Welcome to the young parents homepage!
If you are a young mum or dad, or going to be one soon, then this part of the site is for you. It tells you about the services there are to help you and how to get in touch with them.
This is a fairly new part of the site and information will be added from time to time. Please let us know what you think of it and what information you would like on here. If you would like to share your experience of being a teenage parent, we would love to hear that too.
To let us know what you think just drop us a note on the new talkback page under the 'Just ask us' section.
Parenthood has been described as the hardest, most responsible job you could ever do, but one for which you have no training. There is no sick leave or time off unless you have understanding relatives! Being a young parent presents its own challenges as finishing your education, finding a job, finding a place to live and paying your bills on top of raising a small demanding human before the age of 20 is a tough gig in anyone’s book.
There are a range of services out there designed to enable you balance being a parent with being a young person with a future to plan.
Health
It’s important to tell your doctor you are pregnant. Everything you tell your doctor is private. If you see a doctor, dentist or pharmacist for any reason you will need to let them know you are pregnant so that any medicine you take is safe for your baby. Once you have told your doctor she or he can arrange for you to see a midwife as soon as possible.
Midwives
Midwives are trained to provide the best possible care and advice for you and your baby during your pregnancy and for the first few days after birth. At your first appointment with the midwife (sometimes called 'booking in') you will be asked for details about your health. You will be provided with information about pregnancy such as ultrasound scans, diet and lifestyle choices, support groups as well as information about the birth. You can attend the appointment by yourself or with a friend or partner. Again midwives will keep what you say confidential. In many parts of Kent there are midwives with responsibility for teenage parents. Where this service is available your own midwife will ask for your permission to pass your details on so the teenage pregnancy midwife can get in touch and give you extra support if you need it. If you are worried and wish to speak to a midwife contact your local doctor’s surgery who will put you in touch.
Health Visitors
Your local health visiting team will be in contact with you regardless of your age to offer help and support on all aspects of health for you and your baby. Contact may be in a group setting through young parent groups or on a one to one basis during a home visit or at the baby clinic. They aim to build a trusting, respectful and non judgmental relationship with you. Health visitors are good listeners and work with all kinds of different professionals to support young mums and dads; they can refer you on for more specialist advice if needed or help you find local services and support.