A NEW service to support women in pregnancy and early years is being piloted in Worsbrough.

The Bump, Birth and Beyond service will be run by children’s charity Barnardo’s, in partnership with the NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board (ICB), family hubs and local community organisations.

Specialist practitioners from the charity will provide support on a wide range of issues, including preparation for birth, support around sleep, feeding and weaning, emotional wellbeing for mums and parents, as well as parenting courses and health awareness.

The service launched on Monday and is being piloted over a two-year period in four key areas across South Yorkshire, including in Worsbrough.

Nadine Good, director for Barnardo’s North Region, said: “The first months and years of a baby’s life have a huge impact on a child’s development, and that’s why we are delighted to be able to offer this important service in partnership with the NHS South Yorkshire Integrated Care Board, to give babies and their families the best start in life.

“At Barnardo’s we believe in a holistic approach that looks at a wide range of factors that may impact each family and their baby.

“Our specialist practitioners will ensure that pregnant women, parents and families are listened to, with offers tailored to meet their specific needs, whether that be help with weaning, or more involved support around parenting programmes or financial struggles.”

Dr David Crichton, chief medical officer at NHS South Yorkshire, added: “We want children in South Yorkshire to have the best possible start in life.

“Much of that starts with keeping families well even before conception, followed by receiving good maternity care through to those early years support and beyond.

“Bump, Birth and Beyond marks a shift in South Yorkshire towards prevention and early help during those critical first 1,001 days of a child’s life to access support and groups when they need them most.

“Barnardo’s specialist practitioners aim to be culturally aware and trauma-informed in their approach, to ensure they can best support the needs of people across our diverse communities in South Yorkshire.”

Referrals can be made directly into the service by individuals and families themselves, or through professionals.