternity and paternity rights, leave and more.
NICE – National Institute for Health and Care Excellence – The website of the organisations responsible for developing UK guidelines for pregnancy care. You can read the guidelines direct from the source, or ask your own midwife what the local guidance is for your pregnancy.
Cochrane Library – A database of large reviews of research trials on anything and everything you can think of, this website is probably suited best to maternity professionals but that doesn’t need to stop you from having a read if you want to!
Birth Choices – Which? collate information from every maternity unit in the UK so this is a great website for you to compare the services provided by your local units.
General Pregnancy and Baby Charities
Tommys – Tommys is a charity set up to provide finances for research which saves babies lives. It has a team of midwives who monitor and update the information on the site and loads of helpful pages on pregnancy and childbirth.
Kicks Count – A UK charity set up to remind women of the importance of being aware of their babies movements and reporting any changes in these to maternity professionals.
Best Beginnings – A particular favourite of mine, they have a smart phone app which is brilliant for recording your pregnancy progress and loads of helpful videos from mums, midwives, physios and more!
The Lullaby Trust – This charity raise awareness of safe sleeping practices for babies and supports parents who may have lost a child to SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome)
La Leche League – An international organisation with hundreds of helpful articles on breastfeeding from preparing in pregnancy to weaning from the breast.
Organisations and information for the less straightforward pregnancy
Bliss – A great charity for babies born prematurely or sick. Lots of helpful information and guides on what to expect if you find yourself in this situation.
Action on Pre-eclampsia – An increasingly common pregnancy condition, this charity has plenty of information for affected women and their families.
CMV Action – CMV or cytomegalovirus is a virus which can affect pregnant women and their pregnancies. This charity has lots of information on keeping yourself safe.
Pregnancy Sickness Support – Sickness can be one of the first reassuring signs of pregnancy. However, sometimes it can become a debilitating issue requiring hospital care. Read more information here on what is normal, how to cope and when to seek more help.
TAMBA – The Twins and Multiple Births Association – Very very helpful in depth guide for expectant parents including local links to help you meet others in your situation.
Pregnancy Loss Resources
SANDS – Stillbirth and Neonatal Death charity – Pregnancy loss at any stage is extremely difficult to face. SANDS provide support to parents going through these difficult times.
Miscarriage Association – Early pregnancy loss affects millions every year. This website is a great resource for those in this situation.