New mothers see improved support

The Scottish Council Foundation's Early Endowment study draws on evidence from the United States that expectant mothers on low incomes who received modest increases in income fared significantly better in mental health and well-being and had babies with higher birthweights. Another study, the Acheson Inquiry into Health Inequalities, found that tackling poverty and poor nutrition from the very beginning of a child's life is one of the most effective ways to reduce health inequalities within a generation.

An article in the August edition of the magazine of the charity Children in Scotland says that the Scottish Council Foundation drew on these findings to consult groups of expectant and new mothers in South Coatbridge and Inverclyde about the best way forward. Three options in particular were considered: a home visiting service to help with housework, shopping and childcare, especially in the weeks just before and after the birth; healthy living measures possibly based on a 'new mum's loyalty card' giving discounts on fresh fruit and vegetables, nappies and other baby essentials; and extra financial support, such as paying child benefit at a higher rate in the last weeks of pregnancy and the first 12 months of the baby's life.

The groups also assessed the quality of the services they use and spoke about which things mattered to them most during pregnancy and once they were settled at home with a new baby.

The final report will make recommendations for local practitioners as well as policy-makers in both Westminster and Holyrood. Early endowment: investing more in pregnancy and infancy will be published in the autumn.