Pregnancy can be an overwhelming time for any expectant mum, whether it's their first, second or even fifth baby.
And while family and friends are a great source of both support and information, sometimes it can be hard to be open and honest about things that may be worrying you.
Thankfully, there are plenty of services out there that will help you through any concerns that you may have.
Whether you're after advice on breastfeeding, have financial worries, or you're struggling with a crisis pregnancy, you are bound to find a phone number or link to a service that can help you.
England:
1. The Breastfeeding Network (breastfeeding support)
The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) aims to be an independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women and others.
Helpline: 0300 100 0212
Website: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/
2. La Leche League (mother-to-mother breastfeeding support)
La Leche League (LLL) is a voluntary organisation which provides information and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies.
Helpline: 0345 120 2918 (24/7)
Website: www.laleche.org.uk
3. The Multiple Births Foundation (multiple births)
The Multiple Births Foundation supports multiple birth families and educates and advises professionals about their special needs.
Phone: 020 3313 3519 / 020 8313 3519
Website: www.multiplebirths.org.uk
4. Mind (mental health)
Mind volunteers support over 513,000 people across England and Wales. Their services include talking therapies, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling and befriending. Each local Mind is an independent charity run by local people, for local people.
Helpline: 03001233393/ Text: 86463
Find your local Mind here: www.mind.org.uk
5. National Childbirth Trust/ 1st 1,000 Days (practical and emotional support)
The NCT provides practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood including help with feeding.
Helpline: 0300 330 0700
Website: www.nct.org.uk
6. Pregnancy Sickness Support
Pregnancy Sickness Support is a registered UK charity working to improve care, treatment and support for women suffering from Nausea and Vomiting in Pregnancy (NVP) and the severe form of the condition; Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG).
Helpline: 024 7638 2020
Website: www.pregnancysicknesssupport.org.uk
7. Twins and Multiple Births Association
Whether you would like to chat about expecting twins, triplets or more, feeding, sleeping, starting school, embarking on the teenage years and beyond, or anything else multiples related - Twinline can provide the support you need. Sometimes you may just need a listening ear from somebody that has been in your situation.
Helpline: 0800 138 0509
Website: www.tamba.org.uk
Scotland:
1. National Childbirth Trust/ 1st 1,000 Days (practical and emotional support)
The NCT provides practical and emotional support in all areas of pregnancy, birth and early parenthood including help with feeding.
Helpline: 0300 330 0700
Website: www.nct.org.uk
2. National Breastfeeding Helpline
The NBH offers independent, confidential, mother-centred, non-judgemental breastfeeding support and information.
Helpline: 0300 100 0212
Website: www.nationalbreastfeedinghelpline.org.uk/
3. La Leche League (mother-to-mother breastfeeding support)
La Leche League (LLL) is a voluntary organisation which provides information and support to women who want to breastfeed their babies.
Helpline: 0345 120 2918 (24/7)
Website: www.laleche.org.uk
4. Lifeline (pregnancy counselling and care)
Lifeline offers pregnancy counselling and care.
Helpline: 0790 44 99 320
Website: www.lifelinecounselling.org/
5. Samaritans
The Samaritans offer a safe place to talk at any time about whatever is worrying you. It is a totally confidential service and is not just for those who are suicidal. Trained staff also offer support for those who are struggling with:
- Relationship and family problems
- Loss, including loss of a job, a friend or a family member through bereavement
- Financial worries
- Job-related stress or overwork
- Body image issues
Helpline: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
Wales:
1. The Breastfeeding Network
The Breastfeeding Network (BfN) aims to be an independent source of support and information for breastfeeding women and others.
Helpline: 0300 100 0212
Website: www.breastfeedingnetwork.org.uk/breastfeeding-support/
2. Mind (mental health)
Mind volunteers support over 513,000 people across England and Wales. Their services include talking therapies, crisis helplines, drop-in centres, employment and training schemes, counselling and befriending. Each local Mind is an independent charity run by local people, for local people.
Find your local Mind here: www.mind.org.uk
3. Samaritans
The Samaritans offer a safe place to talk at any time about whatever is worrying you. It is a totally confidential service and is not just for those who are suicidal. Trained staff also offer support for those who are struggling with:
- Relationship and family problems
- Loss, including loss of a job, a friend or a family member through bereavement
- Financial worries
- Job-related stress or overwork
- Body image issues
Helpline: 116 123
Website: www.samaritans.org
Other vital numbers:
For emergencies, call: 999
For general health advice:
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In England call 111, the NHS non-emergency number.
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In Scotland call NHS 24 on 111.
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In Wales call NHS Direct on 0845 46 47 or 111 if available in your area.
