Teenagers and young parents

We are here to support you if you need us!

The young person midwives are Mitch Denny and Alex Lizzi. We offer extra antenatal and postnatal support and education for those who are under 20 who live in and around Brighton and Haywards Heath.

Contact us

Young parents can ring or text Mitch or Alex for advice. We are available Monday to Friday, 8am to 6pm.

Alex 07900 716089

Mitch 07876 357443

Tours of the labour ward

Alex can arrange tours of the maternity wards at either Royal Sussex County Hospital or the Princess Royal Hospital. Please ring or text Alex on the number above if you’re interested.

Our maternity units

Support and information for your area

Brighton and Hove

Midwife appointments

Arrange your first appointment

To arrange your first appointment please complete the online self referral form and either Alex or Mitch will be in touch shortly to book you in. If you have any questions, you can text Mitch on 07876 357443 or Alex on 07900 716089.

Clinics

If you live in Moulsecoomb, Bevendean, Bates Estate, Coldean or Patcham and you’re under 20 when you have your baby, Mitch can see you as your named midwife in the antenatal clinic on Thursdays at:

Moulsecoomb Family Centre, Hodshrove Lane, Moulsecoomb, Brighton. Tel: 01273 294040

If you live in or near to Whitehawk and you’re under 20 when you have your baby, Mitch can see you as your named midwife in the antenatal clinic on Fridays at:

Roundabout Childrens Centre, 178 Whitehawk Road, Brighton, BN2 5FL. Tel: 01273 290300

If you live anywhere else in Brighton and Hove and you’re under 20 when you have your baby, Alex can see you as your named midwife in the antenatal clinic on Mondays at:

Tarner Childrens Centre, Ivory Place, Brighton. Tel: 01273 296700

Antenatal groups

Mondays: 3:30pm-5pm at Tarner Children’s Centre, Ivory Place, Brighton.

Please text Alex on 07900 716089 to find out when the next class is running.

Topics include: labour, newborn feeding and early parenting. It’s a very friendly group and you can come on your own or with your partner, a friend or your mum. This group is available to anyone under the age of 20.

Lewes, Newhaven and Peacehaven area

If you will be under 20 when you have your baby we will be able to offer you antenatal and postnatal care with the young person’s service, you will usually be seen at your home.

We are also available to give specialist support and advice to young parents in this area who are slightly older than our age criteria.

You can text Mitch or Alex for advice in pregnancy Mon to Fri 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Antenatal groups

You are welcome to come along to the Brighton group on Mondays: 3:30pm-5pm at Tarner Children’s Centre, Ivory Place, Brighton.

Please text Alex on 07900 716089 to find out when the next class is running.

Local organisations

Targeted Youth Support (TYS) team

Lewes district. TYS can offer young parents support and advice.

Tel: 01273 335130 (11.30am and 2:00pm Monday to Friday)

Housing Advice

Lewes Council offices, 4 Fisher St, Tuesday’s 10:00am to 12:30pm.

Or call the advice line on: 01273 484001 (Monday to Friday, 2:30pm to 4:30pm)

Haywards Heath and Burgess Hill

If you will be under 20 when you have your baby we will be able to offer you antenatal and postnatal care with the young person’s service. You will usually have your appointments in the antenatal clinic at the Princess Royal Hospital (PRH), Haywards Heath. You may also be seen at your home.

We are also available to give specialist support and advice to young parents in this area who are slightly older than our age criteria.

You can text Mitch or Alex for advice in pregnancy Mon to Fri 8:00am to 6:00pm.

Antenatal education

In the second half of your pregnancy we can offer you a tour of the maternity wards. This provides a chance to discuss labour and look round the delivery suite and postnatal areas, to become more familiar with where you will have your baby and know what to expect. This is open to anyone delivering at PRH who is under 20.

For more information text Mitch 07876 357443 or Alex 09700 716 089.

Family Nurse Partnership

If you are a young pregnant person living in Mid Sussex, you may be offered a referral to the Family Nurse Partnership. This service will pair you with a specially trained family nurse. They can give you extra support and education during your pregnancy and in the first year or two after birth. They can also help you look after yourself in pregnancy, prepare for birth and support you in your parenting journey.

This is an optional extra service, we will only ever refer if you are interested and give your consent.

For more information on FNP contact Mitch 07876 357443 or Alex 09700 716 089.

Visit the Family Nurse Partnership website or the FNP Instagram page: familynursepartnership_nu

Local organisations

Mid Sussex Family Hub, 51 Penn Crescent, Haywards Heath, RH16 3HP.

For information on activities and support services on offer in your area. The hub gives family information and advice regarding pregnancy, parenting, heatlh, housing, funding and finance.

Opening times: Monday to Friday 9:15-5pm. Tel: 01403 229900

Job Centre Plus, Kingly House, 31 Boltro Road, Haywards Heath.

Telephone: 0845 604 3719 or benefits enquiries on: 0845 608 8715.

Out of area (E.g. Eastbourne, Seaford, Crawley, East Grinstead)

If you live outside of our catchment area but have chosen to give birth at Brighton or Haywards Heath, we may be able to offer you some support during your pregnancy depending on your need.

Sometimes we will share your care with your local midwife, and/or offer you some extra services such as tours and antenatal education.

If you have any questions please get in touch with Mitch on 07876 357443 or Alex on 07900 716089

What you’re entitled to

Healthy start vouchers

Apply online: How to apply – Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)
For information on Healthy Start Vouchers: Get help to buy food and milk (Healthy Start)

Maternity grant

If you or your parents are claiming Job Seekers Allowance or Income support you can apply for a Sure Start grant from 29 weeks. If you are not entitled to it in pregnancy you may be able to get it once you have had your baby and are claiming Universal Credit.

You have up to 6 months after the birth to apply for the Sure Start grant.

How to claim: Sure Start Maternity Grant: How to claim – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Maternity Grant Claim Form: Sure Start Maternity Grant claim form – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

You can also ask Mitch or Alex for a form.

Maternity pay or allowance

If you are working you may get maternity pay or allowance. Please speak to your employer about what they provide.

Other entitlements

Free dental treatment and free prescriptions – all pregnant women are entitled to these
Free help and support to quit smoking for you and your partner – see our Stop Smoking page for more information.
Chlamydia Testing – All under 25’s that are pregnant should be offered a self-swab for Chlamydia. It’s easy to do and it is safe to treat in pregnancy. Speak to your midwife or Mitch. It can prevent you going into premature labour or your baby getting an eye infection.

Useful resources

If you need any advice telephone One Parent Families (even if you are not a lone parent) on 0800 018 5026.

Postnatal information

Have a look at our postnatal pages for information about our postnatal wards and what to expect.
Our postnatal booklet has lots of useful information about looking after yourself and your baby after they are born.
Check out the lullaby trust for information on safe sleeping.
Breastfeeding Videos | Best Beginnings