A PROJECT to help parents-to-be cope with worries and stress throughout pregnancy will return next week.

From Monday, the Better Start Bradford team will be at antenatal clinics in Bowling and Barkerend, Bradford Moor and Little Horton as part of the Happy Mum, Happy Bump campaign.

During these visits, the team will hand out leaflets and a gift bag containing a massage ball, with tips on how to use it and relax.

Increased or constant stress in pregnancy can have a lasting effect on expectant mums and their baby. The campaign’s aim is to highlight that support is out there to support families and they should not be afraid to ask for help.

Rachel Wild, Specialist Midwife at Better Start Bradford, said: “We are thrilled to be running our Happy Mum, Happy Bump campaign for the second time.

“We received such great feedback from mums-to-be last June that we decided to repeat the campaign.

“Everyone has stress in their lives, and a little stress is fine. But, when we have ongoing stress for a long time, or a sudden traumatic experience, it can mean our level of stress becomes too much for us to bear on our own. When you are expecting, this type of stress can affect the baby too, so getting help early can really make a difference to you both.

“It is not always possible to reduce the amount of stress in your life, but it is usually possible to get help and support. Mums and Dads can speak to their family, friends, community projects, voluntary organisations, midwife, GP or health visitor.”

Better Start Bradford offers a range of projects to support families during pregnancy and beyond. Welcome to the World is a free ante-natal course which runs over the last trimester of pregnancy and the Perinatal Support Service works with families who struggle with their emotional health or well-being during pregnancy.

The Bradford Doula Service also supports women during pregnancy, birth and six weeks after birth to help reduce worries and anxiety.

For more information, contact Bradford Doulas on 01274 223201 or emailing antoinette@carlislebusinesscentre.co.uk for a referral form.

And visit www.betterstartbradford.org.uk for further details about projects and events.