Pregnancy, Childbirth, Breastfeeding & Babies

Northamptonshire (West)

Pregnancy

Ask

• "How are you feeling about your pregnancy at the moment?"
• "Have you been able to attend your antenatal appointments?"
• "Is there anything you're concerned about regarding your health or your baby's health?"
• "How are you managing with eating well, activity levels, smoking or alcohol use?"

Assess

Explore:

• Gestation and engagement with maternity services.
• Smoking, alcohol, substance use.
• Mental wellbeing and support networks.
• Healthy weight and nutrition.
• Domestic abuse concerns or safeguarding issues.
• Understanding of pregnancy-related health advice.

Act

• Signpost to midwifery services.
• Provide information on stopping smoking, healthy eating and physical activity.
• Encourage attendance at antenatal classes.
• Refer to local support services where appropriate.
• Promote mental health support if needed.

 

Childbirth

Ask

• "Have you had a chance to think about your birth preferences?"
• "How do you feel about labour and birth?"
• "Do you have any worries or fears about delivery?"
• "Do you know where to find information about your birth options?"

Assess

Consider:

• Anxiety or fear around childbirth.
• Understanding of birth choices.
• Birth partner support.
• Previous birth experiences.
• Knowledge of when to seek urgent medical advice.

Act

• Encourage discussions with their midwife about birth preferences.
• Signpost to antenatal education classes.
• Provide reassurance that birth plans can be flexible.
• Encourage preparation for labour, recovery and postnatal support.

Helpful Messages

• There are several birth options available.
• Being informed can help people feel more confident.
• Plans may change depending on circumstances, and support will be available

 

Breastfeeding

Ask

• "Have you thought about how you'd like to feed your baby?"
• "How is feeding going so far?"
• "What have you heard about breastfeeding?"
• "Is there anything you're finding difficult?"

Assess

Determine:

• Knowledge and confidence levels.
• Existing support from family or partners.
• Any challenges with latching, pain or milk supply concerns.
• Emotional wellbeing and feeding expectations.

Act

• Acknowledge that feeding decisions can feel personal.
• Share evidence-based benefits of breastfeeding.
• Signpost to infant feeding specialists, health visitors or breastfeeding support groups.
• Encourage seeking help early if difficulties arise.
• Support informed choice without judgement.

Helpful Messages

• Every breastfeed counts.
• Breastfeeding often takes time to establish.
• Seeking support early can make a significant difference

 

Babies (0–12 months)

Ask

• "How are things going with your baby?"
• "How are you managing with sleep and caring for your baby?"
• "Do you have support around you?"
• "How are you coping emotionally?"

Assess

Explore:

• Feeding and growth concerns.
• Safe sleeping knowledge.
• Immunisation status.
• Parent-child bonding.
• Parental mental wellbeing.
• Family support and social isolation.

Act

• Promote safe sleep guidance.
• Encourage attendance at developmental reviews and immunisations.
• Signpost to health visitors and family hubs.
• Discuss responsive parenting and bonding.
• Support parental wellbeing and self-care.

Helpful Messages

• Babies develop at their own pace.
• Parents do not have to manage alone.
• Looking after yourself helps you look after your baby.

General MECC Conversation Tips

✅ Use open questions rather than yes/no questions.

✅ Be curious, not judgmental:

• "Tell me more about that."
• "What matters most to you right now?"

✅ Listen actively:

• Reflect back what you've heard.
• Summarise key points.

✅ Build confidence:

• "It sounds like you've already taken some positive steps."

✅ Gain permission before offering advice:

• "Would it be okay if I shared some information?"

✅ End with a small, achievable action:

• "What is one thing you feel able to do next?" 

Resources

• Pregnancy, childbirth and babies | West Northamptonshire Council
• NHS Northamptonshire Maternity Services website
• Family Hubs | West Northamptonshire Council
• British Pregnancy Advisory Service (BPAS) website
• Health Visitors - NHS Northamptonshire
• Milk and You Northamptonshire
• DadPad
• Home-Start Northampton
• Find out more and download the Anya app
• Find out more and download the EasyPeasy app
• Breastfeeding support services | About us | NCT
• La Leche League GB – Friendly breastfeeding support from pregnancy onwards