Expectant mothers across Rotherham have been highlighting the benefits the Rotherham Baby Packs will have on their newborns after the first packs were delivered.
The Rotherham Baby Packs have started to be given to pregnant women across the borough whose baby is due on or after Monday April 7.
The Council has funded the Rotherham Baby Packs up to the value of £360,000 per year. The packs aim to provide essential items to families with newborns and forms part of the Council’s commitment to ensuring that every child in Rotherham gets the best possible start in life.
New mum Jaspreet Kaur said: "I was confused about what to buy for my child.
“When I received baby pack, it contained almost all the items which I needed after my baby’s delivery. Every item is useful, and I am very grateful.”
On average, there are 2,740 babies born each year who live in Rotherham and all will be eligible to receive a pack.
Midwives are registering expectant mothers to receive a baby pack at their 25-week appointment.
Councillor Victoria Cusworth, Cabinet Member for Children and Young Peoples Services said: “I’m thrilled that the first Rotherham Baby Packs have been sent out. Every expectant mother in Rotherham is eligible to receive one.
“As well as providing key items to new parents, we’re also ensuring that they get timely help and support from local services as their baby continues to grow and develop.”
Continued support for children and families in Rotherham is provided through the Council’s Family Hubs network. Families should register with their Local Family Hub by visiting the registration page.
Councillor Joanna Baker-Rogers, Cabinet Member for Adult Care and Health said: “We believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and therefore it’s pleasing to hear the feedback from expectant mothers who have been receiving their baby pack about what difference it will make to their lives.”
The Rotherham NHS Foundation Trust’s Director of Midwifery Sarah Petty said: “I am pleased that Maternity services at The Rotherham Foundation Trust (TRFT) are able to support the Rotherham Baby Packs initiative. These packs greatly benefit the health and development of newborns and help promote a nurturing environment right from birth.
“We’re pleased to be involved with this initiative, which highlights our support of families during the critical early stages of parenthood and our commitment to ensuring that every child in Rotherham gets the best possible start in life.”
The baby packs are being delivered by FMI on behalf of Rotherham Council.
For more information about The Rotherham Baby Pack visit Rotherham Baby packs – Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council