Date published: 01.09.08 - not release date

FIRST RESPONSE: FREE MIDWIFE HELPLINE

Health News: Got a Question About Pregnancy? Want To Speak To A Midwife? Log on to the FREE First Response Midwife Helpline.

Whether you’re thinking about pregnancy, actively trying or just need some professional advice, you can e-mail your questions to a team of fully trained midwives FREE thanks to First Response.

Available online at www.firstresponsefertility.com this Midwife Helpline gives people the chance to e-mail a midwife direct, as often as they like. Whether its conception concerns, diet advice, medical worries or finding out your healthcare entitlements, the free service provides confidential advice and information on all issues from conception to birth and beyond.

Parents, especially those trying for the 1st time, are information-hungry. NHS shortages and the increasing strain on midwives often leaves parents worried about taking up too much of their midwife’s time. This resource aims to relieve some of the pressure on midwives by supplying accurate information and answering concerns direct.

The site also anonymously databases all questions and answers so you may find your answer before emailing a midwife. For those women trying to conceive, there's also a special section dedicated to conception which offers a plethora of useful tips and advice on baby making.

First Response says, “Our Midwife helpline offers people in the UK a fast track to the reliable information they need. Anyone can e-mail a question directly to the helpline and in a short time will receive a personalised reply. We anticipate a great demand for this kind of personalised service and hope this communication route helps relive NHS pressure.”

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Notes:

•The service launched in February 2007. Emails are free. The Midwife team expect to reply to each enquiry within 72 hours, however, in some cases responses may take longer.

•The Midwife Helpline allows you to ask questions directly to a professional midwife, who can provide you with comprehensive, reliable and where possible, research-based information on: pre-conception, pregnancy, birth and beyond (Up to 28 days post birth)

•Please note: This service provides an online advisory and information service for non-urgent queries to UK residents only. This service is not for urgent queries. People should contact their local midwife, maternity unit or GP as soon as possible if they are experiencing any of the following: bleeding, pain, labour (waters breaking), serious concerns about your baby, serious medical problems. Please do not use the Midwife Helpline service.

•First Response range of family planning products help guide you through all stages of pregnancy. The Early Result Pregnancy Test (£8.79.) is so accurate it can detect pregnancy even before you miss your period, up to four days before. If you’re having difficulty conceiving the Ovulation Prediction Test (£19.99) help to determine the days you’re most fertile.

If you’d like further information, images or product samples please contact sarah@pr4.com, 0207 637 1237