Support for Pregnant Students and New Parents

If you’ve let the University know that you’re pregnant or have recently given birth—first of all, congratulations! We’re here to support you throughout your pregnancy and during your baby’s first year.

Expectant and New Parent Drop In

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Book a drop in session for Expectant and New parents (Mum's and Dad's)

Informing the University

It is recommended that you take 2 weeks leave from your studies directly after giving birth. 

Please get in touch with your course team to review and agree this leave.  You may decide to take a longer and more formal leave of absence.  Please talk to colleagues in ASK@WLV or your course about the implications this will have on your study.

Faculty Support: Faculty Enabling Tutor/ Personal Tutor/ Student Success Coach

There are several people that can help put support in place at a course level.  Talk to your Student Success Coach or Personal Tutor.  They will also be able to detail your Faculty Enabling Tutor, who can help you liaise with your Course Team to implement any of the reasonable adjustments. If you decide to register with our Accessibility, Disability & Inclusion Team, they will link you in with your FET.

International Students

Please also reach out to the Visa team - they will add a note to your student file and advise you on any potential impact on your visa, including whether taking a break from your studies might affect your visa status or compliance with UKVI regulations.

 

Support to Study Expectant and New Parent Drop In

Support to Study holds a monthly drop-in session for Expectant and New Parents (Mum's and Dad's) – the drop in will be a safe space to come and make connections with other students who either have recently become parents or are pregnant. We are happy to welcome ‘babes in arms’, so please feel free to bring along your newborn. We will have a steady supply of hot drinks and biscuits, so come for a chat with other new student mums. Students on a Leave of Absence due to maternity/paternity are also very welcome to attend.

You can book in through the Support to Study Booking link if you would like a meeting invite and reminder emails.

 

External Support

Engage with the support that your midwife can offer you.  There will be a range of free NHS ante-natal classes that you can access within Wolverhampton – there will be in person classes. If you are struggling with any aspect of preparing for your baby’s arrival, talk to your midwife.  There are services and support that they can refer you in to.

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, the Healthy Start scheme can help you:

  • buy healthy foods like milk or fruit
  • get free vitamins

You need to be claiming certain benefits to qualify.

If you’re pregnant and under 18 you can claim even if you do not receive any benefits.

Find more information here: Healthy Start - GOV.UK

Find more information here: Home - The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust

What is the DadPad?
It’s the essential guide for new dads, developed with the NHS.

Why do you need it?
As a new dad you will feel excited, but you may also feel left out, unsure or overwhelmed. The DadPad can help by giving you the knowledge and practical skills that you need.  The resource will support you and your partner to give your baby the best possible start in life.

Find more information here: DadPad | DadPad app | Essential guide for new dads

The Best Start in Life Parent Hub
There are no wrong questions when it comes to your child’s development.

Best Start in Life brings together trusted information and support from pregnancy through your child’s early years and beyond.
Find more information here: https://www.beststartinlife.gov.uk/ 

CBeebies Parenting

Looking for parenting and pre-school tips? Maybe you’re after ideas for a creative activity, delicious recipe or the perfect party? You’ll find all those here, along with insights into our CBeebies shows and how they support your child's development.

Find more information here: CBeebies Parenting