Many branches also have specialist support groups, for example miscarriage, caesarean birth, working mothers, etc. When a mother has had her baby, she will be visited by a community midwife and health visitor. Most health centres and clinics run postnatal support groups for mothers and babies. These usually include exercises that help firm up the muscles after childbirth, as well as advice and information on new babies. Baby massage may also be offered.
Parents can ring the above number to be put in contact with a local counsellor.
Write with a stamped addressed envelope for details of your nearest local group. When I was pregnant with my third child, I had two friends who were also expecting. We would get together once a week and, over milkshakes, compare our growing bellies and laugh about our big maternity pants. We would also share our fears. Together we obsessed about nearly everything that could go wrong in the 40 weeks of pregnancy.