Bumps and Beyond Arrives in Grantham

Mums-to-be living in Grantham and the surrounding area can now access additional specialist support to lead a healthier lifestyle throughout their pregnancy. 

Bumps and Beyond has expanded to include clinics at Grantham and District Hospital, after successfully supporting more than 1,000 women in the Boston and Lincoln areas since April 2012.

The service, which is run by Lincolnshire Community Health Services NHS Trust, provides information and advice to pregnant women with a BMI of 35 or above.

Bumps and Beyond's healthy lifestyle midwives and advisors aim to help women avoid excessive weight gain in pregnancy, which would in turn lower the risk of complications, such as raised blood pressure, gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia and the chances of having a caesarean section. 

The mums-to-be are offered a series of one-to-one antenatal appointments throughout their pregnancy and one postnatal appointment with a Bumps and Beyond advisor.

This service will complement the work of the community midwives at Grantham and District Hospital, who continue to offer comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care.

Ailsa McGiveron, Healthy Lifestyles Midwife for LCHS, said: "Bumps and Beyond has proved to be very successful in Lincoln and Boston, and we are delighted to now be offering clinics in Grantham.

"This is not a weight loss programme and we do not recommend dieting in pregnancy, however, we cover a range of different topics which contribute to a healthier lifestyle. This includes basic nutrition, portion size, tips for healthy shopping, understanding food labels and ideas for meals and snacks."

Last week, the service received a national runner-up award for its contribution to public health from the Royal College of Midwives.

Anyone interested in taking part in the programme at either Grantham, Boston or Lincoln should speak to their midwife or contact the Bumps and Beyond service on 01522 574173.