Marley's Health Advice
About Me
Marley's Health Advice

Hey! My name is Marley and this is my health advice blog. Maintaining your health is easy when you are young. However, as you get older, you may develop illnesses and disorders as a result of your lifestyle choices. When I hit the age of 50 years old, I suddenly realised that I had a lot of problems which I had been ignoring for a long time. I decided to visit my doctor and seek help. Over the past year, I have worked closely with my doctor to improve my lifestyle and my health. I hope my blog inspires you to do the same.

Marley's Health Advice

Utilising Your Medical Centre As A New Parent

Grace Henderson

Your medical centre doesn't only offer GP appointments. A whole range of additional services are routinely available at most medical centres, but if you don't need to use primary healthcare services often, you may not be aware of what's available. Welcoming a baby into the family is a life-changing event, and new parents are often not sure what to expect when the baby arrives. Needing some support in the early months is completely normal, so don't be afraid to reach out to your medical centre and find out what's on offer. Here are some commonly available services that may benefit you as a new parent.

Baby Wellbeing Clinic

Baby wellbeing clinics give you quick access to trained nurses and GPs should you have any concerns about your baby's health or development. You can have your baby's weight checked at these clinics and you can track their weight on a growth chart for peace of mind. Your baby can also have their temperature taken and have their chest examined if required. Babies are vulnerable to disease because their immune system is still developing, so it's normal to feel anxious if your baby develops any type of bug or virus, such as a cold. The baby wellbeing clinic can check your baby over and refer them for treatment when it's required.

Feeding Support Service

The feeding support service is there to help you overcome any challenges you are having getting a good feeding relationship going with your baby, regardless of whether you bottle feed or breastfeed. It's not uncommon to have issues with feeding, but they're not usually difficult to resolve. It may be your baby needs a different type of bottle nipple, or that trying a different breastfeeding position could help your baby latch better and ensure they are able to feed without causing you pain. Contact the feeding support service for advice as many times as you need to.

Emotional Support Provision

Coping with the demands of a new baby, missing work and feeling socially isolated can all cause you to experience low mood. Some parents will also develop post-natal depression, which can impact their relationship with their baby and their partner. If you're concerned about your mental health, discuss how you're feeling with your doctor. Most medical centres have an on-site counselling service that you can be referred to, and your doctor can also discuss the suitability of medication, such as antidepressants.

Your medical centre is there to support you, so make the most of the services they have on offer when you are adjusting to life with a new baby. For more information, contact a medical centre near you.


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