Information for new parents

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Healthcare for you and your baby:

First of all you will need to register your baby with a GP Practice.

Register Online or by filling out a paper form given to you by your Health Visitor

Your Health Visitor team will be looking after you and your baby up until your child is of school age and are the first port of call for routine questions about your baby’s development, feeding and care. They can be contacted on the following number: 01875 818594

If you are worried about your baby or think they may be unwell then please contact the practice, or NHS24.

When your baby is roughly 6 weeks old, you and your baby will be invited to the practice for a ‘6 week check’ with a GP. For your baby this will include a physical examination and for mum a discussion about your physical and mental health. This may be a good opportunity to discuss how you are coping with newborn life and any plans you might have for starting contraception.

Your baby will be invited for some immunisations over the course of their first year (and beyond).

Information about immunisations

Mental health support

Bringing a new baby into the world can seem overwhelming at times and we recognise that many new parents may struggle with their mental health. If you feel you need some support then please get in touch with us at the practice, speak to your Health Visitor or have a look at these resources:

• Your mental helth and wellbeing after birth
• Pandas Foundation
• Breathing Space
• Samaritans

Meeting new parents and babies

Getting out and meeting new parents and babies can be great for both you and your baby’s physical and mental health. There are plenty of groups happening in the local area, get in touch with the health visiting team for an up to date list (01875 818594).

Feeding support

• National breastfeeding helpline: 0300 1000212 (09:30-21:30)
• La Leche League (breastfeeding): 0345 120 2918
• UNICEF: information on supporting breastfeeding and families during COVID-19
• First Steps Nutrition: Feeding advice on weaning, breast and formula feeding

Other useful information

• Ready Steady Baby
• Parent Club
• Children's 1st Charity
• Women's Aid
• East and Midlothian Woman's Aid
• East Lothian Food Bank