**What We Know: Maternity and Babies Amidst Advice Line Closures**
Pregnant women and new parents are among those most impacted by the recent closures of NHS advice lines in England. These closures have left many feeling anxious and unsure of where to turn for support.
**What has happened?**
In recent months, several NHS advice lines have been closed, including the Pregnancy and Baby Advice Line and the National Breastfeeding Helpline. These lines provided free, confidential advice and support to pregnant women, new parents and their families.
**Why have the lines been closed?**
The NHS says the closures are necessary due to budget cuts. The government has been reducing funding for the NHS in recent years, and this has led to a number of cuts to services.
**What impact is this having?**
The closures of the advice lines are having a significant impact on pregnant women and new parents. Many are feeling anxious and unsure of where to turn for support.
Some women have reported being unable to get through to the NHS 111 helpline, which is now the main source of advice for pregnant women and new parents. Others have said they have been given incorrect or unhelpful advice by 111 staff.
The closures are also having a financial impact on some families. Many advice lines offered free support, and now families are having to pay for private consultations or support groups.
**What is being done?**
The government has said it is committed to supporting pregnant women and new parents. However, it has not yet announced any plans to reopen the advice lines.
Some charities are offering support to pregnant women and new parents who have been affected by the closures. These charities include the National Childbirth Trust (NCT) and the Association for Improvements in Maternity Services (AIMS).
**What can you do?**
If you are pregnant or a new parent, there are a number of things you can do to get support:
* Contact your midwife or health visitor.
* Call the NHS 111 helpline.
* Contact a charity such as the NCT or AIMS.
* Join a support group.
* Talk to your friends and family.
It is important to remember that you are not alone. There is support available, and you should not hesitate to reach out for help if you need it.
**Additional resources**
* [NCT](https://www.nct.org.uk/)
* [AIMS](https://www.aims.org.uk/)
* [NHS 111](https://111.nhs.uk/)
* [Government announcement on advice line closures](https://www.gov.uk/government/news/advice-line-closures-to-save-lives)}
[Original article](https://www.fnha.ca/What-We-Know-Maternity-and-Babies-Amidst-Advice-Line-Closures)
**Disclaimer:**
The information in this article is intended for general knowledge and informational purposes only, and does not constitute medical advice. It is essential to consult with a qualified healthcare professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your health or treatment..
