Perinatal Services

Receiving news about your baby’s health can be one of the most heartbreaking moments for any parent. At Claire House, we understand how overwhelming this journey can be, and we want you to know that you don't have to go through it alone.

Our Perinatal Team is here to offer expert care and support at every step, from the early stages of pregnancy to 18 months after your baby is born.

We’re Here Every Step of the Way

Early Support: Our Perinatal Team provides compassionate support from the moment you hear difficult news, starting as early as the 12-week scan. We understand the emotional weight of complex pregnancies and are here to guide you through both the difficult moments and the joyful ones.

Ongoing Care: Whether you're in the hospital or at home, we provide emotional and practical support during pregnancy, birth, and beyond. Our care extends up to 18 months after birth to ensure that you and your family never feel isolated during this sensitive period.

Complementary Therapies: Pregnancy and parenthood can be stressful, especially when facing difficult situations. We provide complementary therapies such as reflexology and reiki to help you relax and feel supported when life feels overwhelming.

Sibling Support: We understand the impact on siblings when a family is facing difficult circumstances. Our team provides dedicated support to help siblings understand, process, and cope with what is happening in the family.

What We Can Do to Help You Through Your Pregnancy

• Support at Hospital Meetings and Scans: We can attend appointments with you, offering support and assisting with medical discussions to help you feel empowered and informed.
• Emotional Support: Our team is available by phone, video call, or in person, providing ongoing care in between appointments.
• Antenatal Classes: Meet other parents in similar situations, and learn valuable coping strategies for birth. Our antenatal classes include elements of hypnobirthing techniques, such as breathing and relaxation, to help you feel more prepared.
• Parallel Birth Planning: We'll work with you to create a birth plan that prepares you for all potential outcomes, allowing you to stay hopeful while being prepared for any situation.
• Memory Making: We offer bump photography and heartbeat recordings to help create lasting memories with your baby.

Support Following the Birth of Your Baby

If your baby requires care on a neonatal unit, we know this can be an incredibly stressful time. Our Perinatal Team provides emotional help to guide you through this challenging experience, collaborating with the neonatal staff to ensure family-centred care.

We also offer a relaxed, friendly opportunity to talk through any concerns you may have and create cherished memories with your baby during their stay.

Ongoing Support After Going Home

Taking your baby home can be a mixture of joy and fear. Claire House provides ongoing support to help make this transition smoother for you and your family. Our baby group offers a supportive space to meet with other families, share experiences, and receive links to specialist services such as physiotherapy, music therapy, and occupational therapy. And of course, there's always tea and biscuits!

What Happens If My Baby Dies?

The loss of a baby is one of the most painful experiences a parent can endure. If the unimaginable happens, we are with you every step of the way, offering both emotional support and practical guidance.

Early Bereavement Support: We provide compassionate support following the loss of your baby, helping guide you through the necessary choices and formalities, including funeral arrangements.

Bereavement Support Groups: Our monthly Butterfly Babies group offers a supportive space for grieving parents to share their experiences and connect with others who understand the pain of losing a baby.

Referral Criteria

Antenatal or Neonatal Support: Claire House accepts referrals for babies diagnosed before or after birth with life-limiting or potentially life-limiting conditions.

Referrals are accepted at any gestation.

Bereavement Support: We offer compassionate support for families who experience the death of a baby, whether in the hospital or at home.

Getting in Touch

If you would like more information about our Perinatal Service or need support, please reach out to our Perinatal Nurse Consultant, Kat Williams:

• Phone: 07824326068
• Email: clairehousech.perinatalteam@nhs.net 

We are here for you, offering the care, support, and compassion you deserve. Together, we can walk through this journey.