If you’re due to give birth in the near future, then you might be looking forward to the event with excitement and apprehension. While it’s true to say that no two births are quite alike, it’s also worth learning from the experience of women who have gone through the process. Let’s take a look at a few practical ways to prepare for what’s to come.

Understanding your maternity rights and benefits

To begin with, you’ll need to understand your legal rights, and the financial support available to you. You’re entitled to Statutory Maternity Pay for up to thirty-nine weeks. This will grant you 90% of your weekly earnings – though this is capped at £184.03 per week after the first six weeks. You’ll keep non-cash benefits, like gym memberships and subscriptions, during your maternity leave. You can read a full overview of what’s protected here.

Navigating the healthcare system

A good understanding of the services being offered by the NHS will give you a much better chance of enjoying a positive experience. This might mean choosing a maternity unit, rather than simply accepting a place at the nearest one. It might also mean booking antenatal classes, which will provide you with the skills and confidence you need to look after your baby during the first weeks and months of their life.

Ensuring safety and quality in maternity care

During this period, you’ll be heavily reliant on the care provided by the NHS (or by your private healthcare provider). Familiarising yourself with medical negligence case law might allow you to more easily determine when standards are not being met. If this is the case, you must raise any concerns promptly and seek advice from a specialist medical negligence solicitor. Although you might not want to unduly worry yourself during this time – often a little bit of awareness can make a big difference.

Financial planning and childcare support

A new baby can impose a significant financial burden. Fortunately, there are numerous sources of support that will help you to bear it. If you’re claiming certain benefits, then you may be entitled to additional support when it comes to buying healthy foods and vitamin supplements. The provision of free childcare has also been expanded. If you’re a working parent of a two-year-old, then you’ll be entitled to fifteen hours of free childcare. There are also thirty hours of free childcare for three and four-year-olds, which from September 2025 will be expanded to support five-year-olds. Know what you’re entitled to, and you could make significant savings.

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