Pregnancy and early years

Changes to Public Health services

Public Health Dorset is no longer a shared service for Dorset and BCP councils. For health and wellbeing information, please visit:

A list of local and national services and schemes offering support to families to help give babies a healthy start in life.

The Breastfeeding Network

Our commissioned breastfeeding peer support services across Dorset, including Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
Healthy Start scheme

If you’re more than 10 weeks pregnant or have a child under 4, you may be entitled to get help to buy healthy food and milk through NHS Healthy Start.
Infant Feeding and Child Nutrition Strategy

Our Pan Dorset Infant Feeding and Child Nutrition Strategy aims to support families in making informed choices during the critical first 5 years of childhood.
National Child Measurement Programme

About the mandatory service, which is delivered by Dorset HealthCare.
Maternity Matters Dorset

An NHS guide to maternity options and services in Dorset.
Child learning and development

Local and national resources, expert advice and activities to help you with your child's development.
Start for Life

Trusted NHS help and advice during pregnancy, birth and parenthood.
F.A.B. breastfeeding support

Get peer support from Families and Babies (F.A.B.), find groups and breastfeeding friendly places.
Wessex Healthier Together

A community initiative offering advice for parents, young people and pregnant women.
Smoking in pregnancy

NHS advice about stopping smoking in pregnancy and the options and support available to help you.