New Cheshire mums to benefit from 'Baby Box' postnatal care scheme

The initiative, led by the NHS Cheshire and Merseyside Improving Me programme, will include all new mums in the region getting a Baby Box as part of their antenatal maternity care.

First used in Finland in the 1930s, Baby Boxes are used across the globe as an established and recognised maternity engagement tool. Providing a safe space for a new born baby to rest should they need one, Baby Boxes also come stocked with ethically sourced nappies, breast pads and items of clothing in a bid to make life easier for new families.

Families receiving a Baby Box also become members of the Baby Box University – an online education syllabus providing health advice and support on a wide range of topics, such as breastfeeding, smoking cessation, perinatal mental health and nutrition in pregnancy.

This is supported with antenatal appointments with their midwives and additional sessions through the Baby Box community, which aim to reduce social isolation and provide additional guidance on use of the Baby Box and its resources.

At the first meeting with a midwife, women will be given their card to access the Baby Box University. At around 28 weeks of pregnancy, all women will be invited to collect their Baby Box.

Catherine McClennan, programme director for the NHS Improving Me programme, said: “I’m delighted that we are able to expand our fantastic Baby Box initiative to all new families in Cheshire and Merseyside. Baby Boxes are a powerful and internationally recognised engagement tool that will help us to reduce health inequalities, increase choice in pregnancy and deliver more person-centred care as part of a maternity package of education.”

Clare Mather, Deputy Head of Midwifery at Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said: “We look forward to being part of the Baby Box scheme. The health promotion and information which is offered alongside the boxes will benefit pregnant women and their families in our locality.”