Vulnerable mothers-to-be in Lancashire received pre- and post-natal support from health and education professionals at their local children's centre, as part of a programme aimed at reducing their isolation, improving their parenting skills, and increasing their baby's chances of a safe and happy childhood.

Women at high risk of stress or isolation, such as teenagers, lone parents, young people leaving care, victims of domestic violence, women who already have three or four children under five, and those who do not speak English as a first language, are targeted for assistance.

Midwives report that they are able to focus more on the clinical aspects of their job, with children's centres providing additional social support in the care of the mother and baby.

The process, known as Early Notification of Pregnancy, begins with midwives notifying local children's centres of all pregnancies. At the mother's first antenatal appointment - at the children's centre, hospital, or clinic - she fills out an Early Notification Form with the midwife, giving permission for the local children's centre to contact her.

Contact with the children's centre begins early in the pregnancy, with a home visit in some of the poorest areas. The mother is then encouraged to come to the centre for ante-natal clinical care from a midwife, as well as childcare and parenting advice from other staff and support from other mothers. She thus develops a trusting relationship with the centre, which she maintains even after the child has been born.

Aims: Reducing infant mortality; Improving pre- and post-natal support of vulnerable parents, notably mothers.