The new Holistic Maternal Healthy Weight, Healthy Lives Programme, launched by the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, is aimed at pregnant women and birthing people with a BMI of 30 and above.
It is being piloted in Northern Lincolnshire and will support eligible women to eat healthily and exercise safely during their pregnancy, taking a holistic approach to their health and wellbeing.
The Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership says having a healthy diet and exercising is important for everyone but especially during pregnancy where there are increased risks to both mums and babies. This initiative is designed to support and empower expectant mothers during their pregnancy and beyond.
Women eligible for the programme will be referred by their midwives at their first booking appointment and if they accept the invitation to join the programme, will be supported until their baby is three months old. During their time on the programme, they will receive:
- information on healthy eating
- advice on exercising safely during pregnancy and access to exercise classes specific for pregnancy and the postnatal period
- a wellbeing journal packed with health and wellbeing information
- regular optional weigh-ins and support with specialist wellbeing workers
- opportunities to meet other people on the programme for socialising and peer support
Laura Caldicott, local midwife and a Weight Management Prevention Lead with the Humber and North Yorkshire Health and Care Partnership, said: “We are really excited to launch this new programme to help women and birthing people to have the healthiest pregnancy possible.
“We’re encouraging eligible expectant mums to sign up and see how much the programme has to offer. Pregnancy is a really special time for most people and our team is here to help women to enjoy their pregnancy in the healthiest way possible in a non-judgmental, safe and supportive space.”