Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Choosing the right care during your pregnancy

Antenatal care is often shared between midwives and GPs. This however depends on the maternity unit you book with. Some midwives carry out all antenatal care without any routine GP appointments.

You will receive your first midwife appointment (called the booking appointment) at approximately 8-12 weeks. At your booking appointment it will be made clear whether subsequent appointments will be split between the maternity unit and your GP, or whether all will be done by the midwife.

Please note, we are happy to share care with our local services at Imperial and Chelsea and Westminster, but we are unable to share antenatal care if you choose to book at another Hospital. Unfortunately, NHS systems are not compatible across areas and the Midwife will not have access to our blood tests or notes, and vice versa.

Please also make sure that you are comfortable travelling to one of our in-person Clinics for your appointments. If you live a distance away (for instance because you have chosen to register with us because you normally commute into London), please consider if you will be happy to attend in-person as your pregnancy progresses. We want the best care for you and your baby, even if this means leaving us and registering with a more local GP. We will work with you to ensure a smooth handover of care if needed.

Breastfeeding

Breastfeeding is a skill that takes time to get the hang of. Lots of mums wonder if their baby’s feeding well and getting enough – especially in the first few days.

But once you’ve mastered it, you’ll probably find it’s the easiest and most satisfying way to feed your baby.

The NHS Start for Life programme offers lots of helpful information and advice on breastfeeding.

You can also search for your local breastfeeding support group.