Mums to be

Having a baby can be an exciting, yet sometimes frightening life event. This is a unique time to reflect on your lifestyle and find a balance of self-care and leisure with other commitments.
It is important to prepare your mind and body for pregnancy, labour and the demands of a new baby. Caring for a newborn can be stressful and physically demanding, so it helps to be fit and strong. It is important to get enough rest, have a healthy eating plan and enjoy moderate regular exercise.
Talking to your family, partner and friends can be a great way to learn more about what you may experience during pregnancy and childbirth. They can help you through the emotional ups and downs that naturally occur during pregnancy.
As preparation for the future challenge of parenting, you will need to continue to take care of your relationship. Take extra care to look after each other, talk openly about your feelings and make decisions together to help you prepare for this life-changing event.
Prenatal classes are available for you and your partner to meet other parents-to-be in your area and find information that will help with your expectations of childbirth and beyond. Keep in mind that these classes tell you absolutely everything you might ever possibly need to know, so you’ll find some of it won’t apply to you.
Pregnancy is a great time to prepare for being a parent, a time to get other children prepared for a new sibling. As all families and children are unique, not all advice will suit your needs. So filter through our websites to see what works for your family.

The following links have been selected by Lower Great Southern Communities for Children team. We have made every effort to select relevant sites that are informative and accurate. The material linked is to provide information only. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner therefore if you have any concerns see your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse.


Link: Group B strep and pregnancy

Link: Pregnancy and diet
Link: Pregnancy and exercise
Link: Tests in pregnancy
Link: Common ailments in pregnancy
Link: Getting ready to be a mum
Link: Immunisation and pregnancy
Link: The Guthries test (which will be performed on your child after birth.)
Link: Headspace - Access to support workers and counsellors for youth aged 12-25 years
Link: Young House (Albany) - Support for youth aged 15-25 years
Link: Department of Health, WA - Child Health Centres WA - Contact details
Link: Healthy Start is an Australia-wide strategy to support parents with learning difficulties

This website and the information provided is not intended as a substitute for professional consultation with a qualified practitioner. If you have any concerns see your GP, Practice Nurse or Child Health Nurse.