City of York Council, North Yorkshire Council, York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, and YorSexualHealth have joined forces to launch ‘Ready for Parenthood’
A new regional campaign designed to help women feel informed, supported, and confident from pre-conception through to birth and beyond.
The campaign focuses on three simple themes that make a big difference to health and wellbeing during early parenthood:
What we put in our bodies – eating well, staying hydrated, and stopping smoking and drinking alcohol
- How we move – building movement into everyday life in safe, enjoyable ways
- How we feel – prioritising emotional wellbeing, healthy relationships, connection and support
Over the coming months, partners will share short videos, real stories, and advice from trusted local professionals including midwives, public health professionals, York Health Trainers, North Yorkshire’s Healthy You practitioners, and clinicians from YorSexualHealth.
The first set of films – featuring midwives from York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust – is now available and sets the tone for the wider campaign, emphasising practical, friendly, non‑judgemental advice.
Midwives Claire, Hayley and Lynda share guidance on staying healthy and supported throughout pregnancy.
Additional videos featuring York Health Trainers, Healthy You practitioners, Dr Gill Kelly and YorSexualHealth services will be released over the coming weeks.
The Ready for Parenthood campaign aims to empower mums and mums‑to‑be with simple, accessible information that can help improve pregnancy experiences and outcomes for families.
Anita Dobson, Nurse Consultant in Public Health at City of York Council, said:
“Thinking about having a baby is an exciting moment, and we want every woman to feel supported from the very beginning. Ready for Parenthood is about reassurance – offering small, positive steps that can make a real difference physically and emotionally. We’re proud to be part of a partnership that ensures every family can enjoy the very best start.”
Dr Gill Kelly, North Yorkshire Council’s public health consultant, said:
“From eating well to emotional wellbeing including having healthy relationships, women across our county deserve clear and compassionate information. This campaign brings our local services together, so families know where to turn and what support is available at every stage. It’s about giving people the tools.”
Sascha Wells-Munro OBE, Director of Midwifery and Strategic Clinical lead for Family Health at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Our midwives see first-hand how important early support and lifestyle choices can be. The voices in these videos are real midwives sharing real experiences to help women feel informed and cared for. We’re delighted to contribute to a campaign that puts practical, evidence-based advice directly into the hands of families.”
Alison Chorlton, Nurse Consultant in the YorSexualHealth service at York and Scarborough Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, said:
“Being ready for parenthood also means planning if you want to try to become pregnant again in the future. You can get pregnant again from 3 weeks after birth, even before your periods return. Many contraception options are safe to use straight after delivery, including long‑acting methods. Talk to your midwife, GP or sexual health service to plan what’s right for you. They can help you create a plan that fits your needs and supports your health and wellbeing as you look to the future”.
“Ready for Parenthood helps break down barriers and encourages open conversations about health, relationships and wellbeing."
Each video in the campaign includes a simple, reassuring message for women at any stage, from planning a pregnancy through to life with a newborn.
Midwives highlight that no one is expected to be perfect, and that asking for support is a strength. The films signpost viewers to local, free services:
In York: Residents can access free, one‑to‑one support from York Health Trainers at: www.york.gov.uk/HealthTrainers or by calling 01904 55 33 77. Health Trainers can help with:
- healthy eating
- staying active
- stopping smoking and drinking alcohol
- building confidence to make small lifestyle changes
In North Yorkshire: Residents can access support from Healthy You, offering: www.northyorks.gov.uk/healthyyou
- Healthy You practitioners provide help with:
- physical activity
- healthy eating
- stopping smoking and drinking alcohol
- emotional wellbeing
Both services work closely with midwives, health visitors, and community partners, including IDAS – the largest specialist charity in Yorkshire supporting people affected by domestic abuse and sexual violence - ensuring support continues throughout pregnancy and beyond.
The Ready for Parenthood campaign is part of a wider local commitment to ensuring families across York and North Yorkshire can access early help, trustworthy information and compassionate support.
By bringing together services across two local authorities, NHS partners and specialist clinics, the campaign reflects a shared ambition: that every child in our region has the Best Start in Life - beginning with the wellbeing of their parents.