Post Natal Care
Post-natal care is the health support mothers and babies get in the months after birth. The hospital where you had your baby, or who supported the birth, offers lots of services.
Vaccinations
Why and when to have vaccinations
All babies and children can get vaccinated against serious illnesses. Injections should happen from when babies are born until they are 14.
Parents and carers need to book to have the vaccinations done at their local doctor (GP). Health visitors should remind you. They can explain more about immunisation when they visit.
This NHS page explains all about which vaccinations children need and when they should have them. You can also read what the NHS says about why vaccinations are safe and important.
If you have any concerns about the content of vaccines, talk to your doctor (GP) or the nurse at your local GP practice. They can discuss options with you.
How to get your child’s vaccinations
Local GP – You can get your child’s vaccinations at your local GP. If you aren’t registered with a GP, find more information on our ‘GPs – your local doctor’ page.
Booking line – There is also a new booking line for routine childhood immunisations for children under five who are registered with a Barking & Dagenham GP practice.
You can call them on 020 8076 4748 to book an appointment.
Local Health Services for New Parents
The BHRH website’s maternity pages tell you about the postnatal period. There’s advice on:
- Postnatal care in the community
- Postnatal checklist
- Breastfeeding
- Bottle feeding
- Safe sleeping
- Contraception
- Health visitors
- Birth reflections
NELFT
NELFT’s 0-5 years’ service includes health visits to all local mothers with new babies. They come to your home or invite you to a local clinic to support the development of children from birth to 2 years old. This includes:
- New birth visits
- Child health clinics
- Infant feeding
- Immunisations
- Maternal Mental Health / Emotional wellbeing of parents/ 6-8 week contact
- Oral health – Advice for parents
- Reducing accidents
- Parenting support
- Healthy one year olds, two year olds and getting ready for school
- Healthy weight / Healthy nutrition
- Women’s health
Mental Health Support
Pregnancy and a new baby can bring a range of emotions. Parental loneliness is a very common feeling, for both parents. It’s important that you know that you are not alone and there’s support available for you!
Bright Start in Life
Routine childhood vaccinations are free.
Your child’s red book records important details of your child’s health and can help you keep up to date with your child’s vaccines so that they stay protected from serious illness.
If you are not registered with a GP, you can find a GP near you and register. For more information, visit the Bright Start in Life Website: Bright Start in Life Website.